I taught AP at a Blue Ribbon school in Phoenix for 20 years. Occasionally we had exchange students from different countries who were staying with hosts. As an exercise in understanding different cultures, I asked a German student who had joined my class to talk about the education system in Germany. She spoke fluent English. Not one of my students spoke German. The German education system is complex. There are different pathways but to get into further education (Arbitur) students need to pass external examinations. The choice of subjects is wide ranging and students can choose the courses in which they wish to be examined. They have the choice to go to university or industrial schools. Two languages, apart from German, are not required but preferable. Each student's overall record gives the opportunity for students with various abilities and preferences to choose. My American students were amazed at the range of subjects. The German student was offering herself to be examined in 12 subjects. My American students took 6 during Senior Year. No wonder there is a 40%+ drop out rate of students attending American colleges and standards remain stubbornly low.