If I've learned one thing from studying abroad, it's that there's so much more out there in the world than you can ever possibly imagine.
Our world is so expansive, and as you explore it, you will see beautiful structures, eat delicious food, and most importantly, meet wonderful people. Our world is full of people with different opinions, mindsets, talents, experiences, and voices. Each person brings something unique to the planet, and if we take the time to listen to them, our world might change in the best way.
Only 39 percent of Americans have passports. That means that 61 percent of Americans have not taken any steps to leave the country and explore what the world has to offer. The majority of Americans have never left the comfort of their own culture, they have never been able to step outside of the world they have known, to reflect back on their experience, and look at their home from an outsider's perspective. Maybe they've never thought to do this, or maybe they're scared of what they'll find. What do the Stars and Stripes look like from outside our borders?
American culture has seeped into just about every corner of the world. Our movies premier everywhere. Our music plays on radio stations worldwide. Our media is known internationally, and our politics make headlines in almost every country. People around the world are forced to think about the USA on a daily basis, but how often do we think about them? How often do we think about their experiences, their lives, or how they view the ever-proud, land of the free, home of the brave?
Here's your chance. I have interviewed eight lovely people that I have met during my travels. Below, they share with you what the United States of America looks like, through their eyes.
1. Robin, age 20, the Netherlands
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"The presidential elections that are currently running. And especially the candidates. You'll see something about the elections (or Trump) on the Internet every day."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"Friendly, open, generous."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"Tough question! There's so many good things (diversity, its nature). But if I have to choose, I'll pick the people. Americans are generous, open and kind people. I feel like they care a lot about and do a lot for their neighbors/peers/communities. Americans have pride in their country, even though they know it's not perfect, which is definitely something the Dutch could learn from (we tend to complain about everything)."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"The worst thing about the USA, in my opinion, is its gun policy. There are too many shootings, and I feel like the gun policy plays a huge part in it."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"I would tell Americans to not vote for Trump (obviously), because he is bad, bad news."
2. Sabur, age 20, Belgium
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"Everything is big."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"Fat, funny, patriotic."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"Lots of food and also delicious candy and cookies."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"The gun law."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"Please don't vote for Trump."
3. Dina, age 21, Egypt
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"Freedom, and easy to do everything you want."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"Unique, open-minded, but sometimes ignorant."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"They have everything."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"They have everything."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"Try to look somehow outside your bubble."
4. Christophe, age 20, Belgium
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"Wars for freedom."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"I know that not all Americans are like this, but a stereotypical American to me in three words is: superficial, close-minded and selfish."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"The best thing is their big heart for freedom and democracy."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"The worst thing about it is that they make wars for spreading these ideas (freedom and democracy)."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"Dump that Trump."
5. Thomas, age 26, Ireland
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"Powerful, sprawling country."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"Confident, self-assured, but usually a bit naive."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"It can protect other western countries if wars happen, etc."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"It is ruining the world in the pursuit of oil and other resources, holding back the electric car, etc."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"Don’t believe everything your media tells you."
6. Afrodite, age 22, Greece
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"I think of something big with a lot of things going on. People from all over the world come to live together and a lot of new ways of thinking and ideas. A lot of shops. A lot of corruption in the politics and unhealthy foods."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"A typical American would be for me a warm, open person tolerant to diversity, someone who is positive, energetic, likes having fun, is hard working and organized however sometimes is a bit ignorant."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"The best thing about the USA is that it has produced so many new things and ideas, has diversity in people, ideas, things that happen and nature. There are a lot of attractions and things to do and there are a lot of opportunities for people."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"The worst things about the USA are the corruption of politicians and the fact that it gets involved in wars outside its territory for their own profit. Also the GMO and the loans students must pay for education, which is something that should be not a luxury but a basic right for every person."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"One thing I could tell to Americans is keep being awesome and create new things and spread them peacefully but also become more aware of countries outside the USA."
7. Omnia, age 21, Egypt
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"Traveling, shopping and having fun."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"Somehow selfish and care for themselves only."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"It probably has everything I want such as exploring, having fun, shopping, and even learning different things."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"There isn't a strong family bond between the parents and their children. For example, [the USA] cannot be compared to the Middle East culture and the importance of the family in their lives. Also, this can be seen when compared to some European countries such as Greece."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"Put yourselves in others’ shoes."
8. Robin, age 21, Belgium
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the USA?
"The first thing that comes to mind when I think about America is McDonald's."
Describe the typical American in three words.
"You asked me to describe a typical American but I don't think a nationality can describe a character. There are Americans who are fat, who are skinny, smart, dumb, friendly, aggressive, etc. If you'd ask me to describe a typical redneck, that's something I could do."
What is the best thing about the USA?
"The best thing about the USA is definitely movies, no other country makes better movies."
What is the worst thing about the USA?
"The worst thing about the USA is that they think they're the greatest country in the world and that they think that that gives them the right to mingle in other countries' affairs."
If there was one thing that you could tell Americans, what would it be?
"I would tell Americans, don't be so self-centered."
