Hello, Lemmy,

I’m a US citizen, and I’ve lived in the US for my entire life. Due to recent political changes, I’m interested in living in Europe. There are some things I like about living in the US, and some things I dislike. I want to know how life in Europe compares to my experience.

Things I like:

  • Independent life style
  • People are friendlier in the US (or so I’ve heard from European friends)

Things I dislike:

  • Car dependence (I hate the US auto industry)
  • Lack of social policies that distribute wealth and decommodification of necessities (health care, public transit, pharmaceuticals, food, etc.)
  • Lack of climate friendly policies
  • Credentials are locked behind a huge pricetag for education
  • Recent anti-intellectualism
  • Mostly a lot of political things

If you have questions for me, just ask! Literally any details you can share about life are helpful, even down the the miniscule day-to-day goings on!

Thanks in advance!

  • xmunk
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    7 days ago

    People in Europe are absolutely more welcoming. While living in Spain it was much easier to find social groups - philosophy clubs and board gamers are all over the place and usually end up meeting in public cafes which can make things much more comfortable if you’re still new to the language and area and aren’t comfortable going to a stranger’s home.

    I’d also say there is a contrast between going in speaking English vs a local tongue. As my Catalan has gotten less shitty I’ve been more willing to default to it and people do really appreciate you learning the local language and will go out of their way to help you improve instead of giving you a cold shoulder. It’s important to be aware of the area you’re going to though, in Catalunya you’ll get a warmer reception speaking broken Catalan or Spanish or fluent English then you would speaking fluent Spanish - especially if you have a capital accent. When I’ve been to the Basque region Spanish or French is an easy way to have a waiter refuse to serve you.

    Study up on the local region and traditions, you’re a guest and it’s appropriate to invest your own time into trying to adapt before expecting grace from others.

    • Corvulus MortiOP
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      7 days ago

      Thanks for the insight! I like to learn languages, so learning the local language is definitely part of my plan. It’s nice to hear that if I try to speak with someone in their local language, they’ll be receptive!