Comments on: Do I Have “Study Abroad” Tattooed On My Forehead?

By: The Know: Treats from the Land Down Under : College Candy

The Know: Treats from the Land Down Under : College Candy — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:01:25 +0000

[...] accent as cute as we find theirs. So take it from me and book yourself a trip. And for those of you heading off abroad there, there is literally no way to leave that country without, like, 12 of your very own Aussie boy toys. [...]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:50:18 +0000

I agree with lulu. If you are treated terribly, even if you are courteous, polite, and respectful, then you are a victim of stereoptyping. Those who continue to give you a hard time because you are an American are just ignorant and perhaps just want to get back at the idea of America by taking it out on you.

By: lulu

lulu — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:19:39 +0000

Africa isn't a country dimwit, it is a continent made up of 47 countries, all of which are extremely different and have their own cultures.

This article does make some good points, but it is somewhat condescending.

It is true that many Europeans, along with the rest of the world, have a strong bias against Americans. However if you are polite, treat people with respect, it will force people to look past the American stereotype.

By: Duke It Out: Study Abroad : College Candy

Duke It Out: Study Abroad : College Candy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:49:10 +0000

[...] The time has come once again to start picking classes for spring semester (really? didn’t we just do this?) and my mind turns to places that won’t be covered in grey slush come January. Places with warm, sunny vistas and boys with sexy accents. In other words, places abroad. [...]

By: Lucy

Lucy — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:03:45 +0000

I think this article has great advice and is not condescending at all. A LOT OF PEOPLE HATE AMERICA! It's a fact, and we need to be told it. I can only hope that we will slowly get a better image to the rest of the world!

By: Mari

Mari — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:39:12 +0000

The tone of this article was totally condescending. Geeeese, lay off a bit. Americans are known for many things, but I felt like I should somehow be ashamed of my supposed accent and the stereotypes that come with being an American citizen. I'd like to point out that America has many different accents as well. Coming from Hawaii and going to school in Kentucky has shown me just that. Its just all about respect, I get it. But when I finally go abroad I am going to take as many irritating, cliched, and "unnecessary" as I please.

By: Jess

Jess — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:36:33 +0000

Thank you so much for posting this article.

I've travelled a lot and wherever I went I tried to blend into the culture for the experience and when I got to know locals they would tell me about the bad(rude) impressions americans had made in their cities/countries.

I'm Canadian. When I was in Italy, on several occasions I had been shoved, pinched and harassed for being a supposed american. I was shocked at how negatively americans are viewed by the rest of the world.

Travelling is about learning about other cultures…not trying to spread your own. If they want to see our culture they will come over here.

and for the record, I have nothing against americans my best friend lives in the states!

By: Jacks

Jacks — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:21:10 +0000

Haha Belle, I get what you are saying. I agree, they shouldn't have to speak differently because I'm in their country. Just to clarify, I've never asked them to. I also don't have a problem with English PEOPLE, or their country. I would never turn away from someone because of their accent. It's just not pleasant to my ear. Love Australian accents, love South African accents, ADORE Irish accents, just not a big fan of English ones.

Perhaps I should have added that the fact that I don't understand them is my problem, not theirs.

I guess the only issue I have with this article is the author makes it sound a bit like we should be embarrassed about being an American. I agree that anyone, from anywhere, should make concessions to the local culture they are traveling to, but don't be ashamed of where you come from.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:58:58 +0000

Having lived in Germany for the last 4 years (since I was 18yrs old) I can totally see where this author is coming from. A lot of the American tourists I see on holiday are just plain annoying. Case in point – I've heard Americans tell a Scot that they hate the "Brits" when they meant the English. Uh… Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. And I agree with Rebecca, the only time I got complimented on my accent was while in the UK. Otherwise, it's not inviting. My advice is to learn how to say "Do you speak English" in the native language of the country you're in. It's just polite, instead of just immediately speaking English assuming the person will understand you. I agree with the majority of this author's viewpoints. Safe travels!

By: belle

belle — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:00:59 +0000

jacks i like how you say "if someone is going to dislike you on site b/c you are american, that's their problem not yours" and then say you developed hatred for english accents b/c it was hard for you to understand them. you're in their country! they shouldn't have to speak differently for you to understand them. way to not generalize and be open-minded.