10 Shocking Realizations Americans Have After Living In Europe
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- 🌍 Ever wondered how Americans feel after living in Europe?
✨ From cultural shocks to newfound love for European traditions, this video uncovers the emotional rollercoaster many face when transitioning from the U.S. to Europe.
📜 What we’ll explore:
1️⃣ 🏡 Adapting to slower lifestyles.
2️⃣ 🍷 Savoring rich culinary experiences.
3️⃣ 🌐 Embracing unique social norms.
💡 Why watch?
Whether you're considering making the leap 🌍 or just curious about life overseas ✈️, this video dives deep into how living in Europe reshapes perspectives on life, work, and culture.
🎥 Don’t miss out on these fascinating insights into life abroad! 💬
➡️ Hit subscribe for more stories of expat adventures, cultural surprises, and life-changing moves.
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What do you think about the differences between Europe and the US? healthcare, lifestyle, security? Share your thoughts below!
As a German I agree to a lot of your statement but I totally disagree on the public transportation conclusion. While it is certainly good to have public transportation, I would more often than not like the cities to be more car centric. There is a trend to get cars out of the cities in Germany. I think there should be a more car centric policy as I do not like to use public transportation simply because it is public. There should be both! For those who want to use public transportation it should be possible and for those who like to use a car it should also be possible. More underground parking and roads could be a solution.
Furthermore, outside of the big cities, public transportation is not very good, even between two suburbs of cities with 20000 inhabitants it is not possible to use public transportation before certain hours or public transportation is way tremendously slower than going by car (e.g. 1.5hrs vs. 15min)
Public transportation can be limiting, especially outside big cities. With more areas in European cities restricting cars, do you think developing both systems equally is realistic? In Paris for instance, increased car access often disrupts public transport efficiency.
It's pretty accurate
@@theworldtoexplore YES! Good point Those are as well.
@@73bbl38 I agree totally
I left America in 1993 and have lived in Europe since. It saddens me to see what is happening to what used to be my country. The selfishness, self-righteousness and angry intolerance is frightening. America is no longer a country with a soul, it’s a corporation with owners and employees.
Oh great to have you here ! What do you think of Europe as an american ? :)
@ I absolutely love it! So much to explore, so many unique cultures, all very different but with some common ideas about how to treat people, the place of work in one’s life etc. Honestly I’ve never looked back but the state of America these days makes me profoundly sad.
True that. Sadly, the United States of America have become the United Corporations of America.
Nuff said
Totally agree! I get what you mean about the sadness, though. Do you think it’s possible for the U.S. to rediscover those values?
As a UK comedian said "In this country we don't need the 'American ' dream, because we are awake!
That’s such a clever take! It’s true that some people feel the American Dream is more of a myth now than a reality. Do you think the UK has done a better job of maintaining equality and opportunity?
@@theworldtoexplore Yes
It's more like living the American nightmare
The American Dream is the Frenchman's nightmare
American dream or American lie?
The American dream, European reality:
Good and well maintained infrastructure
Good and affordable healthcare, education, public services.
Job security and benefits.
Paid vacation and sick days
Affordable and healthy groceries.
Well trained and equipped emergency services.
Great social services.
Safe environment and schools.
Everything well maintained.
Drinkable tap water.
Etc. Etc.
Well said. The American dream as a European reality, while Europe isn’t perfect, it offers access to essentials like healthcare and education that many can only dream of. Isn't it time we rethink what the 'dream' should truly stand for?
Have to disagree about infrastructure..
@@BantallasPotholes can come and go. Whst is problem there?
@@Bantallas thanks, can you be more specific about infrastructure problem you see in europe?
@theworldtoexplore roads, bridges, railway, high speed internet...All crumbling
After visiting the U.S. i'm SOO GLAD to live in Europe!
Haha, I hear you! What was it about your visit that made you feel that way? Always curious to hear how experiences compare!
@Taurus13-xl4zh I'm glad I'm living in Australia. Nobody can survive in the USA without getting shot by some lunatic.
Probably you should travel more. The USA has too many issues. As a speialist in science working here and there in this country, which is nowadays the Uneducated States of America. The very bad healthcare system and infrastructure is another Aspekt. What exactly are you prowd of?
@singular18 What are you talking about?? I live in europe and i don't like the U.S. for many reasons.
@ You don't like it, it does not mean that it is worse.
I´m an American living in Denmark. Denmark come often in focus in Amercia. The contrast is huge. American think that the high taxes is Socialism where we see it as a investment.
Average tax rates in Denmark is 38% but we get something for the money. It´s a progresss tax system. The more you make, the more you pay..but there is a limit when you hit the top tax bracket. Denmark is a more humane sociality.
1. Free hospital. No out of pocket payment. Visiiting the doctor is free.
2. Free Dental for everyone under 18 years old
3. 6 weeks vacation
4. Free education on all levels. (Whne your´re over 18 years old, you recieve money to go to school)
5. subsidize child care. (If there is no day care then the parent can´t work)
6. volunteer work is the bases of the community. (Getting involved with the community)
7. 37 hour work week. Companies really don´t want you to work overtime if it is not necessary.
8. You can live off of one job. Living wages
9. everyone has a 401 k
10. NO GUNS
Even though we pay alot in taxes, we don´ty pay for health insurance, student debt, a small percent to day care. Compare to a average Amercian, we have more take home pay since we don´t have to pay out of pocket for basic needs.
Ill never move back to the states.
Wow, Denmark sounds like an awesome place to live! 🌟 It’s great to hear how much you value time with family and the strong support systems they have in place. Those benefits like free healthcare, education, and the work-life balance are seriously impressive. No wonder you’d rather stay there! Thanks for sharing your experience
Why dont you set money aside, in the US from what would be European taxes, to buy all those social security freebies that Europe provides such as insurance and docs and the like? Why stick to a european dystopian bound to fail social security system?
@ average wage in America doesn't give you enough money to put anything aside. Almost all other countries except America offers free health care...so which country is defunctional? The one that doesn't takes care of thier citizens or the rest of world that do?
Good point. If basic needs like healthcare strain the average wage in America, isn't it fair to ask which system truly prioritizes the well-being of its citizens?
It's a fair question, but the issue lies in costs and access. In Europe, taxes fund systems that negotiate prices and ensure universal coverage, creating efficiency and equity. In the U.S., even if you set money aside, private systems can be prohibitively expensive, with unpredictable costs, leaving many underinsured. The debate isn’t just about funding-it’s about whether healthcare is treated as a right or a commodity.
A friend of mine (American) had to get an inhaler while here in the UK on a work trip back in 2001, he was going to the bank to get money out so we took him to a cash point (ATM) and he got £350 out, we all asked why he had that much and he said he had to pay for it, so we took him to a chemist and he bought 2, he had the cash in hand and was shocked when he was charged £45 for BOTH of them. If he was a BRIT he would only have had to pay £5.99 for it. He was almost in tears because he said he would have to pay $300+ at home? The stupid thing was they were made in the US?!
That story perfectly highlights the absurdity of healthcare costs in the U.S. The fact that a product made domestically can be astronomically cheaper abroad shows how broken the system is. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time.
@@theworldtoexplore You need universal health care controlled by the the government so that they can make price agreements with the pharmaceutical industry to keep prices affordable.
Absolutely! Universal healthcare with government oversight is key. It allows for negotiating fair prices with pharmaceutical companies and keeping healthcare affordable for everyone. It’s a system that prioritizes people over profits.
@@theworldtoexplore i' m so glad there are some sane Americans left... 🙂
I think most Americans don't realize this. They expect that things cost the same in Europe and that the only difference is that we pay taxes to get these things, through the universal health care. They don't realize that things are actually often many times cheaper.
The USA had the opportunity to create a truly wonderful nation, with an abundance of resources, and no debilitating historical baggage. But in the obsessive search for profit at the cost of their citizens, they've only succeeded in creating a primitive proto-society based on the threat of violence and destitution, and an aberrant level of selfishness.
Whilst other industrialised nations are inching forward, the USA not only resolutely ignores the progress of others, but seems bent on returning to its' darker past - now embracing 19th century ideas of racial superiority, misogyny, social division, commonplace political corruption and effective indentured servitude (in the guise of inescapable "student loans", and barely existent labour protection law).
I'm an old man who's taken an academic interest in the socio-political evolution of the USA for some decades, and I fear that not only has the nation lost its' way, but that it's unlikely to find its' way back onto a progressive path. I think the USA may well be in irreversible decline.
Thanks for your comment ! it’s really thoughtful and insightful. You’ve highlighted issues that a lot of people are concerned about, especially the sense of missed potential and a drift away from essential values. It’s true that looking at everything happening, it’s hard not to wonder if the U.S. can find its way back to a more progressive path. That said, there are still people and initiatives pushing for change. Whether that’ll be enough, who knows? But your perspective adds so much to the conversation! thanks for sharing it here again :) I read that you are an old man, if you were young again, you would stay in the US to try to make changes or would you leave ? :)
@@theworldtoexplore What would be interesting from an outside perspective, would be the scale or even existence of the 'people' and initiatives pushing for change??? I have not seen any proof, rather seeing a deliberate dumbing-down of the population, a savage and hating streak being exposed all the time, even to the point of wanting to 'take over' or 'buy' other nations for US interests??? With absolutely no shame or sense of loyalty?
