Italy

I found it interesting that the Italian educational system places a high importance on the arts throughout a child's educational career.  Although the United States educational system does offer art programs in schools, many are limited due to lack of resources, teachers, and social support.  Many people in the U.S. do not believe that the arts are an important part of education and do not highly value careers in the arts.  Italy, on the other hand, has many opportunities in higher education in the arts that are considered a "non-university" education.  Perhaps Italy places a higher importance on the arts due to its vast artistic history, which can be seen in museums, cathedrals, and city architecture.  I believe that the arts should be included in U.S. schools because they often give students a place to develop their skills and enjoy academic programs.  Especially if students feel that they do not succeed in other academic areas, art and music classes may offer them a place to flourish academically.