The Western education system encourages students to have individual thoughts and opinions. They want the students to learn to ask "why". They want the students to learn to be independent in life as well as in their studies. They teach things outside of the books. They have a variety of cariculums. They try to bring out the students' interests in things rather than just tell them that's what they have to do. Western students spend a lot more time on sports. There isn't nearly as much homework for the students so they have time to spend on their hobbies and interests. .