I'm going to respond to this one from personal experience. This isn't an objective analysis at all but rather something I've noticed after having participated in education institutions both within the US and within Australia. So, my point of comparison is admittedly very narrow. That said, one thing I have consistently noticed about students (both secondary and tertiary) within the US system is that they seem unusually well-spoken and fluent in comparison to Australian students. They are better able to handle disagreement of opinion and to engage in healthy debate. There also seems to be a high level of respect for hierarchy in the teaching process. Lecturers and teachers seem to be afforded a higher level of respect in the US. Again, these observations are grounded entirely in my own experience. I'd be interested if other people out there who have experience of learning in US and other country educational institutions have had similar observations.

In terms of the level and comprehensiveness of education that students receive, the US education system is pretty mediocre. US students have middling scores in math, science, and reading, and the US spends more per student than most countries. None of this seems very positive. However, in the US, children from every socioeconomic background and area have access to an education. While students in rural, poor, or inner city neighborhoods do not always receive the adequate funding or quality of teaching, the US does make an effort to ensure than every child gets an education. This is not to say that other countries do not also make a similar effort, because many do, but I believe this effort –– to educate every child, regardless of race, social standing, or wealth –– is one of the most positive aspects of the American education system.