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My American wife has live here in London for sixteen years and, if anything, finds people are fascinated by her and she makes friends very easily. In fact I can only remember one time she faced any kind of hostility which was from a very drunk guy on a bus who tried to blame her for US foreign policy. She just rolled her eyes and told him where to go...
You'll be fine if you go in with an open mind.
You also need to develop a thicker skin and an ability to recognise banter as opposed to abuse.
Taking the **** out of someone is almost an expression of endearment in the UK and Americans sometimes take a while to acclimatise to it.
Americans like to generalise that Brits have bad teeth,don't wash very often and have poor cuisine.
So don't be surprised if Brits generalise about fat,stupid Yanks who say awesome and high-five each other every other sentence.
Used to be that a lot of them wanted to leave England and some even wanted to come here--I think I straightened a few out on that count. To me, the USA sucks in many ways. This last trip, people seemed more prosperous (just my impression and it could be naive) and content. But some still believe that they should live in Las Vegas or Miami or some other place that is touristy and not the normal type of place Americans live. They believe what they see on tv.
I've come across this in the past, too. But now, it seems the Brits are more aware that if they WERE to emigrate to the US/Canada, they'd be getting far less vacation time than they're used to by living in the UK/Europe. I've met Brits who will immediately ask if it's true that 2 weeks of vacation time is the standard in "America." When we tell them "yes," they look dumbfounded.
Location: Northern Ireland and temporarily England
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I would have a nervous breakdown if I only had two weeks holiday. My holidays away are at least 3 weeks, they have been known to go as long as 6 weeks!
I need family time alongside that, 2 weeks is an abomination.
I've come across this in the past, too. But now, it seems the Brits are more aware that if they WERE to emigrate to the US/Canada, they'd be getting far less vacation time than they're used to by living in the UK/Europe. I've met Brits who will immediately ask if it's true that 2 weeks of vacation time is the standard in "America." When we tell them "yes," they look dumbfounded.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sickandtiredofthis
I would have a nervous breakdown if I only had two weeks holiday. My holidays away are at least 3 weeks, they have been known to go as long as 6 weeks!
I need family time alongside that, 2 weeks is an abomination.
I would never live in the US/Canada, purely because of the lack of leave.
I currently get 30 days paid leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and I get every other Friday off too. I essentially get 60+ days paid leave.
I would never live in the US/Canada, purely because of the lack of leave.
I currently get 30 days paid leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and I get every other Friday off too. I essentially get 60+ days paid leave.
I'd still like more time off too!
That is a lot even for the UK. The US is terrible for time off - the average is 3 weeks but it is changing. I work for a company where we can take whatever off so long as we get our work done, plus the work environment is a little more chilled than the companies I worked for in the UK. I'll probably take 25 days this year plus Christmas and thanksgiving.
I would have a nervous breakdown if I only had two weeks holiday. My holidays away are at least 3 weeks, they have been known to go as long as 6 weeks!
I need family time alongside that, 2 weeks is an abomination.
You are a student! You have about 12 weeks of holiday.
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or Miami or some other place that is touristy and not the normal type of place Americans live. They believe what they see on tv.
