The Challenges of Being an American Living Abroad

Some Americans when they travel slap a Some Americans when they travel slap a maple leaf on their bag so nobody knows maple leaf on their bag so nobody knows maple leaf on their bag so nobody knows where they're actually from. I think where they're actually from. I think where they're actually from. I think that's a little ridiculous. Not because that's a little ridiculous. Not because that's a little ridiculous. Not because I think America's perfect, it's not, no I think America's perfect, it's not, no I think America's perfect, it's not, no country is, but because hiding where country is, but because hiding where country is, but because hiding where you're from isn't humility, it's just you're from isn't humility, it's just you're from isn't humility, it's just avoidance. avoidance. avoidance. >> So today we want to talk about what it >> So today we want to talk about what it >> So today we want to talk about what it actually means to be an American abroad. actually means to be an American abroad. actually means to be an American abroad. Not the tourist version, the version Not the tourist version, the version Not the tourist version, the version where you actually live somewhere else. where you actually live somewhere else. where you actually live somewhere else. >> By the way, my name's Josh and this is >> By the way, my name's Josh and this is >> By the way, my name's Josh and this is Kailee and we've been living outside the Kailee and we've been living outside the Kailee and we've been living outside the US since 2009. Now why we left the US US since 2009. Now why we left the US US since 2009. Now why we left the US wasn't rejection. We really just wanted wasn't rejection. We really just wanted wasn't rejection. We really just wanted an international experience. We wanted an international experience. We wanted an international experience. We wanted the adventure of living abroad for some the adventure of living abroad for some the adventure of living abroad for some time. time. time. >> We love America and we loved the life >> We love America and we loved the life >> We love America and we loved the life that we had there, but we were just that we had there, but we were just that we had there, but we were just looking for something else. And of looking for something else. And of looking for something else. And of course when we met, we just started course when we met, we just started course when we met, we just started dating and we said let's do this dating and we said let's do this dating and we said let's do this together. So we had someone else who was together. So we had someone else who was together. So we had someone else who was seeking the adventure, we could go with seeking the adventure, we could go with seeking the adventure, we could go with someone and then just figure out what we someone and then just figure out what we someone and then just figure out what we wanted to do. And honestly, the plan was wanted to do. And honestly, the plan was wanted to do. And honestly, the plan was just to do this for about five years or just to do this for about five years or just to do this for about five years or like the Brits do a gap year, like just like the Brits do a gap year, like just like the Brits do a gap year, like just doing something different and then going doing something different and then going doing something different and then going back and getting a real job. Now back and getting a real job. Now back and getting a real job. Now obviously, after we explored the world, obviously, after we explored the world, obviously, after we explored the world, we're like, well, we can make this our we're like, well, we can make this our we're like, well, we can make this our lives.

lives. lives. >> Yeah, we absolutely fell in love with >> Yeah, we absolutely fell in love with >> Yeah, we absolutely fell in love with the idea of living abroad and not just the idea of living abroad and not just the idea of living abroad and not just the idea, but actually doing it. The the idea, but actually doing it. The the idea, but actually doing it. The tension that exists whenever you live tension that exists whenever you live tension that exists whenever you live abroad. Sometimes that tension can boil abroad. Sometimes that tension can boil abroad. Sometimes that tension can boil over, but overall, that tension for us over, but overall, that tension for us over, but overall, that tension for us is living. is living. is living. >> So it was never about we have to leave >> So it was never about we have to leave >> So it was never about we have to leave the US or we want to leave the US the US or we want to leave the US the US or we want to leave the US because XYZ because there was a problem because XYZ because there was a problem because XYZ because there was a problem with being American or the US. It's just with being American or the US. It's just with being American or the US. It's just we were looking for something fun and we were looking for something fun and we were looking for something fun and different and new to do. different and new to do. different and new to do. >> Now we need to draw your attention to >> Now we need to draw your attention to >> Now we need to draw your attention to something that we've noticed while something that we've noticed while something that we've noticed while living abroad and again, we're coming up living abroad and again, we're coming up living abroad and again, we're coming up really on 17 years abroad. There's a really on 17 years abroad. There's a really on 17 years abroad. There's a clear difference between tourists and clear difference between tourists and clear difference between tourists and residents that are Americans in places. residents that are Americans in places. residents that are Americans in places. >> Yeah, of course traveling is very >> Yeah, of course traveling is very >> Yeah, of course traveling is very different. Even when we see it around different. Even when we see it around different. Even when we see it around every place we've lived, you can tell a every place we've lived, you can tell a every place we've lived, you can tell a tourist no matter where they're from tourist no matter where they're from tourist no matter where they're from just because of the wonder and the I just because of the wonder and the I just because of the wonder and the I always say like the brain almost turns always say like the brain almost turns always say like the brain almost turns to mush when you're traveling. Like you to mush when you're traveling. Like you to mush when you're traveling. Like you forget like the common courtesy type forget like the common courtesy type forget like the common courtesy type things. Like you'll just be walking and things. Like you'll just be walking and things. Like you'll just be walking and then stop, you know, or you'll be then stop, you know, or you'll be then stop, you know, or you'll be walking and you'll look look up. And I walking and you'll look look up. And I walking and you'll look look up. And I mean, these types of things are amazing mean, these types of things are amazing mean, these types of things are amazing when you're a tourist, but if you are a when you're a tourist, but if you are a when you're a tourist, but if you are a local or someone who lives there, you local or someone who lives there, you local or someone who lives there, you can find these things annoying. So, you can find these things annoying. So, you can find these things annoying. So, you obviously behave very differently as a obviously behave very differently as a obviously behave very differently as a tourist compared to someone who moves tourist compared to someone who moves tourist compared to someone who moves abroad and lives abroad.

