Why do schools not know when their end of term is?

[Richard Paul Roman]

There is a difference between Western schools and Chinese schools. In England, we set up an annual calendar with the beginning and end of each term. In China, students, teachers, and lecturers wait till near the end of each term to find out when the term finishes.

I find this an interesting cultural difference. Any ideas as to what these differences are?

[Chris Knight]

When it's finished.

[Richard Paul Roman]

So, when is the end of term this time?

[Chris Knight]

Explains why nobody can make plans, and every holiday turns into a mad rush and free-for-all at train and bus stations.

[Isabelle Liu]

There are also annual school calendars in Chinese educational system. But you have the point still all wait for the official announcement to declare the exact dates, which traditionally varies in each school according to the governmental unified arrangement. Actually the starting and end of holidays for students are clearer, though for the teaching staff it s another story which could easily be altered longer or shorter by different school administration respectively to meet their own needs. That's why now most teachers here have no hint when to enjoy their winter holidays ;)