10 Things That I Didn’t Expect When Living In The USA

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10 Things That I Didn’t Expect When Living In The USA

Living in the USA is a whole experience in itself. It can be full of surprises for someone coming from a different cultural background. From the way people interact to the lifestyle choices they make, several aspects of American life can be quite unexpected. Here’s a list of ten things that stood out to me as particularly surprising during my time living in the USA.

1. Teenagers and Religion

It surprised me to see how deeply involved many American teenagers are with religion. They often attend youth groups very early in the morning or right after school and regularly go to church. This level of engagement is quite different from European teenagers, who generally show less interest in religious activities.

2. Patriotism at School

The level of patriotism in American schools was unexpected. Daily routines often include the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthem, and the presence of flags in every classroom. This national pride integrated into daily school life is not as common in European schools.

Read More: 16 Surprising Differences Between French And American High Schools

3. Driving Everywhere

In the USA, there’s a strong tendency to drive everywhere, even for very short distances that could easily be walked. This reliance on cars for even the smallest errands was a big change from the more walk-friendly practices I was used to in Europe.

4. Importance of Reputation

Reputation seems to be more important in the USA than back home. There’s a strong desire to be viewed positively by the community, which influences a lot of behavior. This emphasis on maintaining a good public image pervades many aspects of social and professional life.

5. Variety in School Classes

The variety of classes available in American schools was a pleasant surprise. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, allowing them to explore diverse interests and skills beyond the basic curriculum, which is often more rigid in Europe.

Read More: 13 American High School Things That Shock Foreigners

6. Communal Gardens

Despite the reputation for a diet dominated by fast food and takeout, many Americans actively engage in gardening. Seeing people grow their own vegetables and then use them in their meals was unexpected and contradicted the typical stereotype.

7. High Expectations for Cheerleaders

The high expectations placed on cheerleaders were surprising. In the USA, cheerleaders are required to maintain good grades if they want to stay in the squad. This academic requirement links school spirit activities directly to educational achievement.

Read More: 12 American Dress Code Rules In High School That Shock Europeans

8. High Expectations of Athletes

Similarly, school athletes in the USA are held to high academic and performance standards. The pressure to excel both in sports and in the classroom is significant, reflecting the importance of sports in American school culture.

9. College Through Sports Scholarships

It was unexpected to learn that for some American kids, the only feasible way to attend college is by securing a sports scholarship. This reliance on athletic talent for educational opportunities is less common in Europe, where there are more varied paths to higher education.

10. Lack of Canned Food Variety

The limited variety of canned food in American supermarkets was surprising. Compared to European stores, which often have extensive canned food sections, American stores focus more on fresh or frozen products, which was a notable difference in shopping habits.

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