Hello, Colin 

I live in Mexico. I've been learning English for almost twenty years. I don't feel like I have any rights to judge another country's school system, I'll limit myself to tell you: that seems like a very dark picture for students. The fear of having students loans must be incredible. I probably wouldn't study if I was in that situation. 

Now, here in Mexico, there are several situations when it comes to education. There are three big "problems": 

- The students don't like to learn (not all of them) 

- Some teachers bought their right to work. 

- The education is free for all and a really big portion of the national budget goes to education, however, the government workers in the education sector always steal most of the money and the schools probably just get a 10%. (There's a teacher who was head of the union. She bought the biggest house in Coronado Island). 

I'll be glad to continue telling you more. Just let me know. 

Saludos,