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Going abroad almost always stuns you when you’re suddenly forced to adapt to an entirely new culture. Not to make it sound too simple but things are different elsewhere. [Gasp.] I know. But we tend to underestimate just how different life really is in other countries. And the experience can be truly jaw-dropping for some.

People who went to the United States reported back the weird and hilarious things that they noticed while there, in response to redditor Daleelab’s thread on r/AskEurope. The redditor from the Netherlands wanted to know what the biggest culture shocks were for their fellow site users. And, wow, did they respond in detail.

Their answers paint a very interesting (not to say comical) picture of the United States, from peculiar bathrooms and mega cars to huge drinks and friendly strangers. Check them out below and upvote the answers that made you smile or chuckle. American Pandas, let us know what you think in the comment section. And we can wait for all the Pandas who’ve been to the US to share their own culture shock moments.

The author of the thread, redditor Daleelab, revealed to Bored Panda more about their first trip to the Western United States back in 2014 that inspired their post in the first place. "I was 13 at the time. I presumed the US to be like Europe only bigger. Then when we arrived, it was nothing like Europe, especially the Netherlands. Somehow, I got reminded of that and I wanted to know other people’s experiences going to the US," they said.

#1

As a German the patriotism is very scarry. I worked in a camp for kids in the woods of North East and the first thing we did in the morning was to gather at the flag and sing the anthem. Every morning! I can't even remember when I sang the Germany anthem the last time?! One time the boys of my group, who were the oldest group in camp, randomly stud up after lunch and started singing the anthem again. All the kids joined in and after they were finished the chanted "USA USA..." And hit on the tables in rythm. I sat there with a guy from South Africa and we both were paralyzed. I guess for someone with a history that made it necessary to reflect critically on patriotism the American patriotism is super scary.

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TropicalPanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we have national anthems and pledges recited in schools in India too everyday.. But that's about it!!

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#2

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Police are the rudest and most aggressive I have experienced anywhere in the world (and I say this as someone who's dealt with some famously prickly regimes). I go up to ask directions and they put their hand on their gun. If I have more than a single question they are basically telling me to back off and move along. I always read about conflicts between American police and citizens; with that attitude, no wonder it's a problem.

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MrLoufoque
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was once in California for New Year's eve and had found a driver's license on the ground, so I approached nearby police officers to give it to them so they can get in touch with its owner. They were completely cordial and friendly, so I guess the whole thing is up to everyone's experience...

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#3

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I witnessed a mother opening several packs of sugar and sprinkle it in their kids Coca Cola. I’m still speechless.

I also can’t comprehend how people think private health insurance is a threat to their freedom or that private prisons could be a good idea.

Lastly, the gap in the toilet doors. WHY

Luzi1 , Go to Artem Beliaikin's profile Artem Beliaikin Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF, there is already s**t loads of sugar in coke. I don't think that is a normal US thing, probably just some idiotic parent trying to give their kids diabetes. But correct me if I'm wrong though.

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According to the original poster, Daleelab, the biggest difference between the United States and the Netherlands that they found was how many Americans had an "utter obsession with 'patriotism.'" In the redditor's opinion, too much patriotism can lead to "dangerous nationalism."

They said: "I love the Netherlands and I’m happy to be privileged to live here and to be Dutch. But the nationalism in the US is blinding people to the huge faults in their country anyone could see if not for that nationalism. Another big difference is that almost everyone there is a Christian."

Another thing that Daleelab was shocked to see on their visit to the US was that "people would shoot the 'Welcome to [State]' signs." They also were surprised by the road signs: "Everything on the street was spelled out instead of it being symbols. It’s a sign that says 'one way' while a simple arrow would do fine in Europe."

In an interview with Yale News, Sterling Professor of Political Science, Ian Shapiro, said that the trust in politicians, parties, and democratic institutions has become eroded. The cause of this? The transfer of political power to the grassroots. As such, there has been a rise in divisive and populist politics in the US.

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“Many people are concerned about the damage Trump has inflicted on America’s political institutions. What they are missing is that Trump is a product of bad political institutions. The main infirmity is that the United States has very weak political parties. They are weak because they are subject to control by unrepresentative voters on their fringes and those who fund them,” Shapiro said.

#4

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Having to say the ”Pledge of allegiance“ every single day, not gonna lie I found that really strange because it kinda gave off North Korea vibes to me, that’s just something that would be unheard of in German schools

GalileoGaligeil , Brett Sayles Report

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Aaron W
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American kids have always been taught to worship the flag and the anthem. If only they had been taught to respect democracy and justice instead of superficial symbols.

