1. The News Isn’t the Center of the Universe
In the U.S., American news dominates the airwaves—local, national, and global stories are often filtered through an American lens. But once you’re abroad, you realize how little other countries focus on U.S. politics or culture unless it directly affects them. The rest of the world has its own issues, dramas, and priorities. And they’re not all waiting for the next U.S. election cycle.
This can be humbling for Americans used to being the main character on the world stage. It also offers a refreshing perspective—you start to see global events more holistically. And you realize that not everything revolves around Washington, D.C. Sometimes, it’s nice not to be the center of attention.
2. Public Transportation Can Be a Way of Life
In many American cities, owning a car isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. But abroad, especially in Europe and parts of Asia, public transportation is clean, efficient, and widely used. Trains run on time, buses are reliable, and walking is often the norm. You can live your whole life without ever needing a driver’s license.
This can feel like a revelation to Americans used to traffic jams and parking nightmares. You start to appreciate the freedom of not being tethered to a vehicle. And you wonder why more U.S. cities haven’t invested in similar infrastructure. Suddenly, the subway doesn’t seem so scary—it feels like liberation.
3. Healthcare Isn’t Supposed to Be This Complicated
Ask any American about their health insurance and you’ll get a sigh, a rant, or both. Copays, deductibles, in-network providers—it’s a maze. But once you live abroad, you realize that in many countries, healthcare is straightforward, affordable, and often universal. You walk into a clinic, get treated, and walk out without a bill the size of a car payment.
This realization can be both liberating and infuriating. You start to question why basic care is tied to employment or why an ambulance ride costs hundreds of dollars. It’s not that other systems are perfect, but they’re often far more humane. And you begin to see American healthcare as the outlier, not the gold standard.
4. Tipping Culture Is Wildly Unique
In the U.S., tipping is practically mandatory—15 to 20% is expected at restaurants, and you’re also tipping baristas, delivery drivers, hair stylists, and even the person handing you a muffin. It’s so ingrained that not tipping feels like a moral failing. But once you leave the country, you realize most of the world doesn’t operate this way. In many places, service staff are paid living wages, and tipping is minimal or even considered rude.
This can be a shock to Americans abroad, who either over-tip or feel awkward not doing it. It also raises questions about why the U.S. relies so heavily on customers to subsidize wages. You start to see tipping less as generosity and more as a symptom of a broken labor system. And suddenly, that $6 coffee with a 25% tip hits differently.
5. Americans Really Do Smile a Lot
One of the first things people notice abroad is how expressive Americans are—especially with smiling. In the U.S., smiling is a default social gesture, used to show friendliness, approachability, or just to fill silence. But in many cultures, constant smiling can seem insincere or overly familiar. It’s not that people are unfriendly—they just don’t perform it the same way.
This difference can make Americans stand out in a crowd, for better or worse. You start to realize how much of American communication is nonverbal and performative. And you might even catch yourself dialing it back a bit to blend in. But deep down, you still flash that grin when someone makes eye contact.
6. Portion Sizes Are Actually Manageable
American portion sizes are legendary—giant sodas, overflowing plates, and “small” drinks that are “large” everywhere else. Abroad, meals are often more modest, with an emphasis on balance and quality over quantity. You’re less likely to leave stuffed and more likely to savor what you eat. And no one’s offering you a gallon of soda with your combo meal.
At first, it might feel like you’re getting less for your money. But over time, you realize you’re getting just enough—and feeling better for it. You start to question the culture of excess back home. And maybe, just maybe, you stop asking for a to-go box.
7. Work Doesn’t Have to Be Your Whole Identity
In the U.S., people often introduce themselves by what they do: “I’m a lawyer,” “I work in tech,” “I’m in finance.” Work is central to identity, self-worth, and even social status. But abroad, especially in countries with stronger work-life balance, people talk more about hobbies, family, or travel. Jobs are important, but they’re not everything.
This can be a wake-up call for Americans who’ve internalized hustle culture. You start to see the value in leisure, rest, and time off—not just productivity. And you realize that being “busy” isn’t a badge of honor everywhere. Sometimes, doing less is doing just fine.
8. National Pride Looks Different Elsewhere
Americans are known for being patriotic—flags on porches, national anthems at sports games, and a general sense of pride in being American. But in many countries, nationalism is more subdued or even viewed with skepticism. People may love their country, but they don’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Pride is quieter, more nuanced, and often tied to culture rather than politics.
This contrast can be jarring at first. You start to reflect on how patriotism is expressed—and what it means. Is it about symbols, or about values? And you begin to see that love of country doesn’t always need a megaphone.
9. Credit Cards Aren’t King Everywhere
In the U.S., you can swipe or tap your way through life—credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and cash is becoming rare. But abroad, especially in smaller towns or developing countries, cash is still king. Some places don’t take cards at all, or charge extra fees. And digital wallets vary wildly in popularity.
This forces Americans to rethink how they spend and carry money. You might find yourself budgeting more carefully or even enjoying the tactile nature of cash. It’s a small shift, but it changes your relationship with money. And suddenly, that wallet full of plastic doesn’t feel so universal.
10. You Start to See America’s Strengths—and Its Flaws—More Clearly
Distance has a way of sharpening perspective. Living abroad doesn’t just teach you about other cultures—it teaches you about your own. You start to appreciate things you took for granted, like entrepreneurial spirit or cultural diversity. But you also see the cracks more clearly—inequality, polarization, and systemic issues that feel more glaring from afar.
This dual awareness can be disorienting but also empowering. You realize that loving your country doesn’t mean ignoring its problems. It means seeing it clearly, warts and all. And maybe, just maybe, working to make it better when you return.
This post 10 Things You Learn About America Only After You’ve Left It was first published on American Charm.