abroad and lives abroad. abroad and lives abroad. >> And some of the tourist habits that >> And some of the tourist habits that >> And some of the tourist habits that Americans have versus those of us that Americans have versus those of us that Americans have versus those of us that live in a certain place can certainly live in a certain place can certainly live in a certain place can certainly frustrate the local communities. frustrate the local communities. frustrate the local communities. >> Yeah, it's not really fair to just slap >> Yeah, it's not really fair to just slap >> Yeah, it's not really fair to just slap that label on all Americans are loud that label on all Americans are loud that label on all Americans are loud Americans, for example. Because maybe Americans, for example. Because maybe Americans, for example. Because maybe when you're traveling and you're excited when you're traveling and you're excited when you're traveling and you're excited and you're drinking a little too much or and you're drinking a little too much or and you're drinking a little too much or just enjoying yourself because you're on just enjoying yourself because you're on just enjoying yourself because you're on vacation, you end up being a little vacation, you end up being a little vacation, you end up being a little louder. And that could be really with louder. And that could be really with louder. And that could be really with any culture. But when you actually live any culture. But when you actually live any culture. But when you actually live in a place, you might be naturally loud. in a place, you might be naturally loud. in a place, you might be naturally loud. I'm kind of a loud person or I speak I'm kind of a loud person or I speak I'm kind of a loud person or I speak fast, for example. But you kind of fast, for example. But you kind of fast, for example. But you kind of become your own self like this is how I become your own self like this is how I become your own self like this is how I lived. I've moved here. I live here. So, lived. I've moved here. I live here. So, lived. I've moved here. I live here. So, you don't necessarily have those more you don't necessarily have those more you don't necessarily have those more erratic type behaviors that you do maybe erratic type behaviors that you do maybe erratic type behaviors that you do maybe when you're a tourist. when you're a tourist. when you're a tourist. >> Let's talk about some of the >> Let's talk about some of the >> Let's talk about some of the expectations I think that definitely expectations I think that definitely expectations I think that definitely Europeans have towards Americans that Europeans have towards Americans that Europeans have towards Americans that are here and Americans might have are here and Americans might have are here and Americans might have towards Europeans when they're visiting towards Europeans when they're visiting towards Europeans when they're visiting Europe or living in Europe. I think that Europe or living in Europe. I think that Europe or living in Europe. I think that there's this misconception that all there's this misconception that all there's this misconception that all Americans expect people to speak Americans expect people to speak Americans expect people to speak English. English. English. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I guess I had to think about that. I >> I guess I had to think about that. I >> I guess I had to think about that. I think it's also there is that think it's also there is that think it's also there is that misconception, but it also is a little misconception, but it also is a little misconception, but it also is a little bit tricky because on the flip side, I bit tricky because on the flip side, I bit tricky because on the flip side, I think of a lot of Europeans they say, think of a lot of Europeans they say, think of a lot of Europeans they say, "Oh, Americans only know how to speak "Oh, Americans only know how to speak "Oh, Americans only know how to speak English." And a little bit of the English." And a little bit of the English." And a little bit of the disadvantage I would say is because disadvantage I would say is because disadvantage I would say is because Europe is so close with smaller Europe is so close with smaller Europe is so close with smaller countries that border lots of other countries that border lots of other countries that border lots of other countries with different languages, countries with different languages, countries with different languages, they're exposed to a lot of languages.

they're exposed to a lot of languages. they're exposed to a lot of languages. Not just through media or anything, but Not just through media or anything, but Not just through media or anything, but actually people who move across the actually people who move across the actually people who move across the border, who can freely move across the border, who can freely move across the border, who can freely move across the border, live, integrate, have their border, live, integrate, have their border, live, integrate, have their language, and then maybe they marry and language, and then maybe they marry and language, and then maybe they marry and they have kids. And so, they're exposed they have kids. And so, they're exposed they have kids. And so, they're exposed to a lot of different languages as to a lot of different languages as to a lot of different languages as opposed to the United States being such opposed to the United States being such opposed to the United States being such a large country. And yes, a lot of a large country. And yes, a lot of a large country. And yes, a lot of immigrants moved to the US and we do immigrants moved to the US and we do immigrants moved to the US and we do have a lot of languages. If you're in have a lot of languages. If you're in have a lot of languages. If you're in one state, you're not necessarily going one state, you're not necessarily going one state, you're not necessarily going to be exposed to many different to be exposed to many different to be exposed to many different languages that surround you because the languages that surround you because the languages that surround you because the language is English. So, I think that language is English. So, I think that language is English. So, I think that the exposure is one thing that's kind of the exposure is one thing that's kind of the exposure is one thing that's kind of tricky though on the flip side. tricky though on the flip side. tricky though on the flip side. >> Yeah, another funny one for me is the >> Yeah, another funny one for me is the >> Yeah, another funny one for me is the currency conversion. Because Americans currency conversion. Because Americans currency conversion. Because Americans bring over dollars, or even when we move bring over dollars, or even when we move bring over dollars, or even when we move to a European country, now we're having to a European country, now we're having to a European country, now we're having to think not in terms of dollars, but in to think not in terms of dollars, but in to think not in terms of dollars, but in euros. And for some people, it can take euros. And for some people, it can take euros. And for some people, it can take a while to adapt to. So, that's a while to adapt to. So, that's a while to adapt to. So, that's something I think that we all need to be something I think that we all need to be something I think that we all need to be aware of, whether we're traveling or aware of, whether we're traveling or aware of, whether we're traveling or living in a European city or country. living in a European city or country. living in a European city or country. You have to remember that there's a You have to remember that there's a You have to remember that there's a completely different currency that's completely different currency that's completely different currency that's happening, and you can't expect people happening, and you can't expect people happening, and you can't expect people to also always know the currency to also always know the currency to also always know the currency conversion uh when you're trying to conversion uh when you're trying to conversion uh when you're trying to purchase something in the local purchase something in the local purchase something in the local currency. Uh it gets a bit silly.

