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10 Differences between the United States and Europe — Observation from my Exchange Semester in Minnesota
Studying abroad is always an eye-opener, especially when you’re jumping across the Atlantic from Europe to the United States. My semester as an exchange student at Minnesota State University, Mankato in the fall of 2019, was full of surprises and interesting contrasts. Here are ten differences I noticed, purely for fun and with no offense intended!
1. Portion Sizes
One of the first things that struck me in the U.S. was the portion sizes. Whether it’s a soda, a burger, or a serving of fries, everything seems to come in jumbo sizes compared to Europe. My initial trips to American diners often left me with enough leftovers for the next day.
2. Tipping Culture
Tipping in the U.S. is a well-established practice, expected almost everywhere. In Europe, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. It took some getting used to remembering to add 15–20% to my restaurant bills in Minnesota.
3. Public Transportation
Public Transportation in Europe is generally more comprehensive and widely used. In many parts of the U.S., including Minnesota, cars are the primary mode of transport. The lack of extensive train networks and the dependency on cars was a…
