Things that shocked us in the USA! - Culture shock 🇺🇸

Going to America at the age of 18, not knowing anyone and not fully mastering the native language. I soon found out that life in America was very different from the Netherlands.
Link blog
Dutch: zoetennis.jimdofree.com/cultu...
English: zoetennis.jimdofree.com/cultu...
This video contains different international students opinions.
Luuk: The Netherlands
Andrea: Belgium
Jaap: The Netherlands
Emily: Vietnam
Ena: Sweden
Sonja: Germany
What are the differences in America?
Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment purposes. Each person openly talked about their experiences. There is no right or wrong.
Just enjoy watching :)
- - - - - - - -
Hi! My name is Zoë Gubbels and I am a college athlete in San Angelo, Texas.
I am making video's of some experiences here in America.
Feel free to check out my channel and if you like it go ahead and like & subscribe :)
Subscribe here for more video’s: kzbin.info?s...
Let’s connect:
Instagram: / zoegub
Facebook: / zoegubbelste. .
Website: zgtennis.com/
#cultureshockUSA

[@RCTPatriot75]

The food is only unhealthy if you CHOOSE to eat unhealthy food.

Unhealthy food is easier to access in Texas, with all the food chains next to the road. This might not be everywhere, but this is just what we experienced.

[@97AshleyRose]

@ yeah I’m Texan and literally fast food in my backyard I can walk down the block and get Junk food but choose not to

[@dudoklasovity2093]

try to eat healthy in places like LA you probably go bankrupt

[@R777-RLM]

Europeans tend to complain about American car use, but don't take into account how spread out this country is. We really don't have town squares where things such as stores centrally located,

[@melissatx9892]

Especially in Texas! I could not imagine being stuck in Dallas traffic for an hour on a city bus.

[@R777-RLM]

@@melissatx9892 Right, and I'm sure things aren't close. I live in a small mountain valley town in the center of Utah. Salt Lake City, is 120+ miles north, but Orem, is pretty close at just 90 miles. Not cycling distances, especially on an interstate.

[@duckmercy11]

There used to be town squares and privately owned trolleys that could take you anywhere, but the oil/auto companies and federal govt. conspired to create suburban sprawl. A lot was it was due to white flight and redlining.

[@gothenmosph5151]

And European cities were mostly established centuries before cars even existed, let alone were widespread. Obviously they will be better for pedestrians.

[@oldblood_eyes]

exactly. we need cars. our cities were designed for us to use our cars. good luck trying to get anywhere by just walking. would probably take all day lol

[@olyvoyl9382]

Bathrooms, fast food, casual greetings, small talk unhealthy habits, no bus service, too dependent on cars, too loud, too forward, too patriotic, too this too that. We have heard it all before.

[@terrifictomm]

A friend is just a stranger you haven't superficially greeted yet. Until you do, how can you get to know them? Am I suppose to just stop you on the street and ask, "Do you like model trains? How about books? What kind of books do you like? Are you a happy person? Are you going through any health challenges now? Or how about, "Hi! I'm Tom. I've been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Would you like to have a cup of coffee sometime? See! Neither "in-depth" approach works. Superficial is how to start a relationship with a stranger.

[@a00141799]

A sensible and honest explanation. I think some people go out of their way to point out superficial differences that are best chalked up to the fact that our two countries are separated by thousands of miles, language, culture etc. These differences should be expected and surprise no one. Everyone will tend to prefer the things that they are already familiar with anyway.

[@BethHutch-pg5yi]

you have to be born in the USA to understand the friendly American DNA

[@asifnihal]

5:40 it's not meaningless it's a good way to get to know your fellow men and uplift your mood and who knows you could be saying hi to your future wife or husband, or best friend or business partner, etc.... I personal have made lifelong friends with the small gesture of ''hey, how your day is going''. when people feel free to talk to a stranger it opens up ideas, connection, and information that normally would have never opened up. which could lead to small or big changes that could altered/change the course of human history.

[@tazkrebbeks3391]

Truly all I can say is. Welcome to America. Now. We do have toilets with 2 flush options. And yes. They are becoming more standard. It'll take awhile but it'll catch on. Fast food chains ate giving you the option to eat healthier. That too is catching on. Dressing casual... What can I say. Comfort is more important than style. European's seem hung up on trying to impress people. Just my opinion. Saying hi. How are you doing is called, being polite. I guess its an American thing. Yes we can be blunt. We tend to tell it like it is. So in closing. Welcome to America. God bless you. ✌

[@mak3nuh]

as an american you CANNOT get around without a car. the weather will permit you from doing so. i feel like foreigners don’t know how HUGE america actually is so that’s why people use cars so much. another thing is fast food. yes there is fast food but people rarely ever eat it everyday. most americans make their own meals

[@asifnihal]

5:40 it's not meaningless it's a good way to get to know your fellow men and uplift your mood and who knows you could be saying hi to your future wife or husband, or best friend or business partner, etc.... I personal have made lifelong friends with the small gesture of ''hey, how your day is going''.