currency. Uh it gets a bit silly. currency. Uh it gets a bit silly. >> Yeah, that's actually one that we see a >> Yeah, that's actually one that we see a >> Yeah, that's actually one that we see a lot. People think that they can just use lot. People think that they can just use lot. People think that they can just use their USD when they come over here, and their USD when they come over here, and their USD when they come over here, and it's like, you are in a different it's like, you are in a different it's like, you are in a different country. So, that's just not even making country. So, that's just not even making country. So, that's just not even making sense that you would do that. So, yeah, sense that you would do that. So, yeah, sense that you would do that. So, yeah, definitely keeping that one in mind. definitely keeping that one in mind. definitely keeping that one in mind. >> I think it's because uh some places in >> I think it's because uh some places in >> I think it's because uh some places in Latin America will accept US dollars. Uh Latin America will accept US dollars. Uh Latin America will accept US dollars. Uh and then so there's this expectation and then so there's this expectation and then so there's this expectation from those kind of travelers that have from those kind of travelers that have from those kind of travelers that have that experience, have done it before. that experience, have done it before. that experience, have done it before. They're like, "Doesn't everywhere do They're like, "Doesn't everywhere do They're like, "Doesn't everywhere do this?" this?" this?" >> Or like resorts as well. Like on like in >> Or like resorts as well. Like on like in >> Or like resorts as well. Like on like in Caribbean islands or something that you Caribbean islands or something that you Caribbean islands or something that you can use the USD. But obviously when you can use the USD. But obviously when you can use the USD. But obviously when you move somewhere, then you do need to be move somewhere, then you do need to be move somewhere, then you do need to be aware of what the exchange is. If you're aware of what the exchange is. If you're aware of what the exchange is. If you're making USD, whether it's a retirement or making USD, whether it's a retirement or making USD, whether it's a retirement or your job, and that's the currency you're your job, and that's the currency you're your job, and that's the currency you're making it in, you do need to be mindful making it in, you do need to be mindful making it in, you do need to be mindful about when you're over in Europe that about when you're over in Europe that about when you're over in Europe that you are spending euros. So, what is that you are spending euros. So, what is that you are spending euros. So, what is that exchange? How are you exchanging it to exchange? How are you exchanging it to exchange? How are you exchanging it to make sure that you're not getting make sure that you're not getting make sure that you're not getting yourself in a you know, like losing a yourself in a you know, like losing a yourself in a you know, like losing a lot of money just on the exchange and so lot of money just on the exchange and so lot of money just on the exchange and so on. So, that is also different from, you on. So, that is also different from, you on. So, that is also different from, you know, tourism and living. know, tourism and living. know, tourism and living. >> Yeah, and sorry not sorry for this next >> Yeah, and sorry not sorry for this next >> Yeah, and sorry not sorry for this next one, but dealing in Fahrenheit and one, but dealing in Fahrenheit and one, but dealing in Fahrenheit and Celsius. We talk in Fahrenheit, like it Celsius. We talk in Fahrenheit, like it Celsius. We talk in Fahrenheit, like it is how we think of temperatures, is how we think of temperatures, is how we think of temperatures, especially how temperatures relate to especially how temperatures relate to especially how temperatures relate to our bodies. As we've gone through like our bodies. As we've gone through like our bodies. As we've gone through like the school system and like growing up as the school system and like growing up as the school system and like growing up as kids, we talk about it in Fahrenheit.

kids, we talk about it in Fahrenheit. kids, we talk about it in Fahrenheit. So, making that switch over to Celsius, So, making that switch over to Celsius, So, making that switch over to Celsius, it doesn't come naturally. Like, in the it doesn't come naturally. Like, in the it doesn't come naturally. Like, in the end, living here, we're always like end, living here, we're always like end, living here, we're always like trying to make these like micro trying to make these like micro trying to make these like micro calculations. However, when we step calculations. However, when we step calculations. However, when we step outside and we're talking to each other, outside and we're talking to each other, outside and we're talking to each other, it's like it feels like 70° out. And we it's like it feels like 70° out. And we it's like it feels like 70° out. And we know exactly what that means. know exactly what that means. know exactly what that means. >> Yeah, we [clears throat] always speak to >> Yeah, we [clears throat] always speak to >> Yeah, we [clears throat] always speak to each other in Fahrenheit. And I mean, each other in Fahrenheit. And I mean, each other in Fahrenheit. And I mean, okay, we've been abroad since 2009, and okay, we've been abroad since 2009, and okay, we've been abroad since 2009, and a lot of places we actually lived use a lot of places we actually lived use a lot of places we actually lived use Celsius. And for some reason for me, Celsius. And for some reason for me, Celsius. And for some reason for me, like I have a really hard time like I have a really hard time like I have a really hard time remembering it. And it has been a long remembering it. And it has been a long remembering it. And it has been a long time, so it's like something that should time, so it's like something that should time, so it's like something that should become like natural to me, but I still become like natural to me, but I still become like natural to me, but I still in my head have to do a little bit of a in my head have to do a little bit of a in my head have to do a little bit of a conversion, and it's still a ballpark. conversion, and it's still a ballpark. conversion, and it's still a ballpark. It's not I think like kilos and pounds It's not I think like kilos and pounds It's not I think like kilos and pounds are much easier because it's closer to are much easier because it's closer to are much easier because it's closer to like that 2.2, so you can just kind of like that 2.2, so you can just kind of like that 2.2, so you can just kind of say, "Okay, I'm going to double it." or say, "Okay, I'm going to double it." or say, "Okay, I'm going to double it." or "I'm going to divide by two." That one's "I'm going to divide by two." That one's "I'm going to divide by two." That one's a little easier. Whereas the Celsius and a little easier. Whereas the Celsius and a little easier. Whereas the Celsius and Fahrenheit, I think is harder. I know Fahrenheit, I think is harder. I know Fahrenheit, I think is harder. I know you've got the zero and the 32, and you you've got the zero and the 32, and you you've got the zero and the 32, and you just like there's a quick equation you just like there's a quick equation you just like there's a quick equation you can do, but my mind just doesn't work can do, but my mind just doesn't work can do, but my mind just doesn't work that fast. So, I'm always thinking in that fast. So, I'm always thinking in that fast. So, I'm always thinking in Fahrenheit. When we're speaking, like Fahrenheit. When we're speaking, like Fahrenheit. When we're speaking, like you said, it's in Fahrenheit. But when you said, it's in Fahrenheit. But when you said, it's in Fahrenheit. But when you see stuff, you know, posted, it's you see stuff, you know, posted, it's you see stuff, you know, posted, it's Celsius, and I have to do a little Okay, Celsius, and I have to do a little Okay, Celsius, and I have to do a little Okay, it's a ballpark of this, and I have an it's a ballpark of this, and I have an it's a ballpark of this, and I have an idea. But I mean, it's been 17 years, idea. But I mean, it's been 17 years, idea. But I mean, it's been 17 years, and it's still one to me where I'm like, and it's still one to me where I'm like, and it's still one to me where I'm like, I have to think about it.

