When I was growing up, my parents loved to take my three siblings and me on road trips across the country. I remember sitting in my car seat, looking out the window and taking in everything from the massive red rocks in Utah to the little fishing villages in Maine. I always loved tasting local delicacies and getting a peek into how different life could be outside of my Chicago suburb. Just as these road trips taught me about diverse lifestyles in America, studying abroad has taught me the importance of appreciating different perspectives in countries beyond the States.
Just as Americans’ lifestyles differ among states, Europeans’ lifestyles differ among countries. Throughout my journey so far, I have visited Norway, England and Ireland. Some basic differences in each country were clear as soon as I stepped outside the airport. For example, in Norway, everyone drives on the right side of the street, just as we do in America. Meanwhile, in England and Ireland, everyone drives on the left side. I’m extra careful to check both ways before crossing the street in a new country!
Another important difference between countries is language. In Norway, people always first spoke to me in Norwegian.