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#5

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I saw more obese and morbidly obese people than I ever had seen before in my life. Literally, before I visited NYC, I think I only once or twice saw a morbidly obese person.

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Demi Zwaan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband was morbidly obese when we went to Blizzcon in 2010 (a convention for gamers). We saw people who needed TWO chairs to sit down. My husband looked tiny compared to a lot of people there. We went to Walmart (cheap store that sells everything) and they sold XL shirts that were bigger than our 5XL for the same price as M/L clothes here. Same with pants. He got multiple new outfits for normal prices that would've cost a fortune here, simply because 'XL' is quite normal in the US.

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#6

The poverty. I had been to the US a lot, but always along the costal cities. Sure, I saw homeless people around LA and New York, but I’ve seen homeless people in Sweden too and figured it probably had to do with addiction or mental illness. Then a couple of years ago I decided to travel across the US. I started in Los Angeles, then Nevada and then just moved on throughout the southern parts of the country. There were places that looked like a third world country. Homes barely holding together, people with dirty clothes, just horrible horrible poverty that I’ve never ever seen in a developed country before.

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Aaron W
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They adore capitalism though. Sure we have no decent education or healthcare, no food or clothes, but as long as the corporations are making bank we are good.

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The Dutch redditor who created the thread in the first place shared their own experience with going to America for the very first time.

“I went to the US in 2014. We landed in San Francisco and had to rent a car. We thought, ‘We're in America, let's rent a big car.’ So we rented a ‘big’ car. Then we joined the I101 and we were the smallest car on the road... So with our redefined car, we went to the Golden Gate Bridge but we were hungry,” they wrote.

#7

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them When I was a young child I went on holiday to Florida. I remember going to a museum and seeing a ‘non guns’ sign at the entrance. My mum has to explain to young me that in the US people regularly carried guns around, which blew my mind. Still does today.

Squidco-2658 , R Report

#8

The prices. Deals were extreme. Like you would get 12 donuts for the price of 2.5 single ones. I didnt want to overpay for a single donut, but i couldnt eat 12. So i didnt bought anything.

Healthy stuff was 2x-3× the price Im used to. Unhealthy stuff was half the price.

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Happy_Pandalover
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah, healthy food is usually more expensive in almost any industrial country. but the price gaps are alot biggere in the us. it makes people with low income buy unhealthy food - exactly what the food industry wants us to do :(... that‘s a problem everywhere though

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#9

How hard it is to walk in smaller cities. Everything is designed around cars. Want to go to the mall across the street? There’s a 6 lane road, good luck crossing that! If you somehow manage to do it, you still have to cross a gigantic parking lot that is like 10% full.

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Aroha
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend from Finland moved to the States and tried to keep up the habit of walking everywhere. She was regularly stopped by the police, or even worse, very dodgy men would stop their car and offer her a ride. Also some nice people stopped as they thought she needed help! I walk 10km per day, I could not imagine being tied to a car...

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“So we stopped at a diner. My brother ordered a burger and a small 7 Up. He got a liter of 7 Up. He wasn't even halfway and the waitress came to ask if he'd like a free refill (!). To quantify the bigness would be an insult of the bigly bigness that is the American lifestyle. Certainly a shock for me,” the redditor shared their experience and just how huge everything seemed once they arrived on the West Coast.

#10

Everything is sugary and sweet. I swear even bread was sugary instead of salty.

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Sum Guy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read an article sometime back that the Irish supreme court ruled that subway bread is too sweet to be classified as bread.

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#11

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Any time I’m in the States I’m always shocked by the amount of homeless people. Especially in San Francisco and Los Angeless.

orangebikini , Sandra Cohen-Rose Report

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Hans
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even worse, (mentally) ill homeless people. The lack of universal healthcare and homelessness seem to be closely connected.

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#12

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Obligatory (not-really-but-yes-totally-obligatory) tipping

Panceltic , Tzuhsun Hsu Report

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Samantha Power
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very obligatory, when I lived there an English friend of ours didn't tip well enough and the waiter followed him out into the street and asked if his service was poor. Can't imagine that happening in England. Friends would carry a tip calculator which would show exactly how much to leave.

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Plenty of people have heard a lot about American culture without having delved into the culture firsthand because of how prolific movies, TV shows, books, video games, and other forms of media from the US are. So it’s only natural that some individuals have a skewed understanding of how things in American society work, basing a lot of their knowledge on stereotypes.

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#13

I went to Miami for a day when I was 11. I was just so shocked and disgusted by the slums, the country acts like they’re so far ahead but their poverty is indescribable. Every country has their poor and underdeveloped areas, but wow man. Miami gave my system a shock.

