In recent years, comparisons of international educational systems have brought both insights and criticisms. Many argue that these comparisons are unfair due to cultural differences and equity issues.
For instance, how can you evaluate a centralized education system against one with 50 state-led education departments? Or, assess test rankings when all U.S. students are tested in comparison to just a handful in other countries?
While these criticisms hold merit, they shouldn’t deter us from learning from practices worldwide. Even within the unique context of our own culture, valuable lessons can be drawn.
In 2024, I took two trips to Switzerland as part of Indiana’s ILAB initiative to explore the country’s approach to education and apprenticeship. The first trip was an industry-focused learning journey in which we met with Swiss professionals, interacted with apprentices and engaged in meaningful discussions about how tot apply what we learned within our Hoosier (and U.S.) context.
My second trip was as sole educator for the Indiana delegation at ETH Zurich’s CEMETS Education Systems Reform Lab Institute, which focuses on the design, implementation, and outcomes of education reforms. Together, we worked with Swiss experts to strategize how to implement critical takeaways in Indiana, adapting their practices to fit our culture and educational landscape.
My visits to Switzerland offered an enlightening glimpse into an education system that seamlessly bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application. The Swiss approach is grounded in the belief that there are three primary purposes of education: self-actualization, equity and the need for human capital development. In turn, these principles drive three primary pillars—career exploration integration, industry-led credential development and a permeable education system with no dead ends.
While we must acknowledge cultural and other differences that might make it impossible to replicate the Swiss model completely, there are many valuable lessons we can learn from and reshape to fit our unique context.
Career exploration integration
In Switzerland, career exploration is not an afterthought but an integral part of the educational journey. Students are exposed to various career paths from an early age through structured programs that blend classroom learning with practical experiences.
This approach ensures that when students are ready to make career decisions, they clearly understand their interests and aptitudes. By age 16, 60% of Swiss students enroll in the country’s vocational education and training pathway to secure advanced training skills while pursuing advanced qualifications or a degree.
The Swiss model ties directly to the belief in equity, as it provides all students with access to opportunities. As Ed Hidalgo of Cajon Valley Schools in San Diego reminds us, “Students cannot aspire toward a career if they don’t know it exists.”
Incorporating career exploration into our curriculum gives students a more comprehensive view of the possibilities, enhancing their engagement and helping them make more informed choices about their futures. Schools should also partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, job shadowing and mentorship opportunities, creating a more dynamic and relevant learning experience.
In Indiana, our district hosts multiple luncheons throughout the year with local business leaders to discover how we can foster the region’s economic development by readying a highly-trained, highly-paid workforce.
Industry-led credential development
Swiss education is marked by its close collaboration with industry. The needs of our industry partners must drive credential development, ensuring students acquire relevant skills for the job market. This synergy between education and industry guarantees that graduates are not only employable but are also equipped to meet the evolving demands of the workplace.
Adopting a similar model could significantly benefit our students. By involving industry leaders in developing curricula and certification programs, we can ensure that the skills being taught are those that employers are actively seeking. For instance, Eastern Hancock schools have integrated pathways programming that provides students a head-start on their careers, such as vet tech science classes and a partnership with Indiana University for a future-educator pathway.
More than half of Eastern Hancock’s students are enrolled in a hybrid schedule, which allows them to gain real-world experiences outside the walls of Eastern Hancock. Many students attend half-day classes at the New Castle or Hancock County career centers. In addition, a growing number of students are participating in Eastern Hancock’s work-based learning program, which allows them to learn first-hand from our industry partners each day while earning a wage as employees.
This hands-on experience ensures our graduates are not only competitive but also prepared to make immediate contributions to the workforce.
A permeable system of education with no dead ends
One of the most impressive aspects of the Swiss education system is its permeability. Students have multiple pathways to achieve their educational and career goals, with the flexibility to switch tracks without being penalized. This system recognizes that learning is a lifelong process and that individuals may need to adapt their educational trajectories as their interests and circumstances change. This belief is rooted in self-actualization, where individuals can shape their paths and continue growing.
In contrast, our education system often feels rigid, providing only an academic pathway built on a deficit model where only a few students can earn the highest educational attainment. However, recent efforts in Indiana are aiming to change that.
Through the state’s high school redesign process, there is a push to create a more flexible system so students can achieve success beyond the traditional honors diploma. These redesign efforts offer students more options to pursue a broader range of aspirational distinctions, including career-focused certifications, academic accomplishments, and authentic work experiences, paralleling their high school experiences with their future goals.
This process aligns with the broader goals of creating multiple pathways for students to succeed and fosters the ability to explore different fields without fear of reaching a dead end. Like in Switzerland, Indiana’s high school redesign aims to give students opportunities to explore various career paths while still being able to adjust and adapt their learning trajectory.
The Swiss education system’s emphasis on career exploration, industry collaboration and flexible pathways offers a blueprint for creating a responsive and resilient education system. By integrating these principles into our educational frameworks, we can better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Adapting these lessons requires a collaborative effort from educators, industry leaders, policymakers and communities. While we may not be able to completely replicate the Swiss model due to cultural and contextual differences, together, we can create an educational environment where students can explore their passions, develop relevant skills, and pursue a path that leads to personal and professional fulfillment.