I have to think about it. I have to think about it. >> The thing I really like about >> The thing I really like about >> The thing I really like about Fahrenheit, actually, like when we're Fahrenheit, actually, like when we're Fahrenheit, actually, like when we're talking about how weather feels to us, talking about how weather feels to us, talking about how weather feels to us, right? At least as Americans, we all right? At least as Americans, we all right? At least as Americans, we all understand if you're talking about understand if you're talking about understand if you're talking about weather or temperature, rather, in 10° weather or temperature, rather, in 10° weather or temperature, rather, in 10° at a time. So, if you're like, it's the at a time. So, if you're like, it's the at a time. So, if you're like, it's the 80s out, it's the 60s out, it's in the 80s out, it's the 60s out, it's in the 80s out, it's the 60s out, it's in the 30s, like we all know what that means. 30s, like we all know what that means. 30s, like we all know what that means. You can't do that in Celsius. No, you You can't do that in Celsius. No, you You can't do that in Celsius. No, you can't do that in Celsius. You can't can't do that in Celsius. You can't can't do that in Celsius. You can't Exactly, you can't say it's the 20° Exactly, you can't say it's the 20° Exactly, you can't say it's the 20° Celsius out right now because that is a Celsius out right now because that is a Celsius out right now because that is a massive, massive difference between massive, massive difference between massive, massive difference between whether something feels kind of warm whether something feels kind of warm whether something feels kind of warm to starting to get hot. to starting to get hot. to starting to get hot. >> Yeah. I want to go back to the language >> Yeah. I want to go back to the language >> Yeah. I want to go back to the language thing just for a minute because I do thing just for a minute because I do thing just for a minute because I do feel [clears throat] like that is talked feel [clears throat] like that is talked feel [clears throat] like that is talked about a lot. So, earlier I was saying, about a lot. So, earlier I was saying, about a lot. So, earlier I was saying, "Okay, Americans don't have as much "Okay, Americans don't have as much "Okay, Americans don't have as much exposure." Now, also I'm saying like exposure." Now, also I'm saying like exposure." Now, also I'm saying like that doesn't mean if you move somewhere that doesn't mean if you move somewhere that doesn't mean if you move somewhere that you shouldn't a language. That's that you shouldn't a language. That's that you shouldn't a language. That's terrible. When you're a tourist it's a terrible. When you're a tourist it's a terrible. When you're a tourist it's a little different and we are as Americans little different and we are as Americans little different and we are as Americans a bit of at a disadvantage in the sense a bit of at a disadvantage in the sense a bit of at a disadvantage in the sense that English is a global language. So that English is a global language. So that English is a global language. So when Americans do travel, they do expect when Americans do travel, they do expect when Americans do travel, they do expect people to speak English. But it's also people to speak English. But it's also people to speak English. But it's also because for example if a Japanese person because for example if a Japanese person because for example if a Japanese person is visiting France and they don't speak is visiting France and they don't speak is visiting France and they don't speak French then they're going to default to French then they're going to default to French then they're going to default to English, probably not Japanese or English, probably not Japanese or English, probably not Japanese or Spanish or something else. They're going Spanish or something else. They're going Spanish or something else. They're going to default to English. So that's why I to default to English. So that's why I to default to English. So that's why I think Americans our school system has think Americans our school system has think Americans our school system has failed a little bit with learning failed a little bit with learning failed a little bit with learning multiple languages. But because English multiple languages. But because English multiple languages. But because English is a global language, then when you go is a global language, then when you go is a global language, then when you go on for tourism, you can most likely on for tourism, you can most likely on for tourism, you can most likely speak English and get by. That being speak English and get by. That being speak English and get by. That being said, again it's different when you said, again it's different when you said, again it's different when you travel and when you live somewhere. When travel and when you live somewhere. When travel and when you live somewhere. When you live somewhere, yes people probably you live somewhere, yes people probably you live somewhere, yes people probably speak English, but it's super super speak English, but it's super super speak English, but it's super super important to learn the language of the important to learn the language of the important to learn the language of the place that you live in because you can

place that you live in because you can place that you live in because you can connect with the locals and the people connect with the locals and the people connect with the locals and the people from that country on a whole different from that country on a whole different from that country on a whole different level. And while it might be difficult, level. And while it might be difficult, level. And while it might be difficult, it might be tricky, you have to keep at it might be tricky, you have to keep at it might be tricky, you have to keep at it, it could be I don't, you know, learn it, it could be I don't, you know, learn it, it could be I don't, you know, learn languages very well and so I don't want languages very well and so I don't want languages very well and so I don't want to sound like an idiot when I try to to sound like an idiot when I try to to sound like an idiot when I try to speak. But a lot of places they do speak. But a lot of places they do speak. But a lot of places they do actually appreciate it. So this is again actually appreciate it. So this is again actually appreciate it. So this is again another difference between traveling and another difference between traveling and another difference between traveling and moving abroad. When you live abroad it's moving abroad. When you live abroad it's moving abroad. When you live abroad it's really really important to learn the really really important to learn the really really important to learn the language of the country that you live language of the country that you live language of the country that you live in. in. in. >> Okay, so that moves us on to a different >> Okay, so that moves us on to a different >> Okay, so that moves us on to a different topic which is very much tied to topic which is very much tied to topic which is very much tied to stereotypes. So many Europeans have this stereotypes. So many Europeans have this stereotypes. So many Europeans have this stereotype of the US and often times stereotype of the US and often times stereotype of the US and often times that's not going to be you. You're not that's not going to be you. You're not that's not going to be you. You're not going to fit that stereotype. They're going to fit that stereotype. They're going to fit that stereotype. They're going to think you're loud, maybe you're going to think you're loud, maybe you're going to think you're loud, maybe you're rich, possibly you're uneducated. Maybe rich, possibly you're uneducated. Maybe rich, possibly you're uneducated. Maybe the one stereotype that doesn't fit is the one stereotype that doesn't fit is the one stereotype that doesn't fit is that you don't own a passport um that you don't own a passport um that you don't own a passport um [laughter] because you've obviously [laughter] because you've obviously [laughter] because you've obviously gotten to the country. Um but although gotten to the country. Um but although gotten to the country. Um but although that is a big stereotype that Americans that is a big stereotype that Americans that is a big stereotype that Americans don't have passports. Statistically it's don't have passports. Statistically it's don't have passports. Statistically it's fairly accurate. This is a tricky one fairly accurate. This is a tricky one fairly accurate. This is a tricky one because you obviously are an individual because you obviously are an individual because you obviously are an individual and you're a different person to all of and you're a different person to all of and you're a different person to all of the stereotypes that exist. I hope that the stereotypes that exist. I hope that the stereotypes that exist. I hope that you are. I know we are. But when you're you are. I know we are. But when you're you are. I know we are. But when you're entering a relationship, not even a entering a relationship, not even a entering a relationship, not even a relationship, but when you're meeting relationship, but when you're meeting relationship, but when you're meeting someone's or making someone's someone's or making someone's someone's or making someone's acquaintance, it gets a bit sticky acquaintance, it gets a bit sticky acquaintance, it gets a bit sticky because I think they do bring kind of because I think they do bring kind of because I think they do bring kind of that baggage of what the different that baggage of what the different that baggage of what the different stereotypes are.

