Structure of educational system

[graywolf624]

Recent discussions in some of my classes coupled with my own ventures has left me wondering about the differences in formal educational systems between countries, particularlly in terms of years and focus of study. What is it like in your country? What is your personal level of education?

In the US we have 12 years of primary/high school education.
From there most people go to college, which actually is 2 choices.
A 2 year associates degree/technical school
or
A 4 year bachloers degree which has a focus but also covers alot of broad things as well that might be used in that field of study. The focus is called a major, and in general you can have an additional second specialty that isnt as large called a minor. You can also get a dual degree which is basically 2 degrees at once.

From there still fewer choose to go to graduate school of which there are 2 types:
academic based (exs: masters arts in economics)
or
Professional based (exs: masters in business administration).
This level takes between 1-3 years and is focused on that area.

From there we go to phd which seems to take about 3-4 years and requires a research paper.

I personally have a bachloers and am half way complete a professional masters degree(so 17 years of schooling with my current path taking me to 18 years.)