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BusLady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many people have poorly paying jobs, or they are unemployed, or they live on government assistance (which is not enough to live on). Also, this is usually rental housing owned by slumlords who don't keep the property up. I've lived in some awful places, but I'm at a nice place now.

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#14

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them People wear shoes inside their homes. So strange.

Tballz9 , tdr28 Report

#15

Extremely sad to see people freak out about having to get medical attention and/or illness at work. Also going through the trouble of verifying my travel insurance indeed cover me in the states. I have been less concerned going into literal war zones.

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Tracy Willis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My jaw dropped when I first found out you have to pay for an ambulance in the US. Living in the UK we take it for granted that any medical care is free (well we do pay in taxes but way less than the US pay for one procedure)

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But in reality, the United States is such a huge country that it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that even Americans can experience culture shock. Somebody going from the West Coast to the East Coast or from Texas to Minnesota might encounter a host of differences. Though one doesn’t have to travel far: just going to a metropolis or visiting the countryside is enough to show you that the way that you live might not be the norm elsewhere.

#16

All the waste and no concern for the environment. It really irks me.

And how the 'greed is good' mantra has taught many people how they shouldn't give a sh*t about others.

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BusLady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the States, and I am shocked and outraged by all the littering. Why, just why? The waste of water is awful. Huge lawns that need to be watered every day. I've seen sprinklers watering sidewalks, and being run even when it is raining.

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#17

The loudspeaker announcements about how much we love the soldiers. What the hell? It sounds so fascist.

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Anthony Mann
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Soldier, it always made me feel uncomfortable, when people said things like that, or looked at you like you were a hero. It was my profession, and one that I chose, so to be treated like a rock star made me feel very weird and conspicuous. I sometimes felt like it was over compensation for how Vietnam Vets were treated when they came home.

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Bad Mole
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enlisted out of desperation. It worked out, I was trained for a job that I do now with a union and great benefits (thanks, union!) and was able to buy a house with my VA loan. Never could've got myself through school, or got a mortgage without the government's help, so when people thank me for my service I don't know what to say. These are usually the same people who don't tolerate people taking government assistance. Like I did.

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Yeah, you heard
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I too find it very weird to glorify soldiers, giving them discounts, and everyone saying "thank you for your service" to these people who have chosen a job and been paid for it. And them waking around in uniform all the time! It's very odd how they glorify soldiers, but vilify police.

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Shane S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The military is a sacred cow in the US. You cannot say anything critical without instantly being labeled as a traitor.

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Tim Haight
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After the vietnam war soldiers returning home were called baby killers and many were spit on. Now 40 years later some of this is changed. We vets get more thanks for our service. But many soldiers with what ever they call it - shell shock, battle fatigue, or PTSD get sh*tty treatment. The VA hospitals are a disgrace.

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Rosemary Moreland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weird, just weird. War should never be glorified. Yes, we should respect the sacrifices made by soldiers but they don’t need rock star status. They need support to adjust back into the real world.

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Bobby Sammons
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AS someone that was in the military during the Viet Nam war I think a lot of this a way for those of that generation to try and make up for spitting on us that were in the service during that war.

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Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really sounds very Nth Korean not a congratulations to the thousand of homeless Vets.

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Eslamala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"thank you for your service" hahahha thanking someone for doing their fckn job, which is paid by your taxes....

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Luthor
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's very very fascist and their pledges to the flag and s**t? Very weird... I don't know how they can't see it?

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El Dee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't natural. It's like there's an enforced patriotism and brainwashing that starts at school and never ends - that kinda thing is a warning sign for dictatorship usually..

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backatya
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except we're not fascist so there's your difference. Freedom

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Denise B.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "Vietnam vets were mistreated when they came home" is an American myth. De-mobed soldiers don't and didn't walk around in uniform, so how would they be IDed, anyway? It's simply a trope to denigrate anti-war activists, who were proven right, even unto the book-length apology by Robert McNamara.

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Carrot Stick
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2 years ago

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Jim Day
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I served 21 years in the military, lived in a variety of cities nationwide, and I have no idea what you are talking about.

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Bad Mamaw
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2 years ago

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Most Americans do NOT vilify police officers. Just because you think you have seen some Americans doesn't even touch the true nature of an American. Smart, hard workers and massive developers!!! The men and women who volunteered to go fight for MY freedom deserve the recognition they get!! They put their lives on the line for all Americans and true Americans appreciate and honor their service AND the police who protect us daily. You can't believe that ALL Americans sing the anthem daily....not...are obese...not....are rude....definitely not...this is a crazy conversation!!! God Bless us ALL!!!

