Madame Wafa Zarrad, who is the new French teacher at Archbishop Carroll this year, has spent much of her life teaching and living in France. Because of that, she has a distinctive perspective on America and American school students.
One of the main differences she mentioned between America and France is the lifestyle.
“In France, life tends to be more centered around family meals, especially lunch, and there is a stronger emphasis on work-life balance,” Madame Zarrad said. “America, on the other hand, has a more fast-paced lifestyle and a diverse culture, which offers a lot of variety in daily experiences.”
Since arriving in America, Madame Zarrad has noticed differences in the structure of schools in America compared to those in France. She said that French schools create a heavier emphasis on formality and academic rigor whereas American schools tend to focus on flexibility, practical learning, and extracurriculars.
“French students are often seen as more disciplined and focused on academics, with a strong respect for teachers and authority,” Madame Zarrad said. “American students, however, tend to be more participative in class discussions and are encouraged to express their opinions more freely. Both have their strengths, and it’s interesting to see how these different educational approaches shape their learning styles.”
Madame Zarrad said she came to America for more new and unique opportunities as an educator and to bring new perspectives to her students. She said that Carroll was a great fit for her as a teacher because of its commitment to languages, which she calls one of her passions, and its community-oriented environment.
“I really enjoy it!” Madame Zarrad said. “The students are curious and eager to learn, and the staff is very supportive. It’s been a warm and welcoming experience so far, and I appreciate the diversity of thought and experience here.”