stereotypes are. stereotypes are. >> Yeah, they think you're going to be one >> Yeah, they think you're going to be one >> Yeah, they think you're going to be one way, for example. But, I mean, okay, way, for example. But, I mean, okay, way, for example. But, I mean, okay, stereotypes do exist for a reason, but stereotypes do exist for a reason, but stereotypes do exist for a reason, but what is the root of where the stereotype what is the root of where the stereotype what is the root of where the stereotype came from? For example, with American came from? For example, with American came from? For example, with American media or movies, you know, I remember a media or movies, you know, I remember a media or movies, you know, I remember a long time ago, it was really funny one, long time ago, it was really funny one, long time ago, it was really funny one, a long time ago, someone saying a long time ago, someone saying a long time ago, someone saying their friends [clears throat] now, she's their friends [clears throat] now, she's their friends [clears throat] now, she's from the Philippines, and she said my from the Philippines, and she said my from the Philippines, and she said my mom wouldn't let me go to university in mom wouldn't let me go to university in mom wouldn't let me go to university in the US because of the movie American the US because of the movie American the US because of the movie American Pie. [laughter] Pie. [laughter] Pie. [laughter] So, I mean, because of the So, I mean, because of the So, I mean, because of the >> I didn't experience anything like >> I didn't experience anything like >> I didn't experience anything like American Pie when I was at university. American Pie when I was at university. American Pie when I was at university. >> So, like, you have these like >> So, like, you have these like >> So, like, you have these like preconceived ideas of how culture is, preconceived ideas of how culture is, preconceived ideas of how culture is, American culture or certain lifestyles. American culture or certain lifestyles. American culture or certain lifestyles. But, the US is a big country with many But, the US is a big country with many But, the US is a big country with many different regions and many different different regions and many different different regions and many different people who have moved there that have people who have moved there that have people who have moved there that have mixed it up. So, yes, okay, there are mixed it up. So, yes, okay, there are mixed it up. So, yes, okay, there are stereotypes that are funny, uh that stereotypes that are funny, uh that stereotypes that are funny, uh that might apply to some, but they don't might apply to some, but they don't might apply to some, but they don't apply to all. And I think when you take apply to all. And I think when you take apply to all. And I think when you take like movies into it, you think it's like movies into it, you think it's like movies into it, you think it's going to be like this, like everyone going to be like this, like everyone going to be like this, like everyone owns a gun or something. Or you see owns a gun or something. Or you see owns a gun or something. Or you see because the gun violence that happens because the gun violence that happens because the gun violence that happens from the news that we see, or just all from the news that we see, or just all from the news that we see, or just all the movies where people have guns. the movies where people have guns. the movies where people have guns. Everyone owns a gun, everyone's shot Everyone owns a gun, everyone's shot Everyone owns a gun, everyone's shot one. Not necessarily. So, there are one. Not necessarily. So, there are one. Not necessarily. So, there are these reasons that they exist, but uh I these reasons that they exist, but uh I these reasons that they exist, but uh I think that you're right that people, think that you're right that people, think that you're right that people, when they meet Americans, they think, when they meet Americans, they think, when they meet Americans, they think, "Oh, like, you don't seem very "Oh, like, you don't seem very "Oh, like, you don't seem very American." And you're like, "What does American." And you're like, "What does American." And you're like, "What does that mean? You don't seem very that mean? You don't seem very that mean? You don't seem very American." Because American." Because American." Because >> It's a very backhanded compliment, that.