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Heather Atwood
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2 years ago

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Since military service is not compulsory here, (and since we end up either having to help other countries or stick our military noses where they don't belong), our military SHOULD be honored as they risk their LIVES. DUH!!!

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#18

In hotel rooms: We didn't watch a lot of TV, but when we did, I was very taken aback by the amount of commercials. I watched Cartoon Network as a kid and I remember the screen faded to black and immediately back to whatever I watched like every 10 minutes maybe (usually during an exciting part, for dramatic effect). I realized those blackouts were meant for commercials, but my home country didn't do that.

And also commercials for booze. And just in general the intensity of them. Some were hilarious though.

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Demi Zwaan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the ads for medication. So weird! Ask your doctor about this medicine! Uhm, no? My doc tells me what I need, not the other way around...

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Like other countries, the US is multifaceted. You’re as likely to find someone who’s willing to give you the shirt off their backs as someone who’s rude to you. Incredibly wealthy and startlingly poor? Check. Socially backwards (which can mean drastically different things depending on your point of view, of course) while also incredibly progressive/traditional? Double-check. It’s a country of contrasts. Like most (if not all) nations are.

#19

Said it before, and I’ll say it again. The gaps in toilet stalls.

I’d heard of them before I visited but they still shocked me. Literally like 2cm of space between the partitions, for literally zero reason at all. People can look right into the stall. Goodbye privacy! Why? Whyyyyyy? Baffling.

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TV Junkie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up in the US and can confirm that this is incredibly awkward. You never get used to it.

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#20

How religious the US is. Pretty much everyone attended a church and the churches were a big part of everyone's life. Weekly attendance was a thing. One of my teachers was very progressive (gay democrat philosophy phd literature teacher in a Bush worshipping area) and he was asked by his students about which church he attended. I felt that was weird thing to ask in the first place.

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Kathryn Baylis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wait a generation or so. Church membership is dwindling at a pretty good pace, so the old Holy Rollers will go the way of the dinosaurs soon enough.

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#21

So many overweight people. I'll see more alarmingly obese people in 15 minutes in an American airport than in a year living in Amsterdam

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Sonja
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, but Amsterdam is absolutely opposite in this matter. I had to ask, if they have any fat/obese people there, because I have seen none (a Dutch person, not a tourist).

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Nonetheless, there are certain features that make America, well, America. Founded on the ideas of liberty and justice for all, the United States very much values freedom of thought and expression, as well as the drive and ambition to succeed. After all, the pilgrims who were some of the first colonists escaped England because they were persecuted for their religion.

#22

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I went to the US in 2014. We landed in San Francisco and had to rent a car. We thought: "we're in america, let's rent a big car" So we rented a "big" car. Then we joined the I101 and we were the smallest car on the road... So with our redefined car we went to the Golden Gate Bridge but we were hungry. So we stopped at a diner. My brother ordered a burger and a small 7up. He got a liter of 7up. He wasn't even halfway and the waitress came to ask if he'd like a free refill (!). To quantify the bigness would be an insult of the bigly bigness that is american lifestyle. Certainly a shock for me.

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Ileana Sky Aviles
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I gain 25lbs! Everytime I go I prepare for weight gain. Resturant portions can be shared between 2 people per plate! But oh so delicious!

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#23

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The prices not including tax so you never know how much you're gonna pay because you can't multiply by 1.08875 in your head

Panceltic , Dan Keck Report

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troufaki13
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is sooo annoying! And if you are in a restaurant is plus tax plus tip! Ugh!

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#24

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Swiss are famous for the love of cheese and putting cheese on and in things, but America takes that to another level...even if the cheese is less good tasting. They think they have Swiss cheese, but what they call Swiss like a really sh*t version of Ementaller cheese. They are surprised that we have like 400+ kinds of cheese, none of which we call Swiss.

Tballz9 , Ioan Sameli Report

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Cupcake168
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Emmental is an area in Switzerland and the cheese they make there is called „Emmentaler“ (single L). It’s a trademark and a quality feature. Only the Origin Emmentaler is allowed to be named so. But obviously that’s only in Europe like that. US-Chesse has as much in common with Emmentaler as Trump with a Trumpet. Both can be made out of milk (Emmentaler MUST be made out of Milk) - both makes noises. that’s it.

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However, that’s not to say that there’s no conformity in the US. Quite the opposite. It’s a very human part of our nature to seek out those who think like us, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in America speaking out (especially on polarizing topics) isn’t always met with respectful listening.

