What Americans Sound Like Overseas (And How to Not Be That Person)
Let’s get one thing out of the way: yes, people abroad can spot you coming from a mile away. You thought you were subtle? Adorable. You’re not subtle. You’re a walking 4th of July parade with sneakers and loud confidence.
But hey, this isn't a roast. It’s a survival guide. Because if you’re going to live or even just linger abroad, you might as well do it without being that American.
Lower Your Volume. Yes, You.
You don’t notice it at home because you’re surrounded by fellow megaphones. But overseas? You sound like you're announcing your lunch order to a football stadium. It’s not your fault. It’s the culture. But now that you know, do the world a favor: whisper like it’s a secret.
Tone Down the Optimism.
No one is asking you to be a brooding existentialist, but when you say “OMG I love it here!” for the sixth time in an hour, people think either you’re lying or you’ve never traveled before. Enthusiasm is good. Excessive gushing? That’s just American cringe seasoning.
Stop Comparing Everything to the U.S.
We get it. Back home, the coffee is bigger, the roads are wider, and people tip for blinking. But you moved for a reason, right? So let go of the constant commentary. This isn’t Yelp. Just live. Observe. Absorb. Evolve.
Learn the Vibes.
Every place has a rhythm. A tempo. A nonverbal social song. Americans often stomp on that like a toddler on a piano. Take time to watch how people interact—how long they make eye contact, how close they stand, how they joke. Then mimic it like the competent cultural chameleon you could be.
Embrace the Silence.
Silence abroad isn’t awkward. It’s respectful. It's bliss. You don't have to fill every second with commentary. Let conversations breathe. Let moments land. You’re not on a podcast.
In Conclusion, Be Chill.
Moving abroad is brave. It’s wild. And yes, it’s exciting. But if you want to be more than just a passport with opinions, you’ve got to learn how to blend without disappearing. Be curious, not loud. Be adaptable, not apologetic. And for the love of all things espresso, leave the baseball cap at home.