>> It's a very backhanded compliment, that. >> It's a very backhanded compliment, that. It's a very backhanded compliment. It's a very backhanded compliment. It's a very backhanded compliment. >> yeah. >> yeah. >> yeah. >> No, I think what they're saying is >> No, I think what they're saying is >> No, I think what they're saying is they're trying to make give a they're trying to make give a they're trying to make give a compliment. They're trying to be nice. compliment. They're trying to be nice. compliment. They're trying to be nice. Although, maybe some Dutch and French Although, maybe some Dutch and French Although, maybe some Dutch and French say it like putting a bit of sting in say it like putting a bit of sting in say it like putting a bit of sting in there. But, I think what they're trying there. But, I think what they're trying there. But, I think what they're trying to say is like, you don't fit the to say is like, you don't fit the to say is like, you don't fit the negative stereotypes of what we know of negative stereotypes of what we know of negative stereotypes of what we know of Americans. Americans. Americans. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But, it still it doesn't feel very nice >> But, it still it doesn't feel very nice >> But, it still it doesn't feel very nice that our nationality is being portrayed that our nationality is being portrayed that our nationality is being portrayed like that. like that. like that. >> Yeah, but I want to also say, like, in >> Yeah, but I want to also say, like, in >> Yeah, but I want to also say, like, in speaking about Europeans, when you speaking about Europeans, when you speaking about Europeans, when you mentioned like French and Dutch, what he mentioned like French and Dutch, what he mentioned like French and Dutch, what he means is like, you know, especially the means is like, you know, especially the means is like, you know, especially the Parisians, the French are known to be a Parisians, the French are known to be a Parisians, the French are known to be a bit snooty, uppity, not like certain bit snooty, uppity, not like certain bit snooty, uppity, not like certain other nationalities. So, that's the other nationalities. So, that's the other nationalities. So, that's the stereotype that you get. So, sometimes stereotype that you get. So, sometimes stereotype that you get. So, sometimes if you go to Paris and you meet a very if you go to Paris and you meet a very if you go to Paris and you meet a very nice French person, you might be like, nice French person, you might be like, nice French person, you might be like, "Well, you don't seem very French "Well, you don't seem very French "Well, you don't seem very French >> at all. Yeah. >> at all. Yeah. >> at all. Yeah. >> Right? Or the same with the >> Right? Or the same with the >> Right? Or the same with the >> carrying a baguette, wearing a beret, >> carrying a baguette, wearing a beret, >> carrying a baguette, wearing a beret, and yeah. and yeah. and yeah. >> Being snooty. Um >> Being snooty. Um >> Being snooty. Um >> Being sweary. >> Being sweary. >> Being sweary. >> Yeah. But, and then the Dutch, you know, >> Yeah. But, and then the Dutch, you know, >> Yeah. But, and then the Dutch, you know, can be very blunt and harsh with can be very blunt and harsh with can be very blunt and harsh with communication. communication. communication. >> And so, yes, a lot of Dutch are like >> And so, yes, a lot of Dutch are like >> And so, yes, a lot of Dutch are like that. We have friends that are like that. We have friends that are like that. We have friends that are like that, and that's just how they are. It's that, and that's just how they are. It's that, and that's just how they are. It's their culture. But, then also, yeah, are their culture. But, then also, yeah, are their culture. But, then also, yeah, are you going to go up and be like if you going to go up and be like if you going to go up and be like if someone seems a little nicer or softer someone seems a little nicer or softer someone seems a little nicer or softer or friendlier, "Oh, you're not very or friendlier, "Oh, you're not very or friendlier, "Oh, you're not very Dutch." You know, it is one of those Dutch." You know, it is one of those Dutch." You know, it is one of those comments where it's like not very nice, comments where it's like not very nice, comments where it's like not very nice, but it is trying to be nice, I suppose.

but it is trying to be nice, I suppose. but it is trying to be nice, I suppose. >> Yeah, I think the intention is often >> Yeah, I think the intention is often >> Yeah, I think the intention is often nice, but it it doesn't always land that nice, but it it doesn't always land that nice, but it it doesn't always land that way. way. way. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Don't take offense to it when you hear >> Don't take offense to it when you hear >> Don't take offense to it when you hear it, though. If you do hear it, it, though. If you do hear it, it, though. If you do hear it, you don't have to start a fight. It's you don't have to start a fight. It's you don't have to start a fight. It's okay. okay. okay. The next thing is The next thing is The next thing is about about about we're not spokespeople for the US. we're not spokespeople for the US. we're not spokespeople for the US. Specifically not spokespeople for Specifically not spokespeople for Specifically not spokespeople for American politics. American politics. American politics. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, you know, when we moved abroad, >> Well, you know, when we moved abroad, >> Well, you know, when we moved abroad, 2009, I feel like it was a pretty chill, 2009, I feel like it was a pretty chill, 2009, I feel like it was a pretty chill, maybe I was ignorant, but I feel like it maybe I was ignorant, but I feel like it maybe I was ignorant, but I feel like it was a pretty chill time in terms of was a pretty chill time in terms of was a pretty chill time in terms of politically. I know I know the US has politically. I know I know the US has politically. I know I know the US has been politically charged, and it's more been politically charged, and it's more been politically charged, and it's more in your face now, like when you go to in your face now, like when you go to in your face now, like when you go to the US and you're there, it's all over the US and you're there, it's all over the US and you're there, it's all over the news, unlike any other country we've the news, unlike any other country we've the news, unlike any other country we've ever been in. But, ever been in. But, ever been in. But, there's this expectation, I think, from there's this expectation, I think, from there's this expectation, I think, from other people to like have an opinion other people to like have an opinion other people to like have an opinion about politics when often times like we about politics when often times like we about politics when often times like we just simply don't. I'm not the just simply don't. I'm not the just simply don't. I'm not the spokesperson for the president, nor do I spokesperson for the president, nor do I spokesperson for the president, nor do I want to be. want to be. want to be. >> everyone wants to talk to us about US >> everyone wants to talk to us about US >> everyone wants to talk to us about US politics, whether they know it or not, politics, whether they know it or not, politics, whether they know it or not, which is also kind of annoying. It's which is also kind of annoying. It's which is also kind of annoying. It's just like you watch a little bit of the just like you watch a little bit of the just like you watch a little bit of the news, or we're always on the news, and news, or we're always on the news, and news, or we're always on the news, and so, but yeah, I mean, you don't so, but yeah, I mean, you don't so, but yeah, I mean, you don't necessarily know the inner workings of necessarily know the inner workings of necessarily know the inner workings of how the government works in the US, but how the government works in the US, but how the government works in the US, but everyone has an opinion and wants to everyone has an opinion and wants to everyone has an opinion and wants to talk to us about it. That's the other talk to us about it. That's the other talk to us about it. That's the other thing is like, so everyone knows our thing is like, so everyone knows our thing is like, so everyone knows our president, who they are, no matter who president, who they are, no matter who president, who they are, no matter who it is, and everyone wants to either like it is, and everyone wants to either like it is, and everyone wants to either like or dislike or just have the or dislike or just have the or dislike or just have the conversation. And honestly, I don't like conversation. And honestly, I don't like conversation. And honestly, I don't like talking about politics even wherever I talking about politics even wherever I talking about politics even wherever I live.