[@mustafasenolturkmen9690]

its nice to know about their journey ...

Thank you Mustafa. Hope you liked these different perspectives in this video 😉

[@AlexisLopez-pb8ms]

Yeah we do get in each other’s business. People say what’s up or how are you doing as a way of saying hi.

[@deannalarsen7161]

Very interesting. Thank you!

Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this video.

[@nuclearpoweredbrain2211]

I've occasionally seen the small-flush option toilets in the US. They're not common.

[@kdrapertrucker]

Because no one likes plunging toilets constantly.

[@toddcorley464]

Very nice video! Keep it up

[@jariemonah]

Sounds more like differences between American students and European students lol. The universities they attended are filled with young adults who are most likely living dozens, hundreds, or thousands of miles away from their family. They probably didn't really learn how to cook well while at home and got their drivers license at 16/17 while Europeans get it at 18.

Maybe so! Thank you for your opinion. Just like I wrote in the description : This video is for entertainment purposes. Each person openly talked about their experiences. There is no right or wrong.

[@john-nathanaelcaesar9015]

I found Andrea's culture shock to be very interesting! It's amazing to think that in other countries, spending money isn't a big focus, or at least the economic system is built so that your money is spent more efficiently.

Glad you found it interesting. In Belgium (where Andrea is from) and in the Netherlands, they also have a focus on spending money. This could be seen during the corona-crisis where lockdown had a huge impact for all kinds of branches, because people were spending relatively less money. So, focus on keeping the economy going has the same philosophy as USA. The difference I would say, is that in America has a more fast-paced environment. Therefore, they spend money on more quick and convenient things.

[@kayflip2233]

I think she was trying to say "if it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down" LMAO

[@alexanderhungerford8246]

For Americans just viewing this, the video is referring to San Angelo, Texas -- not ASU, or UCLA. Probably a more fascinating video because of the small school though. Someone put work into this. Watch it. Also, save your money, drive less, exercise more, and go visit their countries too.

[@Tbone1492]

Good breakdowns. I found U.S has completely different cultures depending on state's like NY or Wyoming. Some good some bad..Thanks 🙏

[@robcog1451]

ALL toilets manufactured and installed since 1992 have been low flow by FedEral law. “Under federal law enacted in 1992, low-flow toilets became standard. But the California law is believed to be unique in requiring them in virtually all structures.” There’s not dual choices because it’s ALL low flow. Some of the “shock” is just not having the information or an understanding of the culture. For instance, those huge serving sizes don’t come with a rule that you must eat all of it. I love having another meal at home from my left overs.

Thank you so much for your insights!

[@kdrapertrucker]

Yes, but most toilets in the U.S. compensate for low flow by increasing pressure. It's the toilets that do not have a high pressure flush that have problems.

[@johnwjr7]

How did this thing start that you HAVE TO tip wait staff? I really don't care how much money they get paid. If they do a good job, they get a tip. If they don't, then they don't. It's not my responsibility to make sure they get more money. I've got a family to take care of and that is what I concentrate on. If you are wait staff, that's cool. It's a job I could never do. If you want a tip (at least from me and others I know) then do a good job and you'll get a good one.

[@bhiromburanakul7891]

Small talk is the general culture and is more or less in different parts of the country, and it is cultural. It is customary in the US to occasionally engage in small talk because Americans for the most part are very casual with one another. They don't see themselves on different levels as in Asia, for instance. Even young people (good or bad) see themselves as equal to an older person. However, it does serve many purposes. One is that it is a way to gauge how a person conducts himself. It can also be a good way to ask about things that are going on in the community and get onto subjects that are interesting. Americans in general are very open (not everyone of course) and feel like they have little to hide from others. Plus, this is a good way to improve conversational skills, brighten someone's day, and truly connect with another person. One of the favorite things I like to do when I travel across the US is to simply engage in conversation with people everywhere I go. You can learn a lot and be entertained at the same time!

[@ChrisHolman]

Each region of the US has a unique culture.

[@morgan97475]

Tipping.....in the US, we are not required to tip the servers. Hence, severs are often very attentive to the customers which equals a tip. If they are attentive as well as pleasant, my wife & I will leave a fairly decent tip....$15 dollar tip on a $30 meal for example.

[@user-po3ev7is5w]

Sucks that people in Europe have to walk rather than drive because the gov't wants to control their movement by making energy so expensive.

[@deedonnerramone4757]

What a beautiful accent. Your English is like a stack of Poffertjes, topped with butter and sugar! Yum.

