Life with Aaron Arnold
Life with Aaron Arnold
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9 Surprising Cultural DIFFERENCES between Slovenia and the US
Cultural Differences Between the US and Slovenia | Life in Ljubljana, Slovenia
In this video, I share my experience of moving from the United States to Slovenia and the cultural differences I’ve encountered in the past few months. From Ljubljana, Slovenia’s beautiful capital, to everyday life, I’ve learned a lot about how life here differs from what I knew back home.
If you're curious about living in Slovenia, especially in Ljubljana, or want to explore the cultural contrasts between Slovenia and the US, this video is for you. I’ll cover key aspects like food, coffee culture, transportation, and the laid-back lifestyle that make life in Slovenia unique.
Here are 9 major cultural differences I’ve experienced since moving to Slovenia:
1 Carrying Cash in Slovenia vs. the US
In Slovenia, cash is still widely used, even for smaller purchases. In the US, credit cards and mobile payments are common. I also noticed the differences in Euro bills versus USD, and I saw how businesses handle deliveries when they close for the day-something that would never happen in the US.
2 Driving and Public Transportation
In Ljubljana, you don’t need a car! The public transportation system is affordable, and it’s easy to bike or walk around the city. I was surprised to see young kids (10-12 years old) taking the bus alone, which would be unthinkable in the US due to safety concerns.
3 Shops Closed on Sundays
In Slovenia, many shops and grocery stores close on Sundays, which is a big change from the US, where stores are usually open every day. I quickly learned to plan ahead for my weekend shopping.
4 Defending Slovenian Culture
Slovenia has a strong sense of pride in its culture and heritage. In the US, there’s more focus on celebrating cultural diversity, but here in Slovenia, there’s a deep appreciation for preserving Slovenian language, traditions, and identity.
5 Coffee Culture in Slovenia vs. the US
In the US, coffee is often a grab-and-go experience. But in Slovenia, coffee culture is more social. You sit at a café and enjoy your coffee, often with friends, taking your time. It’s a more relaxed and intentional experience than the US's fast-paced coffee culture.
6 Slovenia: The Friendliest Country for Students
Slovenia is incredibly student-friendly. Students get vouchers that make dining out much more affordable, unlike in the US, where students typically pay full prices. Slovenia’s approach makes life easier for students, and it’s one of the many ways the country values education.
7 Laid-Back Lifestyle in Slovenia
Slovenians have a much more relaxed attitude toward life. I’ve had several experiences, like when I was told to come back in 20 minutes for a passport photo, or when the residency office told me to come back after a couple of hours. In the US, things tend to be more rushed and time-sensitive.
8 Food Quality in Slovenia
The quality of food in Slovenia is amazing. Even fast food places like McDonald’s use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Slovenian meals, whether home-cooked or in restaurants, focus on fresh produce and local meats, which makes a big difference in taste compared to what I was used to in the US.
9 Less Outgoing, More Respectful
People in Slovenia are more reserved compared to the US. In the US, it’s common to see people more outgoing in public spaces, but in Slovenia, there’s more respect for personal space and privacy. Plus, due to GDPR laws in the EU, filming people in public is rare unless it’s at an event.
This video offers insights into life in Ljubljana and Slovenia, and how the Slovenian lifestyle differs from the American way of life. If you’re planning to visit Slovenia or move here, this video will help you understand the cultural differences and everyday life.
Subscribe for more videos about life in Slovenia, Ljubljana, and traveling around this beautiful country. If you're Slovenian or have lived here, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s talk about the unique culture of Slovenia!
#Slovenia #Ljubljana #CulturalDifferences #LifeInSlovenia #SlovenianCulture #StudentLife #CoffeeCulture #FoodInSlovenia #PublicTransportation #LivingInSlovenia
#Slovenia #Ljubljana #American #expatlife #centraleurope #Europe #chillguy #vlog #travelvlog #AaroninSlovenia #lifewithaaronarnold #culture #cultureshock
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Переглядів: 7 446

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КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @l3ishere
    @l3ishere 9 годин тому

    The diffrence between us and americans is that were cooler 😎

  • @obamachu1738
    @obamachu1738 10 годин тому

    Im from Slovenia and you when you said about pakage it is normal to gave pakage to shop next to shop (Cafe, Restaurant, Stores) because Shop owners knowes each other. Hope to uderstand 😁

  • @primozpeternel9592
    @primozpeternel9592 11 годин тому

    At 3:37 someone fell off a Vespa

  • @filipcuk927
    @filipcuk927 12 годин тому

    how can you "harvest" a chicken. I thought wheat is harvested, not animals

  • @maxstricker2210
    @maxstricker2210 13 годин тому

    They don't know about the SEC!