live. live. >> She doesn't. >> She doesn't. >> She doesn't. >> Like >> Like >> Like >> True. >> True. >> True. >> Not because sometimes it can be >> Not because sometimes it can be >> Not because sometimes it can be polarizing, which does happen, but it's polarizing, which does happen, but it's polarizing, which does happen, but it's just not a very interesting topic to me. just not a very interesting topic to me. just not a very interesting topic to me. So, I'm not talking to my friends about So, I'm not talking to my friends about So, I'm not talking to my friends about it in English. I'm not talking a it in English. I'm not talking a it in English. I'm not talking a different language. Like I don't want to different language. Like I don't want to different language. Like I don't want to talk about it when I travel or when I talk about it when I travel or when I talk about it when I travel or when I live somewhere else. But for some reason live somewhere else. But for some reason live somewhere else. But for some reason it does seem like a lot of people want it does seem like a lot of people want it does seem like a lot of people want to talk about American politics. Like to talk about American politics. Like to talk about American politics. Like you said, you said, you said, we're not the spokespeople. Because we're not the spokespeople. Because we're not the spokespeople. Because we're American doesn't mean that we we're American doesn't mean that we we're American doesn't mean that we completely agree with everything our completely agree with everything our completely agree with everything our government does. And for an example of government does. And for an example of government does. And for an example of that, we have a lot of Chinese friends that, we have a lot of Chinese friends that, we have a lot of Chinese friends that feel exactly the same way. They're that feel exactly the same way. They're that feel exactly the same way. They're great. They disagree with the great. They disagree with the great. They disagree with the government. They don't want to be a government. They don't want to be a government. They don't want to be a spokesperson for the Chinese government, spokesperson for the Chinese government, spokesperson for the Chinese government, but they're Chinese. but they're Chinese. but they're Chinese. >> So, while we're not spokespeople for the >> So, while we're not spokespeople for the >> So, while we're not spokespeople for the United States, we are still United States, we are still United States, we are still representatives. And that means a lot. representatives. And that means a lot. representatives. And that means a lot. It definitely means a lot to me because It definitely means a lot to me because It definitely means a lot to me because I'm for one representing myself I'm for one representing myself I'm for one representing myself individually, but I do know that there's individually, but I do know that there's individually, but I do know that there's a weight to a weight to a weight to being American and having that attached being American and having that attached being American and having that attached to my name. And to my name. And to my name. And I really think oftentimes not many I really think oftentimes not many I really think oftentimes not many people have a lot of contact with people have a lot of contact with people have a lot of contact with Americans. So, like I might be some Americans. So, like I might be some Americans. So, like I might be some local person's only contact with an local person's only contact with an local person's only contact with an American or only interaction with an American or only interaction with an American or only interaction with an American that week. And that to me feels American that week. And that to me feels American that week. And that to me feels like a responsibility to really put like a responsibility to really put like a responsibility to really put America's best face forward.

America's best face forward. America's best face forward. >> Yeah, represent well. We're not hiding >> Yeah, represent well. We're not hiding >> Yeah, represent well. We're not hiding that we're American. We're proud to be that we're American. We're proud to be that we're American. We're proud to be an American. So, we're not going to slap an American. So, we're not going to slap an American. So, we're not going to slap a maple leaf on our backpack. We We're a maple leaf on our backpack. We We're a maple leaf on our backpack. We We're fine with people knowing that we're fine with people knowing that we're fine with people knowing that we're American. And you're right. Like we do American. And you're right. Like we do American. And you're right. Like we do represent the country. And while we represent the country. And while we represent the country. And while we don't represent everyone in the country, don't represent everyone in the country, don't represent everyone in the country, like we can be the best people that we like we can be the best people that we like we can be the best people that we can be so that they do have a good can be so that they do have a good can be so that they do have a good impression of Americans if especially impression of Americans if especially impression of Americans if especially they're not meeting many Americans. they're not meeting many Americans. they're not meeting many Americans. >> One of the things that I love about >> One of the things that I love about >> One of the things that I love about Portugal specifically, which is where we Portugal specifically, which is where we Portugal specifically, which is where we live right now, is like the live right now, is like the live right now, is like the pleasantries, especially in the morning pleasantries, especially in the morning pleasantries, especially in the morning when, you know, you you see someone, you when, you know, you you see someone, you when, you know, you you see someone, you greet them with bom dia, like saying greet them with bom dia, like saying greet them with bom dia, like saying good morning. It's It's almost really good morning. It's It's almost really good morning. It's It's almost really just like hi. Or you say tudo bem, which just like hi. Or you say tudo bem, which just like hi. Or you say tudo bem, which is like all good, but it's really just is like all good, but it's really just is like all good, but it's really just like hi or what's up or how are you. In like hi or what's up or how are you. In like hi or what's up or how are you. In the South where I'm from, South in the the South where I'm from, South in the the South where I'm from, South in the United States, we have these kind of United States, we have these kind of United States, we have these kind of interactions, these pleasantries that interactions, these pleasantries that interactions, these pleasantries that maybe don't start a conversation, but maybe don't start a conversation, but maybe don't start a conversation, but literally just acknowledge someone literally just acknowledge someone literally just acknowledge someone else's presence. And so for me that else's presence. And so for me that else's presence. And so for me that feels very natural to communicate with feels very natural to communicate with feels very natural to communicate with people in that way. I really like that people in that way. I really like that people in that way. I really like that and I feel like anywhere we go, I do try and I feel like anywhere we go, I do try and I feel like anywhere we go, I do try to bring that into the interaction. I to bring that into the interaction. I to bring that into the interaction. I try to like bring that Americaness or at try to like bring that Americaness or at try to like bring that Americaness or at least that Southernness from me into the least that Southernness from me into the least that Southernness from me into the interaction. I know you've noticed it interaction. I know you've noticed it interaction. I know you've noticed it sometimes it it annoys you a bit.