#25

The amount of "fakeness" from people in the service industry: waiters, receptionists, bar staff, store employees etc

Everyone greets you with a fixed totally artificial smile, they speak in standard scripts, everything will be "their pleasure" and they will do it "for you". You just feel they are acting out a part but actually not listening to what you say and they certainly never do any of the things they promise. You just wish (a) they would start acting like human beings rather than pre-programmed service bots and (b) they would treat you like an actual human being rather than a visiting emperor.

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BorPand8
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The scripts and the big smiles are usually required by their employers, so it's not really their fault.

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#26

Flags. EVERYWHERE.

The portion sizes. The price of petrol is ridiculous.

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BusLady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Texas, you also see Texas flags and symbols EVERYWHERE. When I lived in Colorado, you only saw flags on public buildings, like City Hall, the Post Office, etc. And the American flag was displayed with the state flag. In Texas you will see the Texas flag displayed alone.

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#27

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them So many whackos around. People just standing in the middle of the pavement with a huge "Jesus is coming" sign or similar

Panceltic , frankieleon Report

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Mz Phit
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, so they visited Tucson! (JK Old Pueblo, but you know it's true)

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Friendly yet fierce, incredibly individualistic but still very tribal. That’s the US for you, representing some of the best and some of the worst qualities of the human experience. But what do you think, dear Pandas? What’s your experience with America and Americans been like?

#28

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them My experience was that Americans act or seem to be more friendly and personal. But it always feels like they don’t actually mean it. Don‘t get me wrong, I met great people in the US. But Europeans, especially Germans, seem to be more reserved at first or second contact.

BHJK90 , Cherrydeck Report

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Samantha Power
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought that. I did live in NYC for a while, not so friendly there, but good people once you get to know them.

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#29

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them How divided everything is. There are only extremes, no in between. I thought this was mostly the case on the internet.

On the drive from the in Florida airport I saw an "the NRA is a terrorist organization" billboard right next to one advertising semi automatic (assault) rifles.

I was also surprised how many churches there were in rural Florida. Most seemed to have advertising unlike anything here in Europe. Some seemed to wage war against each other.

_eg0_ , Fibonacci Blue Report

#30

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Educational system sucks and is made to print money and throw the youth under the debt bus. Professions that don't make any sense to spend years in uni for (nurse for example) instead of doing an apprenticeship course.

iwysashes1 , COD Newsroom Report

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Giovanna
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I dont think nurses dont need to study for their job! It's a university degree in Italy too, and for a good reason

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#31

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Extremely dirty and old public infrastructure - NY subway feels unsafe to use at times, some of the stations look like they're collapsing any minute now

Panceltic , Enrique Vázquez Report

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Y T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, and also that the stations all look the same so you really have to be alert for when to get off.

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#32

How difficult it actually is/how much knowledge is required just to not get fat

zazollo Report

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BusLady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much availability of junk food and fast food. Ridiculously huge servings in restaurants. You always need a take home box for leftovers.

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#33

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them To be honest, the flag salut in school. I could not comprehend it. I had flashbacks to videos seen in history class.... Made me feel super uncomfortable.

radleafdog , Paul L Dineen Report

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Hans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great opportunity to waste time that could be used to learn, play or do anything else...saluting a piece of textile is just strange if you set aside the symbolic pathos of it.

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#34

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Extreme friendliness to you when you're a customer. Too much in my opinion, it made me feel uneasy

Panceltic , ELEVATE Report

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Samantha Power
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always remember that. Often I hadn't even had a bite of my food and the the waitress/waiter would be asking how I was enjoying it and chatting when I wanted to eat. It can be a bit overwhelming.

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#35

The sheer distance between everything and the fact that most americans consider an 8 hour drive no big deal

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Kristal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, 8 hours can be done in a day, no problem :) I enjoy road trips though.

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#36

On the first night of my first trip to the USA we ended up in a restaurant where pretty much all the customers openly carried handguns. That was quite shock.

voskem Report

#37

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The water level in the toilets, I walked into 3 different cubicles in JFK that where all seemingly blocked, until I realised that in the states the water level in the toilets is much higher, like half the bowl, where as here in Europe theres just a bit of water at the bottom.

fruity_brown_sauce , Corey Balazowich Report

#38

Homeless and drugs ins the street, it is incredible.
I feel like this is a deeply splitted society, either you serve or you are served. Or you die in the street.

dansmabenz Report

#39

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Strangers talked to me for no reason. I could be walking on the street and a total stranger would come up to me and say "nice jacket" or something similar.

DogsReadingBooks , Davidlohr Bueso Report

#40

I went for the first time in 1999, to Washington DC, it was the first time I had ever seen truly obese people, I grew up in Ireland and yes we had some overweight people but nothing comparable.

AB-G Report

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