  •  13 годин тому

    ye, about coffee culture... it is not about getting coffee in porcelain cup (or glass one if u r Littoral:) everywhere, it is about sitting down in a place you got the coffee... sometimes even for hours.

  • @duskodragic649
    @duskodragic649 14 годин тому

    It's logical you gained. You wanna stay fat, get married. 😉

  • @zelko-g8r
    @zelko-g8r 17 годин тому

    Slovenia 🇸🇮 Paying for health insurance But do Doctors Mafia GARBAGE

  • @EnigmaBlue..
    @EnigmaBlue.. 17 годин тому

    Thanks for sharing, this was very interesting! 👍💙

  • @bojanpalink5471
    @bojanpalink5471 17 годин тому

    Who cares if a fruit loop from Milwaukee hasn't heard of Slovenia

  • @paulfellowes4879
    @paulfellowes4879 День тому

    I think you need to do a little more research on Slovenian culture before making videos like this, as it could give a false impression. Slovenians are a proud nation, they have every right to be, but they do not expect you to listen to their music or eat their food. To put it another way, they wouldn't be offended if you didn't. Cars do not park on he sidewalk freely in Slovenia, what you saw was an exception to the rule and rarely happens. Privacy laws as governed by the GDPR on photographing/filming in public is almost non-existent in most parts of Slovenia. People are generally unaware of this, and given the amount of UA-camrs filming (such as yourself) and drones, no one expects to carry around a bundle of consent forms in case someone appears in shot...(such as in your video)

  • @urbansoban2669
    @urbansoban2669 День тому

    Slovenian here. The graffitti is a shame. Pisses me off. No point really. It’s vandalism or childlishness.

  • @markosporn8315
    @markosporn8315 День тому

    Penavrt

  • @stropnik78
    @stropnik78 День тому

    Nice presentation on the castle history.

  • @matt7232
    @matt7232 День тому

    Most od the pointers are correct especially the student one - but it has as all the thing the bad side - youngsters are studying too long - a lot of the till 30 or 35 because it's really inexpensive to be a student here + you can also work part time:) The only one it's not true is no.1 - I don't remember the last time i paid sth with cash. Even in a remote village caffe outside Ljubljana. And all of my friends are doing the same so you really have just a bad luck with this bar...

  • @tejaK
    @tejaK День тому

    Thank you, Aaron you always teach us something new about our country (sLOVEnia). :) 🥰

  • @matjazwalland903
    @matjazwalland903 День тому

    Funny that you had to be stopped because you were walking too fast. Do you feel like you're more of a hiker now?

  • @1SLON1
    @1SLON1 День тому

    In Ljubljana is a very potent grafiti culture as we can see from your video. Grafiti everywhere.

  • @Bojan1764
    @Bojan1764 День тому

    You should try BOGRAČ, prekmurje dish. And you should go to Planica, when FIS world cup skiflying competition is there, from 27. to 30.march.

  • @SWEJZZY
    @SWEJZZY День тому

    love your vids brother:D

  • @doroteja7036
    @doroteja7036 День тому

    You should go visit Ptuj for carnival called Pust (where we dress in costumes to scare winter away and welcome spring). It's a great Slovenian tradition celebrated all over Slovenia, in Ptuj there are famous for mascotes names kurenti (but you can find fun famous masks in other cities too)

  • @cybermom77
    @cybermom77 День тому

    Not sure how it works in USA, but here the bank takes a cut every time a customer pays with a card. So it's considerate to pay in cash when it's a small business, such as a small coffee shop, family-owned pizzeria, a hair saloon, etc

  • @CorrieMcBlack
    @CorrieMcBlack День тому

    :) <3 odlično

  • @VigilantGuardian6750
    @VigilantGuardian6750 2 дні тому

    From the looks and vibe you could also pass as a Slovenian guy, unlike me dark looking Bosnian stern faced guy : grimacing :

  • @TBrt-ey2kn
    @TBrt-ey2kn 2 дні тому

    What’s this story about not being able to pay for a coffee with a credit card? Where exactly did it happen? Credit cards are widely used. Personally, I’ve stopped carrying my cards altogether (as well as cash) as I use a credit-card-linked app on my phone. You can even pay for a bus ride using a credit card.

    •  13 годин тому

      I think we should put into our constitution the right to use physical cash, like Slovaks did....

  • @bibimir
    @bibimir 2 дні тому

    Leaving a car on the sidewalk is usually not exactly legal unless it's an emergency. You can get fined for it by city 'police' (not exactly police, they have less power, but they usually have dark red and black uniforms), at very least.

  • @stropnik78
    @stropnik78 2 дні тому

    I'm interesting to hear your opinion on your study program, lectures, exams, learning.....

  • @lisaknudsonlcsw3730
    @lisaknudsonlcsw3730 2 дні тому

    I'm fascinated by Slovenia. Any travel tips for a 1st timer coming for a visit from the U.S.? Dos and Dont's?

    • @GregorGorjan
      @GregorGorjan 2 дні тому

      it's not that much of a different culture for a tourist. it is a lot more different for an expat or student as they will live here longer. as long as you are not "very loud" you will be fine. 🙂 oh and tip only, if you are really satisfied with service. i sometimes give a tip, other times not. service staff usually already get paid quite well for their job. in many cases more than white collar workers.

  • @Mantorp86
    @Mantorp86 2 дні тому

    You should visit the coast some time late spring or summer 😊

  • @matisse3042
    @matisse3042 2 дні тому

    Aaron, you are so lovely when you speak Slovenian. Just go on!

  • @aandreya
    @aandreya 2 дні тому

    So, now, you learned we can be protective of the language, switch from saying Sloviiiinija, to saying it properly SlovEeeeeeeenija.

  • @nikolican8629
    @nikolican8629 2 дні тому

    The difference between Slovenia and the USA arose because in Slovenia we give priority to people, while in the USA you give priority to money. Slovenia is a welfare state. Like most of Europe. The US has gone very far from the right path on a human level

    • @l3ishere
      @l3ishere 9 годин тому

      Rahhh 🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

    • @ecurewitz
      @ecurewitz 9 годин тому

      The US is all about money

    • @bostjanhren2716
      @bostjanhren2716 Годину тому

      Unfortunate for Slovenia

  • @shinnyspace
    @shinnyspace 2 дні тому

    You are also more like Slovenian type of guy , both from looks and attitude. Greets from Ljubljana, Slovenia

  • @lydia5232
    @lydia5232 2 дні тому

    1. Regarding the shipment: the neighbors most likely have an agreement and the recipient of the shipment has redirected his package (via the app) to another address - to the neighbor in agreement with the neighbor. Otherwise, the courier will not leave the package elsewhere on his own. (Better a package with a neighbor than stolen from the front door, as happens in the USA - porch pirates). Every courier service and post office has an app through which you are informed about the shipment and through which you can change the delivery date, address or redirect the shipment to a parcel machine. 2. There are a few private shops that are "on duty" on Sundays, you just have to find them - and they are not in the center of Ljubljana. Sunday is a day for rest. 3. Public transport is great! Underage children alone on the bus - nothing special. Some drive to school, to training, to music schools... This is normal! Parking on the sidewalk: not everywhere and not anymore. This one has a turn signal on, so it will be right back. 4. Yes, we are protective. We don't force anyone to eat or listen to our music. It's true that we like to offer our dishes for tasting and if you like them, so much the better. But if you make the effort to speak Slovenian (a word or a sentence) we are very happy. 5. Coffee is like a dot on the i. The perfect end to a meal. It was like that at our house too - after lunch there was coffee. 6. It's true. 7. Another time zone 🤣🤣🤣, but it's true - why not? However, everything worked out.👍 8. Many stores have an agreement with local growers and sell their products - that's why the soil on the potatoes. The meat is also traceable, even if it's packaged. 9. I completely agree. We like "our own peace". But if someone asks us for help, for direction where to go, we will gladly help.

  • @nikson666
    @nikson666 2 дні тому

    First difference: go back home to the US.

  • @slomuzikaofficial
    @slomuzikaofficial 2 дні тому

    Regarding leaving packages with neighboring companies, we have an agreement with our neighbors to accept packages on their behalf (primarily during the summer when they are on vacation). Leaving packages in front of doors is also a common practice. Just a few years ago, many people in smaller towns didn’t even lock their front doors. However, times are changing. For example, it is now illegal to leave a car unlocked.

  • @slomuzikaofficial
    @slomuzikaofficial 2 дні тому

    Regarding 9, I think we just don’t want to be intrusive or bother people (by being the ones to start the conversation). However, if, for example, a tourist on the street asks us something, we will usually make a great effort to help them.