sometimes it it annoys you a bit. sometimes it it annoys you a bit. >> Yeah, but I mean I also see like at the >> Yeah, but I mean I also see like at the >> Yeah, but I mean I also see like at the grocery store like when we're back in grocery store like when we're back in grocery store like when we're back in the US visiting, they're having long the US visiting, they're having long the US visiting, they're having long conversations with the clerk at the conversations with the clerk at the conversations with the clerk at the grocery store. When you live in Portugal grocery store. When you live in Portugal grocery store. When you live in Portugal here in Porto, they're having long here in Porto, they're having long here in Porto, they're having long conversations with the clerk at the conversations with the clerk at the conversations with the clerk at the grocery store. So that is something. And grocery store. So that is something. And grocery store. So that is something. And that brings me back again to the that brings me back again to the that brings me back again to the language. When you know the language language. When you know the language language. When you know the language better, then you can feel more better, then you can feel more better, then you can feel more comfortable and have these comfortable and have these comfortable and have these conversations. conversations. conversations. >> Yeah, and you can represent America >> Yeah, and you can represent America >> Yeah, and you can represent America better. better. better. Right? Right? Right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So while we're not spokespeople for the >> So while we're not spokespeople for the >> So while we're not spokespeople for the US, we are representatives and we want US, we are representatives and we want US, we are representatives and we want to represent the name America well and I to represent the name America well and I to represent the name America well and I think that that's important. think that that's important. think that that's important. >> Because all in all we do care what >> Because all in all we do care what >> Because all in all we do care what people think about us and we do again people think about us and we do again people think about us and we do again want to represent well. want to represent well. want to represent well. >> Okay, of course there are sacrifices >> Okay, of course there are sacrifices >> Okay, of course there are sacrifices that one makes when they move abroad. that one makes when they move abroad. that one makes when they move abroad. There's maybe a piece of them that they There's maybe a piece of them that they There's maybe a piece of them that they leave back in the US that doesn't really leave back in the US that doesn't really leave back in the US that doesn't really show up. Specifically living in Europe, show up. Specifically living in Europe, show up. Specifically living in Europe, there are things that we miss. For there are things that we miss. For there are things that we miss. For example, most of us, I know for us we example, most of us, I know for us we example, most of us, I know for us we miss Mexican food. miss Mexican food. miss Mexican food. >> I thought you were going to say family. >> I thought you were going to say family. >> I thought you were going to say family. >> But I don't miss I don't miss like >> But I don't miss I don't miss like >> But I don't miss I don't miss like hamburgers for for instance or hot dogs hamburgers for for instance or hot dogs hamburgers for for instance or hot dogs which are like stereotypically American which are like stereotypically American which are like stereotypically American food items. We do know some Americans food items. We do know some Americans food items. We do know some Americans that miss a good burger. I personally that miss a good burger. I personally that miss a good burger. I personally have adapted to the bifana here. Like I have adapted to the bifana here. Like I have adapted to the bifana here. Like I think that's one of the best sandwiches think that's one of the best sandwiches think that's one of the best sandwiches in the world.

in the world. in the world. >> Yeah, there are sacrifices that you make >> Yeah, there are sacrifices that you make >> Yeah, there are sacrifices that you make when you do leave, but you can explore when you do leave, but you can explore when you do leave, but you can explore new opportunities in new countries. And new opportunities in new countries. And new opportunities in new countries. And then of course always go back for a then of course always go back for a then of course always go back for a visit. So, you need that hamburger visit. So, you need that hamburger visit. So, you need that hamburger that's only good in the US where you're that's only good in the US where you're that's only good in the US where you're from or like barbecue or ranch dressing, from or like barbecue or ranch dressing, from or like barbecue or ranch dressing, I know that's a big thing, or spices, a I know that's a big thing, or spices, a I know that's a big thing, or spices, a lot is around food. And when you go lot is around food. And when you go lot is around food. And when you go back, get your fill of it, maybe bring back, get your fill of it, maybe bring back, get your fill of it, maybe bring some back if you can, and then continue some back if you can, and then continue some back if you can, and then continue to explore the country that you live in. to explore the country that you live in. to explore the country that you live in. But, I think also, too, it's hard when But, I think also, too, it's hard when But, I think also, too, it's hard when you do leave America because you do you do leave America because you do you do leave America because you do leave friends, family, and just the leave friends, family, and just the leave friends, family, and just the comfort of what you've grew up in what comfort of what you've grew up in what comfort of what you've grew up in what you knew. So, sometimes I find that a you knew. So, sometimes I find that a you knew. So, sometimes I find that a little difficult as well because you're little difficult as well because you're little difficult as well because you're living in a completely different country living in a completely different country living in a completely different country with completely cultural norms and with completely cultural norms and with completely cultural norms and everything is different. Even though everything is different. Even though everything is different. Even though there might be some similarities, you do there might be some similarities, you do there might be some similarities, you do have to adapt. And so, there might have to adapt. And so, there might have to adapt. And so, there might always be this inward tension that you always be this inward tension that you always be this inward tension that you have, and it never goes away until have, and it never goes away until have, and it never goes away until you're actually back in the States. But, you're actually back in the States. But, you're actually back in the States. But, even still for us, again, we've been even still for us, again, we've been even still for us, again, we've been doing this for so long, when you go back doing this for so long, when you go back doing this for so long, when you go back to the States, I find it familiar and I to the States, I find it familiar and I to the States, I find it familiar and I love it, but I'm also ready to go back love it, but I'm also ready to go back love it, but I'm also ready to go back and explore again and go on the and explore again and go on the and explore again and go on the adventure and move back to where we adventure and move back to where we adventure and move back to where we actually were. So, it's nice to visit, actually were. So, it's nice to visit, actually were. So, it's nice to visit, but nothing's ever really drawing me but nothing's ever really drawing me but nothing's ever really drawing me back, at least.

back, at least. back, at least. >> So, whether you're an American or a >> So, whether you're an American or a >> So, whether you're an American or a different nationality, be proud of where different nationality, be proud of where different nationality, be proud of where you're from because you are representing you're from because you are representing you're from because you are representing that place. You're not a spokesperson, that place. You're not a spokesperson, that place. You're not a spokesperson, but you're representative. Represent it but you're representative. Represent it but you're representative. Represent it well, represent yourself well, and have well, represent yourself well, and have well, represent yourself well, and have a great week. Thanks for watching. Now, a great week. Thanks for watching. Now, a great week. Thanks for watching. Now, let's get moving. let's get moving. let's get moving. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye.