How To Not Be An Obnoxious American

Author: 
Kristen Nichols
 
When studying and living abroad, it can both exciting and intimidating to acclimate to a new culture. Sometimes, it may seem impossible not to stick out like a bald eagle in your host country. Below are tips from actual, seasoned study abroad alums, shared in the hopes that you may be spared our past mistakes:
 
  1. Be quiet on public transportation. Most of these people are commuting to work or class, and are trying to prepare for the day. They do not care about how “your life has been changed by gelato on every corner.”
  2. One more time, BE QUIET. Seriously, if the accent does isn’t a dead giveaway, the volume is.
  3. Traveling in groups is safe. Traveling in packs of 20 screaming buffoons is obnoxious. While it is best to stick with friends from your program when excitedly exploring your new home, keep in mind that excitement can quickly turn into chaos for the locals sharing the streets with you.
  4. Don’t wear a backpack. Americans wear backpacks. The rest of the world carries bags. If you insist on using a backpack (which is also an easier target for pick-pockets), sit it on your lap while on public transportation; there’s no need to take up two seats for a Jansport.
  5. Embrace the culinary culture of your host country and the countries you visit. This is your chance to truly immerse yourself in the famous dishes and eating practices of other cultures, not a time to be picky!
  6. Adapt to fashion trends. In the words of a friend who studied in London, “Take note of locals’ inclinations towards color - I wore bright purple rain boots while everyone else was wearing black and darker colors most of the time and I stuck out like a sore thumb.”
  7. Dress for the climate of your host country. Investing in a sturdy pair of rain boots or heavy coat will save you many a cold and/or damp walk home.
  8. Learn the currency as quickly as possible. Pretending you’re a local is so much easier when you know which coin is a twenty pence and which is a pound.
  9. Learn the escalator/walking etiquette. A dead giveaway of an American is standing on the walking side of the escalator, and you will get glares.
  10. College pride is an American thing. As is dressing in touristy shirts from your host country.
  11. Sororities and fraternities are, too. Imagine wearing Greek letters while walking the streets of Athens…
  12. Take notice of subtle social norms, such as whether or not strangers greet each other, making eye contact, small talk, etc. Some cultures treat strangers like family, others prefer to exist but not interact with non-acquaintances. Pay attention to how locals interact with each other in various situations.
  13. Make your best effort to speak the native language. If you don’t know how to speak the language, at least learn key phrases for when you have to speak to locals.
  14. Engage and befriend the locals. They know the best, non-touristy places for entertainment, dining, sightseeing, and can help you feel most at home in your host country.
Good luck, I hope this helps!
 
Kristen Nichols graduated from Pitt in 2017 with a major in Environmental Studies, a minor in Economics and a Global Studies certificate in Sustainable Development. She studied abroad in London, England in Spring 2016. 
 
This article originally appeared in The Traveling Times, a Study Abroad Office online newsletter.