    • @acousticguitarpeter
      @acousticguitarpeter 2 дні тому

      This was the most obvious cultural difference for me when I went to the US. It was overwhelming for the first couple of days. But in the end I felt really good about that. US people are really honestly friendly.

  • @matejskerjanc7703
    @matejskerjanc7703 2 дні тому

    about 9th point, you havent met me yet :D good vid though Aaron

  • @PinchOfLuck
    @PinchOfLuck 2 дні тому

    I am Slovenian myself and I still don't get this graffiti culture. Seriously. We don't have any proper gangs, not really. Just some hotheads who don't know where they belong and try imitate other cultures for some reason.

    • @53cconadailee46
      @53cconadailee46 День тому

      En parim bi blo treba roke polomt.

    • @tadej3954
      @tadej3954 День тому

      @@53cconadailee46 tem bosancem ... če nis opazo je vedno tam full tam ko se toti zadrzujejo ...

    • @jumpnalamp
      @jumpnalamp 10 годин тому

      Graffiti is not about gangs man what

  • @Jasna-f9i
    @Jasna-f9i 2 дні тому

    Your films are really cute! You are such a positive person😊

  • @oneeyejack3043
    @oneeyejack3043 2 дні тому

    In slovenia everything's closed on sunday so people have the time to watch new Life with Aaron Arnold video DUH!

  • @8aros2
    @8aros2 2 дні тому

    Cash is king here, I am from Slovenia and I never go anywhere without it, also make sure to have some change too! 💪

    • @jernejkurincic9050
      @jernejkurincic9050 2 дні тому

      Well, it is not a bad idea to have some cash on you, but generally almost everywhere there will be an option to pay by phone or card. It can easily happen that half a month goes by with the same 20€ in my wallet ...

    • @hannaR_
      @hannaR_ День тому

      Interesting! Not my experience...I can not remember when was the last time I used cash, I pay everything by cards...

    • @8aros2
      @8aros2 День тому

      @@hannaR_ guess it depends on your preference ;)

  • @Rok_Piletic
    @Rok_Piletic 2 дні тому

    YOu manged to show how GRFITI Ljubljana is ... lol ... that shows the spirit of Ljubljana and their leadership

  • @elizabethfrank3682
    @elizabethfrank3682 2 дні тому

    - Melania... - You are not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside... Wave wave

  • @mašasmrekar-d7u
    @mašasmrekar-d7u 2 дні тому

    Hi. I love your videos. 🙂 If you like a thicker crust on a pizza, you can maybe try kruhki or pizza calzone. Pizza calzone is like a folded pizza. It’s an italian style of pizza, so you probably wont be able to find it everywhere. Kruhki use pizza dough and are also like rolled or folded, idk how to explain really, and are filled with different things from ham and cheese to nutella…. I know you can get them in most pizza places in Kranj (and Gorenjska region), i don't know about Ljubljana and other parts. In Slovenia it started in a restaurant called Kruhkerija Gorjanc in Hotemaže (about an hour and a half from Ljubljana, depending on traffic) as far as i know, but i don’t know if it originated there. If you want to visit, just keep in mind that they are not opened every day and are also popular. So it’s better to call and make a reservation. Also pizzas are very different in different parts of Slovenia, in my opinion. the “cost” (like Portorož), has a thinner crust bc its supposed to be like a more italian style. Gorenjska region used to have a thicker crust pizza but now it depends on the restaurant. Also the fast food places, like Doner kebab, have a more oily and cheese pizza usually. I dont know about pizzas in Ljubljana bc i dont really go out for pizza in Ljubljana. Hope it helps 🙂

  • @jasminadrzanicsluzbeninasl6190

    Which coffee shop are you going too? Because I always pay with a card....

  • @subrey4909
    @subrey4909 2 дні тому

    Cool video! Keep it up

  • @PanterusPinkus
    @PanterusPinkus 2 дні тому

    Nice, i hope you have good time in our country. I liked the video. You earned new subscriber here. :D

  • @primoz1231
    @primoz1231 2 дні тому

    You said how Slovenia is student friendly because of the meals. But how much does the college education cost? I know it is free for us. Is it the same for US citizen?

    • @obiwanschinobi
      @obiwanschinobi День тому

      yup, he missed the main thing. It is free for erasmus students from all over the world, all benefits included. I think it is free for foreigners in general.

  • @EgGDoGG_Lover
    @EgGDoGG_Lover 2 дні тому

    Love your content bro. Keep it up. It always brightens my day. Very educational aswell. Much love❤