The good news is that Europeans, do like many things about the American Culture
The U.S. has many great aspects, though some are less admired. However, educated and experienced Europeans genuinely value many elements of American culture. Don’t forget, we grew up watching TV shows like Friends and American movies. In fact, many Europeans learned and practiced English by watching American TV shows.
Recently, I was watching videos about how Europeans perceive people from the US. These views often reflect opinions on American politics, food, and the culture of money and hustle. However, the US also has many great qualities. Did you know that many Europeans highly value American education, particularly MBAs and master’s degrees? They also enjoy collaborating with American peers, investing in the US, and consider working for an American corporation for a few years a valuable career move. As one of the most innovative countries in the world, America is a fantastic place for business and growth and well-educated Europeans have always an eye on American markets and workplace.
American culture offers many valuable contributions, including innovation, a strong work ethic, a growth mindset, and openness to diverse backgrounds. In well-educated circles across Europe, an American expat can thrive, enjoying a fulfilling social and professional life. Americans are often perceived as wealthy, generous, hardworking, disciplined, strategic, well-mannered, and sports-oriented—traits that can foster positive connections and build a strong social network in Europe.
Forget about Politics
I am here to help you succeed in Europe, so here’s some advice: in Europe, leave politics—whether European or American—at the door. Focus on what you can control: your daily life, building strong friendships, enjoying good food, getting along with your boss and your peers, excelling at work, growing your network, investing wisely, traveling, and embracing the outdoors. Turn off the TV, skip the news, and set yourself free from worrying about what’s beyond your control. Instead, focus on creating your own ecosystem of well-being. Europeans excel at this, and it’s a great way to recharge and live a more fulfilling, positive life. Europeans tend to be more flexible in their voting habits and often become more moderate over time. They generally don’t take politicians too seriously, and it’s common for people with right-wing and left-wing views to get along well. In fact, right-wing and left-wing parties often share common ground on many issues. In Europe, social rights often transcend party lines; in many countries, same-gender marriage and abortion rights are widely supported and deeply ingrained in society.
PUT YOURSELF FIRST
Have you ever felt that a lack of boundaries at work is taking a toll on your health? Do you constantly feel the need to prove yourself to cope with the anxiety of a relentlessly demanding work environment? In Europe, setting boundaries is seen as not only acceptable but essential. It’s not about shirking responsibilities; it’s about respectfully encouraging your company to plan workloads in a way that promotes work-life balance. Bosses generally understand this, and those who don’t often face resistance from their own teams. In Europe, maintaining a good personal image—such as staying fit, prioritizing personal hygiene, and getting enough sleep—is valued just as much as performing well on the job. In Europe it is expected that everybody will treat each other with dignity and respect. So no bringing coffee to your boss here or being a yes-person to everything, and take your vacation days!
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Do not take life so seriously
Life isn’t perfect, and we know it—we laugh at life’s imperfections, so why not embrace them? Instead of stressing, laugh and enjoy life with your friends. Have fun! In cultures like French and Spanish, teasing is a sign of affection, so don’t take it too seriously. Try a new team sport, drink that beer on a Tuesday (just maybe not at work), or have a glass of champagne with breakfast—it’s all good! We don’t play team sports just to win; we play to socialize. It’s all about enjoying the process, not just focusing on the result.
Grow a thick skin
Before moving to Europe, it’s a good idea to grow a thick skin! Europeans might not be as politically correct as in the US, and you may find yourself getting a few honest comments that would never fly across the pond. Don’t worry—it’s not personal; it’s just our way of keeping things real!
Appearance
In Europe, every once in a while, you might receive a comment about your appearance—don’t take it seriously!
Teasing
In many European countries, friends and family members tease each other—don’t take offense easily!
friendliness
In some regions of Europe, people might initially come across as a bit reserved or less outwardly friendly compared to what you might be used to. Things get easier once you get to know people!