Are the US really not seeing the isolation that you are imposing on yourselves? Very (very!) soon, USA will be entirely on it's own ... blaming others for their misfortune...
I have heard the mention of future attempt of EU and BRICS to join, as the better choice?
Seems ironic that the USA was once the destination for those fleeing from exactly what you describe.
Well said Sir. As a young man aspired to live in the US. Now I try to dissuade my children from going there, even for a holiday. What happened ?
Great question! I think what happens is mainly a combination of the higher cost of living and inflation, creating the perfect cocktail... The real estate prices in the U.S. are just crazy. The cost of education is outrageous too! The channel @howmoneyworks made a great video about how American schools have drastically increased their prices.
In Europe, you can get a decent education at a reasonable price, with schools that are globally recognized-even as an American student.
What are your thoughts on that? And do all states in the U.S. face the same problems?
Imagine missing a medical consultation or procedure because of cost, unimaginable in any civilized country
Totally agree, it's heartbreaking to think about. Access to healthcare shouldn't depend on your wallet-it's a basic human right.
You say: civilized country
I have never had to do that in my entire life (64 years old). Don't believe everything you read.
@@SaveTheUnion Yeah man. Because it doesn't happen to you it not a problem for anybody. Great logic. 🙄
@@AkamaiOkole Just like in the US, there are poor and homeless in Europe. Just like in the U.S. Some member countries in the EU get better healthcare, vacation time, etc... than others. All I am saying is that neither Europe nor the U.S. are better than the other. Both places have Pros and Cons.
After six yrs on contract working in the US, when the offer came to remain permanently, my kids and I were unanimous in refusing. The chief reasons were: school safety & standards of education, the total disregard for the environment, no public transport, and racism (my kids are of mixed ethnicity).
Sounds like a tough but well-thought-out decision. Those reasons are all so important, especially when raising kids. It’s hard to imagine staying somewhere long-term without feeling safe, supported, and respected. Do you feel like the move brought the changes you hoped for?
Well done!
Europe is not spread out like the US. Makes having public transport so much more affordable to build and maintain. Some people don't like living on top of other people. Nice having a one hundred fifty-acre farm.
@@scrambler69-xk3kvEurope is 104,480 square kilometers (40,340 square miles) larger than the United States.
@@scrambler69-xk3kv, by area, Europe is larger than the USA, 3.9 million square miles vs. 3.8 million square miles, and with double the population of the USA. Each country sorts out their own public transport. I imagine each state in the US does similar.
I was young in the 80ies and dreamt of the USA as a lighthouse of freedom and opportunity,
now I look at the US and feel sorry for them.
Whilst Europe and other states progress, the US seem to go back to the dark days,I fear in my lifetime I will see stakes burning in Salem again
That’s such a poignant reflection. It’s striking how perceptions of the U.S. have shifted over the decades. Do you think it's gonna get better or worse with Trump?
@@theworldtoexplore In my opinion the US shall be happy if their democracy survives the Trump presidency
We had a US exchange student in the 80ies and he did not understand how the Austrian painter could gain power with all the disgusting results.
His party got 43,9% of the votes.
I fear US citizens will learn a hard lesson soon, maybe he was correct telling the people "this is the last time You have to vote"
What shocked me most: US citizens googled tariffs and their consequences AFTER election.
@@RickTheClipper You raise a valid point. Interesting comparison. I guess you're not living in the USA. What would you do if you were living there?
@@theworldtoexplore Are You ready for a long long list?
@@RickTheClipper Yes! Go ahead!
We don't include tips in wages. Eveybody get a fair wage and tips are a bonus. Not a way to make a living. We don't see the US as a example. In fact nobody outside the US does. We see it as a failed system.
totally agree, do you think US should take example on Europe ? ;)
BRILLIANT ....That is Exactly what I tell my < american > friends ..a FAILURE is Your country I tell'm ..
@@theworldtoexploreno, the US should take an example of the entire world. Every region has pros and cons but it seems the US has mostly cons. It is seen in Europe as the great example of capitalism and absence of cultural tradition at it's worst.