[@NurseEmilie]

It would be interesting to know where these young people are from. Most of them don't say.

It's stated in the description 💪

[@maakhina4595]

The US is way too big for public transportation.

[@doratiscareno5856]

Then go home "🇺🇸"...

[@PlanetDashing]

I didn’t like what that vitanmese girl Emily said about Americans having a meaningless conversation and not caring as if we were bad people. We ask how are you beacuse we are caring people and if that stranger were to share more about there life we as Americans would stand there and talk. She's got it all wrong.

[@stn7172]

2:05 lol

[@CatherineHa]

I'm so glad I'm not alone. I came across your video and was so happy. I'm from Vietnam. I agree with all the culture shocks, from the food, the "how are you" superficial greeting and the work, work, work mentality in America. I miss my home country. Hopefully I can go back soon to visit family! America can get a little too much sometimes.

Thank you for your response. Haha I. believe we all need to adjust to new cultures. However, after being in Texas after 4 years; it does feel like my second home! I came across precious people who made my time in the USA unforgettable.

[@terrifictomm]

Yes. America can be very too much. Even for us. If you get a chance, it can be hard to find, visit rural America. It's where all the Americans who don't want to live the crazy urban American lifestyle everyone thinks is so all-American choose to live.

[@sincityspy702]

I find it weird when someone comes to America, they think we are weird just because we smile at you or just say hi because we are random strangers. That is not weird we say "HI" with a smile to say HI, as a form of greeting. It's simple and polite nothing rude then you move on and keep doing what you are doing you dont half to stay and keep talking. We are just being polite and being decent people. By saying Hi or just smiling at someone as you pass them on the street or in a store it's a form of greeting it's the American way. We Americans are taught at a young age to be respectful give respect and you will get respect. Never to be Rude just to be Rude unless someone warranted that rude response. We are also taught not to let anyone take advantage of you. We will smile at you, we will help random stranger with caution of course, Americans are taught to be decent people. You are taught to smile open the door for a woman and to help someone if needed. But to also use "commons sense". Americans are not taught to walk around with a chip on their shoulder to be rude to everyone" But there are a few who will do that" dont get me wrong. But you will most likely be Checked by either some random person who will not put up with your attitude or by a family member. ALL most All Americans are definitely not Superficial. We are decent folk with manners except the few who are just straight up assholes lol we got them we call the KARENS. Those are the Superficial ones who think the world evolves around them lol.

[@bhiromburanakul7891]

People should understand that the superficial greeting is for the purpose of acknowledging another person but is the entryway for deeper interactions as well. The superficial greeting HAS TO BE superficial because strangers do not know one another. Once you are immersed, you will come to like the culture as being quite unique the world over. Most places on earth are not like America.

[@Tbone1492]

Really I find this strange. We think Americans don't have enough engagement, In Brazil people are even more conversational with strangers

[@christophermarrero9766]

your audio is difficult to hear on the last German girl speaking

[@sincityspy702]

I find it weird when someone comes to America, they think we are weird just because we smile at you or just say hi because we are random strangers. That is not weird we say "HI" with a smile to say HI, as a form of greeting. It's simple and polite nothing rude then you move on and keep doing what you are doing you dont half to stay and keep talking. We are just being polite and being decent people. By saying Hi or just smiling at someone as you pass them on the street or in a store it's a form of greeting it's the American way. We Americans are taught at a young age to be respectful give respect and you will get respect. Never to be Rude just to be Rude unless someone warranted that rude response. We are also taught not to let anyone take advantage of you. We will smile at you, we will help random stranger with caution of course, Americans are taught to be decent people. You are taught to smile open the door for a woman and to help someone if needed. But to also use "commons sense". Americans are not taught to walk around with a chip on their shoulder to be rude to everyone" But there are a few who will do that" dont get me wrong. But you will most likely be Checked by either some random person who will not put up with your attitude or by a family member. ALL most All Americans are definitely not Superficial. We are decent folk with manners except the few who are just straight up assholes lol we got them we call the KARENS. Those are the Superficial ones who think the world evolves around them lol.

[@bhiromburanakul7891]

It is weird to most of the planet. Because of this, I truly believe that this kind of interaction in America is very exceptional. It is very unusual the world over. No matter you go to Europe or Asia, you do not get this kind of small talk because people simply trust each other less while at the same time have more of a tendency to be more private. There are people who will say "How are you?" but not wait for an answer, but this is less common. I think that it is a customary greeting but it does make it easier for another person to interact with strangers.

[@jgordon5408]

Hmmmm....so all this time I just thought Europeans were just rude. Guess we are for actually being friendly. Who woulda thunk it.

[@olyvoyl9382]

Same old gripes. Who gives a hoot?