Tone it down
Intense energy and talking too much can overwhelm a little bit, keep it cool, tuning down the enthusiasm a bit and adopting a more relaxed pace can help Americans connect better and avoid standing out too much in these cultures
Keep your US Bank Account and Rewards Cards
Keeping your US bank account and rewards cards when moving to Europe is important for several reasons. It allows you to maintain access to your credit history, avoid foreign transaction fees, and continue earning rewards on purchases. Additionally, having a US-based account makes it easier to manage finances, pay bills, and handle any financial transactions back home. It’s a smart way to stay connected to your financial life in the US while enjoying the benefits of living in Europe. Some of the perks of US bank accounts are harder to get in Europe, so keeping your Credit Card Rewards can be really helpful
REWARDS
US Credit Cards tend to be more generous with rewards compared to Financial institutions and banks
flexibility
Some products are cheaper in the US and other in Europe, have the flexibility to navigate both currencies and prices
Status
American Banks hold a high status in Europe, therefore it is possible that your banking experience is easier with specific Spanish banks with branches in the US
More credit options
With your credit score in. the US, plus your previous American salary receipts you will simply get better financing options in Europe if you know how to play it
In many European countries healthcare is completely free.
European institutions are known to be hard on pharma companies
Enjoy better drug prices in Europe
| MEDICATION | US PRICE | AVERAGE EU PRICE | % LOWER IN EUROPE |
| Aspirin (500mg, 100 tabs) | $7-10 | €4-6 | 50% |
| Ibuprofen (200mg, 100 tabs) | $10-15 | €4-6 | 50% |
| Lipitor (Atorvastatin, 20mg, 30 tabs) | $150-200 | €30-45 | 70-80% |
| Xanax (Alprazolam, 0.25mg, 30 tabs) | $50-70 | €30-50 | 40-60% |
| Prilosec (Omeprazole, 20mg, 30 tabs) | $20-30 | €6-10 | 65-75% |
| Crestor (Rosuvastatin, 10mg, 30 tabs) | $150-250 | €35-55 | 60-75% |
| Zoloft (Sertraline, 50mg, 30 tabs) | $10-20 | €8-12 | 50-60% |
You won’t end up in poverty if you get sick
Most European countries have free healthcare and private insurances are cheap, in some European countries the combination of free healthcare plus a good optional insurance will have you completely covered, even when traveling.
| PROCEDURE | US PRICE | AVERAGE COST IN EU COUNTRIES |
| Kidney Stone Removal (Laser) | $10,000-$15,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Childbirth (Natural Delivery) | $8,000-$15,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| C-Section Delivery | $15,000-$25,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Appendectomy (Laparoscopic) | $10,000-$20,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Knee Replacement Surgery | $30,000-$60,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Hip Replacement Surgery | $30,000-$50,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic) | $10,000-$20,000 | 0€ (Free in almost all EU countries) |
| Dental Filling | $150-$300 | 40€-150€ |
| Eye Exam | $100-$300 | 50€ – 150€ |
| MRI Scan | $1,000-$3,500 | 150€ – 600€ |
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A not-so-high US salary can go a long way in the EU
Where does a $100K salary place you in the salary percentile across each EU country? This percentile represents the percentage of people earning less than that amount. For example, if you’re in the 80th percentile with a $100K salary, it means 80% of the population earns less than that figure.
| Country | Salary | Approximate Salary Percentile |
| UK | $100,000 | 80th-85th percentile |
| SPAIN | $100,000 | 95th-98th percentile |
| FRANCE | $100,000 | 90th-95th percentile |
| GERMANY | $100,000 | 85th-90th percentile |
| PORTUGAL | $100,000 | 98th percentile |
| SWITZERLAND | $100,000 | 50th-60th percentile |
| LUXEMBOURG | $100,000 | 80th-85th percentile |
| ITALY | $100,000 | 95th percentile |
| IRELAND | $100,000 | 85th-90th percentile |