@victorbaarn-v2p That's quite direct! Do your friends agree with your perspective, or does it spark a heated debate? Conversations like that must get pretty intense!
@mrvalveras Indeed, but Europe has its own challenges too-rising debt and limited control over the euro in some countries create significant economic tensions. The U.S. might have a stronger economy overall, but with so many inequalities, do you think either system truly works for the majority of people?
America is a poor country with a few rich people
True, it’s a succinct way to put it. Do you think the current system in the U.S. will ever shift toward more balance, or is the divide only going to grow?
@@theworldtoexplore No because the current rich like Musk and Bezos won't allow America too change. Plus when the American electorate still vote for Trump after his lies and criminality then American voters are going to get what they deserve. How is it permitted for a convicted felon to be president?
Poor in education and culture.
@@theworldtoexploreI'm afraid that unluckily with the results of the last election the future of the most American people is not good at all but the billionaires will become richer and the divide deeper than ever. In my opinion the US government is not a democratic system, it's just a question of money who becomes president. All the system is about money no ideas or visions for the people or the country.
For me as an European it's a nightmare to see what is happening in the US.
1% owns 30% of the wealth. 50% owns 1% in the US
America is the greatest country in the world,the government,media,corporations and the education system conspire to promote this myth.Keeping the American people ignorant of life in other countries and suggesting things can't get any better is essential for the American capitalist system to work with long hours,low pay and no workers rights
Average wage-earner in the US is, in my opinion, no better than a mediaeval serf whose livelihood was entirely dependent on the arbitrary goodwill or otherwise of his "lord."
makes me thinking of Oliver Anthony's song ua-cam.com/video/sqSA-SY5Hro/v-deo.html
I've always been the exception to the rule and was always interested in the world (history major). After college I went to Taiwan for 2 years and learned to speak Chinese. (I did study German in HS for 2 years as my ancestors are from there and my mom was bilingual). I moved to Japan 22 years ago. I didn't expect to stay except I met a Chinese woman and we've been married for 18 years now. She doesn't speak English so it is sometimes strange running around Japan speaking Chinese. (Went to see the doctor today and that was a real language chore. Luckily Japan uses a lot, alot of English medical terms). And surprisingly no Japanese give us funny looks. (My wife's Japanese is fluent).
I've been all over Asia and dream of traveling to Europe.
absolutley true there, the indoctrination of american citizens from more or less birth, gives a loyal , not complaining,obeying and above all, not looking and learning about other countries -citizen, and that is very important for the american economy - the states is a good place to live if you have a shitload of money, but at average income it's terrible, wealth and money comes first in everything in the states - nothing else really matters
@@gordonsmith8899 Europe 100 years ago
Over the past few decades, I have had numerous, serious health issues. My life has been saved several times and I go on to enjoy a rich life. Each one resolved by the NHS, at no cost to me other than my taxes. Today I visited my GP because he wanted to check up on me. Cost? Nothing. If I lived in the USA, I'd be bankrupt many times over now. I am on 15 different medications and, living in Scotland, they cost me nothing except for my taxes. I know I'm biased (given my wonderful job), but thank whatever god you believe in or don't, for the NHS!
That’s such an amazing story, and it really shows how life-changing the NHS can be. Not having to worry about going bankrupt just to stay alive is something so many people take for granted. It’s incredible that you’ve been able to enjoy life despite everything you’ve been through. Do you feel like the NHS has stayed as strong and reliable over the years?
@@RabSea Over the past few decades we have been on a slide down. If your programme started now you would probably have a totally less impressive outcome. Sustainability is the issue with life expectancy increasing, the spectrum of treatments and complexities increasing, additional population and probably less effective spending in some areas of management together with deterioration of facilities and lack of equipment are all stressing out the NHS.
What is your job? Civil servant? Public servant?
@@MatthewAstra Humanity servant covers it.
The truth is, America is not a country, its a business
That’s a powerful statement, and it reflects how deeply profit-driven systems influence American society. While it’s a country with incredible potential and resources, the prioritization of business interests over collective well-being often shapes its policies and culture. It’s a perspective that sparks important conversations about values and priorities.
It's also a country that will not confront its past. The education system tends to feed positive propaganda about America being the best in the world. I.e., America did not win WWII, but it was one of many countries that came together to defeat Naziism. No country has a clean past, but many have tried to reckon with it, e.g., Germany, which deliberately taught its population about WWI and WWII.
The lack of historical events and information about what and why they happened has skewed Americans' knowledge, perspective, and place in the world.
