10 Aspects of American Culture That Confuse Foreigners
10 Aspects of American Culture That Confuse Foreigners
American culture has some pretty unique traits that often surprise visitors from other countries. Even though the U.S. is huge and super diverse, there are certain habits and values that seem to catch foreigners off guard. It’s not that these things are seen as bad; they’re just different from what most people are used to back home.
1. Driving for Short Distances
Americans are known for their love of driving, often opting to take the car for even the shortest trips. While cities like Chicago might be exceptions due to their more walkable layouts, in many parts of the country, cars are the go-to mode of transport no matter the distance. This reliance on automobiles can seem odd to visitors from places where walking or biking short distances is more common.
2. Believing America is the Greatest
The idea that the United States is the greatest country in the world is a sentiment that runs strong among Americans. While the U.S. indeed has many great qualities, the extent of national pride can sometimes appear excessive to those from other countries. This belief is often seen with a mix of amusement and bewilderment by the international community.
3. Lack of Social Security
The social safety net in the United States, compared to other developed countries, can seem quite minimal. Foreigners often express surprise at the limited support for things like healthcare, maternity leave, and unemployment benefits. This difference highlights a significant cultural and policy divide between the U.S. and countries with more robust social security systems.
4. Cost of Giving Birth
The high expense associated with giving birth in the United States is another aspect that often shocks foreigners. According to a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the “costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum care average a total of $18,865 and the average out-of-pocket payments total $2,854 for women enrolled in large group plans”. In many countries, like France, healthcare systems cover the cost of childbirth, making the American system, where giving birth can come with a hefty price tag, quite bewildering to those from abroad.
5. Joining the Army After High School
In many rural areas, it’s common for young people to enlist in the military right after finishing high school. While there are benefits, such as educational opportunities, the notion of joining the army at such a young age and viewing it as a prestigious path is something that foreigners find peculiar, especially given the alternatives available in their home countries.
6. High Cost of University and Student Debt
The necessity for many Americans to go into debt to afford higher education is a concept that many foreigners find hard to understand. According to many studies, the average cost for 4-year tuitions and fees is around $10,000 with a lot of universities costing a lot more. The contrast is stark in countries where university education is heavily subsidized or even free, making the American system seem daunting.
7. Always Using a Dryer
The widespread use of clothes dryers in the United States, regardless of the weather, is another difference that stands out. In Europe, air drying clothes is the norm, viewed as more energy-efficient and less damaging to the fabric. This American habit can seem wasteful to those accustomed to hanging their laundry out to dry.
8. Having a Dedicated Laundry Room
The concept of a room solely for laundry is something very American and often surprising to foreigners. In many parts of the world, laundry machines are located in more multipurpose spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, making the American dedication to a separate laundry room a curious luxury.
9. Everyday Patriotism
The daily act of raising the flag in front of one’s house exemplifies a level of patriotism that is uncommon in many European countries. While flying the national flag might be reserved for special occasions elsewhere, the everyday display of American flags is a testament to the strong sense of national pride in the U.S.
10. Importance of Reputation
The emphasis on maintaining a good reputation through actions like regular church attendance or volunteering is noted by many foreigners. While many Americans engage in these activities with genuine intent, the perceived importance of reputation in motivating such behavior can seem more pronounced compared to other cultures, where community involvement might be less tied to social standing.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.