[@aboutthat1440]

You commented. So it's safe to say you cared enough to click on the video and watch the video. I can say most of the differences are well known if you watch enough of these videos or travel yourself. I only get annoyed when some of this stuff is easily explained by simply stepping back and thinking. Most of it is trivial also. Stop watching videos that seem to get you worked up.

[@udaynj]

University students.....this is not the US. You are generalizing a university students experience into an American thing. Not right at all

[@lindaostrom570]

public transportaton in the us is not very universal or well developed. and europe is small.

[@Estusstew]

God I’d love to live in the Netherlands. No way would I leave there to come here to America, especially these days.

[@deltafour1212]

Good!

[@BlowmeRoger]

Is religious stuff everywhere? Thats stuff I try to avoid and would worry me the most about America.

[@olyvoyl9382]

Nobody is going to try to persuade you to leave your religion and join theirs. We live and let live.

[@jgordon5408]

.....unless you mean parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, or the scientologists in California, nope. Everyone else here pretty much keeps to their own as far as religion goes.

[@amoore2165]

No there is not religious stuff everywhere (from Michigan and been around the country a fair amount)…pretty much nowhere really unless you go to a religious place like a religion store or a church.

[@saratemp790]

No. There are many religions here in US, or denominations anyway, and so to avoid conflict, people are trained not to bring up religion in public. As they say, don't talk about religion or politics. So actually, I had some very religious friends, and even "I" didn't know about that, for years, because they kept it hidden.

[@terrifictomm]

Just for context here. These are international students coming to America to attend an American University. The average American University is as FAR from normal American life as you can get and still be on the same continent. NOTHING at an American University is normal; nor, some might argue, especially American. I exaggerate. Sort of. You are seeing the the lives of the Children of Privilege. I don't say that to hate on them, but to point out that they are like exotic animals you might see in a zoo because they can no longer exist in the wild having lost their ability to survive on their own. In their university zoo they are pampered and coddled and protected from the harsh reality which every normal, strong, and healthy animal, abundant in the wild, must endure in order to grow normal, strong, and healthy. When they leave their university zoo, after learning nothing useful for survival, they will either continue their pampered existence, protected by their parents and their parents' money. Or they will struggle for survival for the first time in their privileged lives. Some will. Many won't. Zoe, you found some very nice people to interview. I wish them well. P.S. I see from the comments these students are in San Angelo, TX. That would most likely cast a different light on my comment. Small universities can be much different from their big city counterparts. I've lived in several big university cities as well as just down the street from an Ivy League campus. My perspective was based on my experiences with the students attending those schools. Every point of view is a point of blindness.

[@ibrahimfulat4823]

wow but You appeared very rarely in the video.😏

I thought it would be interesting to hear other's international experiences as well. My own culture shock, can be found here: zoetennis.jimdofree.com/cultureshockusa/ 😇😉

[@NurseEmilie]

You don't have to tip in the US. No one is going to say anything to you if you don't.

[@bhiromburanakul7891]

True. It is not a requirement, but it is a custom.

[@vkushima1957]

Buh bye 👋🏻

[@joeluang8695]

In the US, walking, cycling and public transportation is reserved for the profane. Our God is our V8 automobiles. Every state sets their own minimum wage salary but I know for certain no job in any State pays $2/hr.

[@Sora_Nai]

Yes I was a waiter our base pay was 2$ plus tip if you didn’t make enough to make at least 7.25 an hour from tips and 2 per hr then the restaurant pays the difference to make it 7.25 an hr. Though if that happened say 2 or 3 times then they fire you.

[@terrifictomm]

@@Sora_Nai How's long ago was this? What state?

[@amoore2165]

Never been a waiter but pretty sure they do have their own special wage structure that is $2/hr.

[@Rxnextgenradio]

Ppl are just trying to survive out here in the US. We broke cause of capitalism

[@AztlanViva]

And what system would be preferable to entrepreneurial free enterprise capitalism?

[@Sora_Nai]

Your not broke because of capitalism your broke because you spend more then what you make. If you save 50% at minimum of what you make then you would be good. Capitalism is the reason of your quality of life, as well as all technological advances, your freedom of choice, capitalism is the reason for most modern human innovations.

[@AztlanViva]

@@Sora_Nai I'll bet my eye teeth those who denigrate free enterprise, entrepreneurship & capitalism have never even visited a 2nd or 3rd world country, let alone lived in one. They'd be the first to holler loudest if electricity service was intermittent, gas was limited per purchase, or if their preferred toilet was no longer available. Spoiled & coddled babies. You said it best my friend. Wish I could've been as to the point.

[@terrifictomm]

Please don't say such stupid, stupid things to non-Americans on KZbin. You embarrass yourself and the rest of us. Name the system that's better for reducing poverty and producing the most widespread prosperity. Then move there. You'll be much happier. So will we.

[@stn7172]

Lol projection much?