Being an American, would it be hard to fit in, in England?

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david f

Listen love, where I live in London most people can't even speak English. You'd be welcome. It would be nice to see someone who isn't Polish, Somali or Turkish.

Josie826

It shouldn't be. Just don't act like an "arrogant, know it all, we are better than everyone else" American and you should get along great. I have been told that the English are wonderful people.

allgiggles1984

nope, all kinds of cultures and religions in England

Aoqua

You will find that some groups accept you easily whereas some won't. To be honest we English can be a cliquey bunch. Some English people find that when they move to a new town that they're not well accepted. Also, England is very class-conscious, and as an American you'll be seen as outside the class structure and so will probably be judged on your job or attitude.

This all makes us sound horrible, but in fact you will probably be fine. It is worth pointing out that there are differences between English habits and American habits though, and you should be aware of a few things:

* Even though English girls have an appallingly high rate of teenage pregnancies, a certain amount of coyness about sex is normally expected from women. American girls often seem a little bit forward to us English. It's not a real problem, but best to bear in mind till you've settled in.
* Americans are often quite keen to point out their achievements. This is fair enough because your country is more overtly competitive than ours. However, it is culturally normal for us English to play down our own achievements. Bragging sounds like..., well..., bragging. Having said that we seem to specialize in a cunning form of bragging, which is to tell someone about our achievements, but to then belittle them. It's dishonest, but it is the English way of bragging. e.g. "Yeah, I opened my own multi-million pound chain of restaurants, but to be honest it's a nightmare and I wish I hadn't done it".
* Finally, never pull the "Hey, I'm an American. I expect good service." card. No-one will think you deserve anything just for being American.

The English are notoriously wierd socially. It's what comedies like Four Weddings are built upon. You could read the book Watching the English by Kate Fox for a deep analysis of quite how f*cked-up we are.

Basically though, be a bit modest and friendly and you'll be fine. And be aware that there's a slightly anti-American undercurrent in liberal intellectual circles (but then there's an anti-American undercurrent in American liberal circles from what I've seen).

Good luck.

charterman

The English are a very tolerant race. There are so many historical university towns in England with people from all over the world.

If you like history, culture, wandering down funny little cobbled streets with buildings going back 800 years, you'll love England.

B rob

No problem come on over be warned we do have our share of fools but you could learn some common sense.You will have great fun in college
I have been to many places in the world i find you get on best if you are just yourself that way you can relax and others around you tend to be more relaxed.

johnb693

I don't think you will have any problem, settling in the UK.
You will be like me, when I came to the US, it is very different, and you may have trouble at first, understanding some of the local accents.
I did too, when I went to England from Scotland, but that's part of the charm.
We Brits do like you Yanks, so you shouldn't have any major problems, and will enjoy your time there.
Just be open, and go with the flow.
Good Luck if you do, decide to go, I'm sure you won't regret it. If you supported Bush, though, I'd keep that a secret, like here, he's not that popular over there, either.

Lily B Talus

Don't be flashy, don't go on about how much better everything is in the U.S., if you get invited to dinner don't take mammoth portions, bring lots of money.

cumbrian traveller

Why should it be hard to fit in ? We English are a very welcoming bunch of people and we have no problems with the Americans.England is a great place to live, fair enough it is very expensive but i would`nt want to live anywhere else.Just act yourself and blend in to the English way of life and you will be just fine,

SkinAnInk

I wouldn't think you will find it difficult,but be prepared for foul language used in everyday conversations though as we swear like troopers and look out for differences in descriptive terminology...
If for instance you say I need to sit down and rest my fanny,you will get a weird look as that is a woman's private parts over here lol
We don't do bragging or flag waving or emotional teary weeping or whooping at cinemas,we drink ,we fight ,we complain and we hold grudges,apart from that were fine,especially us yorkshire folk...

â™¥ gÓ˜m''gÓ˜m â™¥

You'll be fine.. to confirm this come over for a visit first.

MICHAEL S

Hi ,the easy answer to your question is " No ".Most Americans would fit in and be welcomed into British culture with welcome hands and warmth.We basically have the same moral standings and are very much alike in many ways.
Of course you will notice a big difference in life style here but that would apply to most countries foreign to you.I went to America a few years ago and the two biggest differences i found was ,a) the size of meals,(wow the portions in a America are ginormous lol ,b) The weather,(Be prepared for loads of rain here.)Good luck.

â™¥fallen angelâ™¥

maybe... i think it depends where abouts in england you move to really! i think you would find it abit strange at first but would soon get used to it!

how old are? cause there isnt many young people interested in pollitics and that anyways.... so i dont think that will matter lol!

x

maxiumus

how many americans are there living in england

martha

i am an american who got to live in london for a year.

read rick steve's "ugly american" archives for what not to do.

my pointers: change your way of dress immediately to how they dress there. our manner of dressing will make you a target and you will look like a tourist. When i was in london, i wore a lot of black. the women are either exquisitely coiffed or wear sloppy ponytails. a good haircut is a must. they don't wear much makeup.

they don't like chit chat and if you talk to strangers they will react like you are a crazy homeless bum.

don't block the sidewalk (pavement)- get out of the way to look at the map or look in shop windows. you will cause people to bump into you and it makes them angry.

if you really want to piss people off , block the escalators on the underground. STAND RIGHT.

be aware that there are cameras staring at you everywhere and the country is uncomfortably socialist.

be aware that while americans think they are the heroes of WWII, the british are still very angry that we didn't come sooner. a total perspective change.

there are class distinctions. the truly upper class will look right through you as if you weren't there (it's rather creepy).

lower your voice. i used to sit and play "who is the american tourist" by the loudness of the voice and the tennis shoes.

you will fit in quite well. just be yourself, keep a low profile and blend in.

Ray'sBack

I live there off and on Best not to talk history If you believe in God keep it to yourself If you support Mr Bush KEEP that to yourself If Obama does not make Tell them you supported him Talk about how great their heath care is and you are big fan of M Moore

Angel

The English are wonderful people, you will be fine,

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