American culture is not only defined by its fast-paced lifestyle, fashion, and “to-go” coffee cups. It is also the culture of many diversity, different religions, races, and ethnicities. It is a culture that nourishes competition and political correctness, and also tries to enforce the freedom of speech. I feel Americans aren’t most known for our work ethic and how ambitious we are. In America everyone is always trying to be the best. We always strive to do better and continue to grow and learn. Growing up your always told that you need to find a good job/career so you can have money to live however you want. It’s always been drilled into our heads that to have a good life you must be rich. Americans’ drive to work ever harder, longer, and faster is at the heart of the American Dream: the idea, which has become more mythology than reality in a country with yawning income inequality and stagnating upward economic mobility, that if an American works hard enough she can attain her every desire. And we really try: We put in between 30 to 90 minutes more each day than the typical European. We work 400 hours more annually than the high-output Germans and clock more office time than even the work-obsessed Japanese. With that being said, Americans have to be ambitious in order to work that hard. Ambition is the desire to achieve a goal through determination and hard work. Undoubtedly, the secret of America’s idea of success corresponds with ambition and the lack thereof when measuring reward. Although every man may not have the same definition of success, throughout the continuing lifespan of America, success has revolved around accomplishing one’s goals. America has most defiantly become one of the most successful nations in the world, and throughout history. I feel that knowing this will for sure help with my time studying abroad. Having this understanding of cultures is so important when traveling to a different country because it’s important to know their culture as well as your own. It’s also important to know their lifestyles and how they live. It’s good to appreciate all the different things their culture can bring to you. I feel people never really think their cultures are much different then their own especially going to the UK, because we still speak English, but their are so many things that are different and it’s so very important to understand them. Understanding countries different cultural norms and their lifestyles will help me so much going forward with my study abroad adventure into London. I feel having an understand of my American culture, it has prepared for whatever this is to come while studying abroad in London. I’m looking forward to having my beliefs and knowledge challenge while in a different country. I also can’t wait to learn more and become a well rounded student with the knee understanding I will gain from living in a different country for three and a half month’s.
