12 Shocking Realities I Learned About Being An American Only After Leaving America!

Discovering America from the Outside: What Leaving Taught Me About Home

Leaving the US? Discover the hidden truths that every American needs to know before stepping foot overseas.

1. That I Am American

I know this is obvious, but hear me out. When you’re in the US, it’s common to hear people say, “I’m Irish”, “I’m Italian,” or “I’m half Italian, a quarter Scottish and Polish/English”, even though they might not have ever set foot in Europe.

It’s a way of connecting with their heritage. But step outside the US, and suddenly, you’re just an American. Period.

I found this out the hard way when I first traveled abroad.

As I boasted about my mixed European heritage over beers one evening at a local expat watering hole, my audience stared blankly, only seeing me as yet another American or “Yank.”

Lesson learned, so own it!

2. Constitutional Rights Stop at the Border

Then, there’s the issue of constitutional rights. We’re so used to the freedoms that we often forget they don’t travel with us.

The moment you cross that border, say goodbye to your Miranda Rights, the Right To Bear Arms and Freedom of Speech.

Your rights are checked at the door, my friend.

3. No Walk-Ins at the US Embassy

You cannot just show up at a US Embassy without an appointment. Even in an emergency, you still need to call in advance.

4. Legal Issues? You’re On Your Own

If you get into trouble with local authorities, the best the embassy can do is give you a list of local lawyers.

I’ve heard stories of Americans assuming they’d get a free pass or immediate help, only to face the harsh reality of local laws.

Ever see “Locked up Abroad” or “Midnight Express”?

You don’t want that to be you.

So, behave yourself, the US Calvary isn’t coming to your rescue!

5. Evacuation Comes with a Price

And don’t think evacuation is a free ride either. Even if the US Government arranges your escape, you’ll get a bill for the transportation.

Services rendered!

I once met a traveler who got caught in a natural disaster and was shocked to find a hefty invoice waiting for them post-evacuation.

There are no free rides from Uncle Sam!

6. Embassy Staff Aren’t Thrilled to See You

The last people US Embassy staff want to deal with are their fellow Americans.

Meet any US Embassy staffer in a Pub and after a few beers, the confessions come out.

They seek careers in the diplomatic corps, dealing with matters of state, foreign relations, not careers in dealing with their fellow Americans who bring their naivete and personal issues abroad.

They have their hands full with their duties, and your personal woes don’t even register on their priority list.

Ironically, other countries encourage closeness and community with their fellow citizens abroad.

• I’ve gone to Canadian Embassy mixers they arrange for their local Expats who are allowed to bring a guest.
• I’ve been to Pub nights at the British Embassy, who had a makeshift Pub set up in the basement of their compound.
• I’ve even been to a Beaujolais Nouveau wine tasting night at the French Embassy.

But the US Embassy?

Bulletproof glass, a bottled water dispenser, 10 year old magazines in a sterile waiting room.

7. Security at the Embassy is Intense

Security at the embassy is another ordeal. Local security staff, not US citizens, guard the premises, and you need to jump through hoops just to get in.

Despite being on technically US soil, you might feel like an outsider at your own embassy.

I remember the bewilderment of being frisked and questioned by local guards, feeling like I had less right to be there than they did.

You may see a US Marine standing behind them, but it’s just for show. In fact, the last time I was in a US Embassy I didn’t see a single Marine at all.

8. Vaccines Provided by the US Government are Prioritized for Locals During a Pandemic.

The pandemic brought its own set of surprises. When the US sent vaccines abroad, I naively thought I’d be prioritized.

Nope.

Local citizens got first dibs. Despite the US providing those vaccines, I was told to wait my turn. And even then, they were administered at a local hospital, not by the US Embassy.

You’re the last in line Yank!

A humbling experience, to say the least.

9. Faster Passport Renewals Abroad

Surprisingly, renewing your passport is quicker abroad. I’ve had several passports renewed over the years.

In the US it could take up to 2 months. However, I’ve had mine renewed in as little as 1 week up to less than 2 weeks.

I found the process much faster in a US Embassy than back home. Go figure.

I believe this is due to the fact that Embassies and Passport renewals are all part of the US State Department. Everything is processed in house, including delivery, which is all done internally through diplomatic pouches.

No dealing with the US postal service.

The only real perk of dealing with the US Embassy are passport renewals!

10. The US Democratic and Republican Parties are International.

Politics doesn’t stop at the border either.

Did you know that the 2 main US domestic political parties, the Democratic and Republican parties, have offices worldwide?

I’ve personally had more than one beer on more than one occasion with the head of one of these parties as well as their successor.

Now, what would a domestic US political party need an office(s) in a foreign country for?

When I asked them, they said they were “promoting democracy”.

What I didn’t quite get was the country we were in was already a “democracy”.

I have my theories of why these two main US domestic political parties have offices all over the world, but I’ll let you come up with your own.

11. Condiments aren’t Free, Neither are Refills.

Condiments aren’t free, and neither are drink refills. I remember my shock at being charged for ketchup at a European McDonald’s and the incredulous look I got when asking for a soda refill.

12. Personal Space Norms

Ever found yourself in a crowd thinking, “Why is everyone so close?”

Welcome to Europe, where personal space is a bit of a shock for Americans.

On the metro in Kyiv, you’ll find people sitting closer to you even though there are available seats which would give both of you more personal space.

It’s not just public transport — cafes and restaurants in Paris or Rome have tables so close you could join your neighbor’s conversation.

In fact, in France, if you plan on dining alone, your host may sit you with a total stranger who is also dining alone. I’ve had some great conversations and met some real interesting people this way!

However, here’s the kicker — pickpockets thrive in such environments as well. Whether you’re on a busy street in Paris or at a market in Rome, stay vigilant.

Personal space might be limited, but the story telling experiences are priceless.

So there you have it — 12 shocking realities about being American that I only discovered after leaving the US.

From personal space to embassy experiences, these eye-openers have reshaped my view of the world and taught me to appreciate the quirks and freedoms of home.

As you plan your next adventure abroad, remember, you’re not as special as you think you are, so embrace the differences.

Because once you leave the good old USA, you’re on your own, Yank!

Happy trails!