REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK - Returning to the USA from Europe

After years of traveling in Europe - we've experienced some level of culture shock each time we return to the USA. Join us as we explore the unique challenges of returning to the USA after an extended period of travel in Europe. From the subtle nuances in daily life to the cultural differences that become apparent upon our return, we delve into the unexpected aspects of readjusting to the familiar yet changed surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or preparing for your own international adventure, this video offers insights, tips, and reflections on navigating reverse culture shock.
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[geiryvindeskeland]

I am Norwegian and visited the USA in 2017. The restaurant visits were a provocative experience. I was told I had to tip a lot extra because the employees were paid so poorly. If that’t true, it’s incredibly rude! It is not my responsibility to pay the employees! Does no one own the reataurants in the USA? «Yes, of course it is». Oh well, but it is the owner’s responsibility /duty to pay the employees, not us who are guests!

[Bramfly]

Biggest difference is that Europe is not a country but almost 50 countries each with their own language culture food styles etc.

[tavira]

It is clear from the comments that folks who have travelled and spent time in Europe have a new most positive perspective on qualities, balances and fulfillment of living.

[kevinmcauley]

The bed/mattress issue is more of an airbnb issue. Most airbnbs across Europe are furnished from IKEA, so you get the cheap bed and cheap mattress. In people’s houses, you usually get something more similar to what you’d be used to in the US

[liebet]

Our 1st trip to Europe was in 2023 and I came back saying I felt safer in Germany than I do here in US and this year we’re headed to Italy🎉 and we walked and ate and enjoyed every minute without gaining a pound. I actually lost a few lb’s

[sweetnovember]

Europe is amazing and healthy! Mentally stable people and great life style! I can’t wait to get back

[margog]

In Europe, I love all the outdoor cafes and restaurants with tables and chairs set out in the plaza, and with people of all ages strolling by. In the US, restaurant patios are almost all enclosed with fences and gates, no dogs allowed, no drinks beyond this point, ect. We sure love our barriers.

[davidclinch]

Hello both. That was interesting but us two Brits, my wife and I, who have lived in France for 20 years, have a number of points to disagree with you on about Europe, or at least the parts of Europe that we know: UK, France, Spain. For example, you normally find dryers wherever you find washing machines, and you just program the washing machine for a short wash, or a longer wash, as you wish. Smoking is banned in indoor settings wherever we go, so if you have come across smokers inside a building, or a bus, or wherever in western Europe, that should not be happening - by law. In France, at least, unless you order bottled water, which is obviously chargeable, you can simply ask for a carafe of tap water (which is good) and that is supplied in France free - by law (a lot of people don't know that). Regarding toilets (rest rooms) neither of us has paid for the use of this facility for decades ! Could say more but
We are quite amazed by some of your European experiences.

[enjoystraveling]

If you’re living in a country in Europe, you’re going to know the bus and won’t have to navigate because you’re usually taking the same route over and over or walking the same way over and over, you even know the Shortcuts.
Also, I find walking a pleasure in Europe, and when I visited there after I’ve been back to the United States, I came back weighing 10 pounds less even though I ate things like delicious cheese and chocolate croissants, simply because I walked and bicycled places, and this happened in less than three weeks !!
Many Americans find at convenient to drive the car here and there, but in someways, I find it stressful because you need to navigate construction, navigate around poor drivers who change lanes without putting their signal on, watch for people driving while on their phone etc. so I found it relaxing when I could take a train or bus and just relax with my e-book or chat with my friend

[muminab]

100% agree tipping is out of control!

[momplaygroupfouz]

We travel a lot too. It’s sad that a lot of Americans don’t get the privilege to travel. If they did, they’d realize we are being bamboozled. Free health care (better quality too), free education (better quality as well), better life/work balance, and a more global outlook so you aren’t fooled into thinking you’re the best… just a few things that many countries are better at (including some “developing” countries).
The Americans telling you to leave are the same ones who have not left the country and are still in their fantasy world. Most people do not own a gun, aren’t anxious or depressed and don’t use drugs.. are very happy outside of America.

[MaXMustermann-fwvo]

A big difference is that in Europe you consume to live, in the USA you live to consume. 😉

[rokhamler]

The smoking thing in europe is country dependant. Certain countries have smoking in closed spaces completely forbidden unless they have a separate area properly isolated and ventilated just for smokin -basically glass cages for smokers.

[CenturionBC]

It is kind of refreshing to see a mainstreamer take on the distinctions between the US and Europe. It drives all the more home my joy of having moved back to Europe and enjoy the daily blessing of living here instead of in mainstream US.

[davidgiles]

I'm Canadian and returned home (not my choice) a few weeks ago. We lived in a small Tuscan hill village south of Siena. Bliss. I love Canada, but the quality of life in Europe is superior in many ways. As a foodie I know that food in gerneral is of far higher quality and cheaper in Italy. I'm off to Portugal and Spain in a few weeks. I may not come back.

[ritalangenfelds]

As a person who resides in both Canada and Europe I agree with your observations completely. Quite honestly, when in Europe I enjoy the life style more. There is a world perspective in Europe where as in NA it is me, me, me.
In NA "bigger is better" is what people want, where as in Europe people reside in smaller places but travel more.

I thoroughly enjoy your travels and videos. Please keep it up and safe travels.

[stever]

Thank you for that video. I cannot speak for the rest of Europe but smoking has been prohibited by law in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places throughout the UK since July 2007.

[MrGIANFRANCO]

In italy smoking is forbidden in shopping, restaurants, cinema, train, closed sports arenas etc

[Lea-rbnc]

I left America for my little French village on the Mediterranean in 2007. I cannot think of a single reason to be anywhere but here.

[stephanweinberger]

@2:05 correction: infrastructure in the US was bulldozed and _re_built for cars. The US used to have walkable cities and one of the best and highly integrated public transit networks in the world, until it was deliberately destroyed in the 50s and 60s.