History has shown what isolationism can do... Pearl Harbor being one of them.
but a poorly run business that prides itself on a mythical efficiency
If you don't have time to watch the whole thing- here's a summary: Europeans get taxed more than Americans but the average person in Europe gets a lot more for their tax dollars: good public transportation, high quality k-12 education, low cost higher ed, more accessible healthcare, and less wealth inequality which leads to lower crime. They have stronger labor laws and unions which helps with work/life balance. Many European cities were built long before cars were invented so there is less car dependency and mixed use neighborhoods which leads to less suburban sprawl.
That's a solid summary! Thanks!
I live in Europe, I can spare 15 minutes to watch this post!!😁😁🇬🇧
ahah nice to see viewers from the UK, enjoy !!
@@PJVila The number that matters is spending money after all expenses.
In theory Europeans get taxed more. In reality Europeans have more money to spend after taxes, and a lot of these taxes go towards useful things like public transport, infrastructure, welfare funds, health care and public institutions like education and libraries. Obviously a small portion is reserved for the military. I'd say that our tax money is spent wiser and with much more care.
Kids in Europe do not play "soccer" ... *they play football!*
no is soccer and I'm Australian. but however some also call it football. For me it AFL FOOTY
The USA is the only country in the world where "football" is played with the hands and not the feet 😂
@@astree214 Sorry to disappoint you AFL is Australian football and we play with both hands and feet as well many other countries also play Rugby and they may call it football too.
@@astree214 Apart from those countries that play Rugby football, Gaelic football or Australian Rules football.
I don't understand how the US can favour corporate profit for health of its population. Healthy population means more profit in the end doesn't it?
It’s counterintuitive, but the focus seems to be on short-term profits for corporations, like those in the food and healthcare industries, rather than long-term public health. With processed foods, poor nutrition, and expensive healthcare, they make more money individually, even if it’s harmful in the long run. Perhaps the lack of broad policy or too many billionaires in the government plays a role in keeping this cycle going??
@@KurtFrederiksen Prussia noticed that a sick, hungry citizen is not good material for a soldier. Hitler knew that in the process of conquering Europe he could not influence the well-being of the nation.
Not if you have been brainwashed into extreme capitalism
This is why we have psychological healthcare and addiction rehab programmes: it's cheaper in the long run than expecting the police and prison service to deal with the mess afterwards.
@@KurtFrederiksen The dynamic described here really underscores how systemic priorities shape outcomes. It's striking how a system that seems so harmful to the broader population can persist because it serves the interests of those with influence. The idea of short-term profit taking precedence over long-term societal health resonates deeply with how industries like processed foods and healthcare operate in tandem to perpetuate cycles of poor health. It makes me think about whether there’s a tipping point where this model might start to unravel. Unfortunately it might take a massive public health crisis..
Everyone else isn't thin.
You can survive without 27 guns.
Medical treatment that doesn't bankrupt you does not result in commissars and gulags.
As for multiple languages, most Americans can barely speak English.
It’s a pretty sharp take, and honestly, some hard truths in there. The healthcare and language points especially hit home-access to care and education shouldn’t be seen as radical ideas. Do you think these perspectives will ever shift in the U.S?
Why do you say Americans can’t speak English? Besides trying to be cruel and snarky..
@@bvanderford
Your President in waiting is a prime example. He can barely string two words together.
@@bvanderford i have some trouble understanding slang or some accents and so on could just be those i guess along with reports of poor schooling for those who can't pay for best.
@@lenroddis5933 It is known that Trump has a huge brain damage, he is missing a lot of brain cells.
Europe means enjoying six weeks of vacation, universal healthcare, and a cappuccino that isn’t the size of a bucket 💙 🇺🇸
haha! Europe definitely has its charmwork-life balance, accessible healthcare, and those perfectly portioned cappuccinos hit differently. But hey, buckets of coffee have their place when you're running on five hours of sleep! Both cultures have their quirks,it’s all about finding what works for you. ☕✨
I would appreciate a cappuccino the size of a bucket though.
What part of Europe? The rich countries that mooch off the poorer ones?
The sad thing is most Americans will never experience things outside their own country and the ones that do have their eyes opened to how bad America is whether it’s work til you drop attitude no holiday pay sick pay benefits etc or how bad their food and healthcare is. America is all about money, food full of chemicals or GMO’s so fruit and veg have no nutrients or flavour high fructose corn syrup in everything basically all food is made to make you ill so you have to pay for healthcare and treatments. Is sad to see such a great country once is now just about greed and the people living there don’t realise it and how little freedom they actually have compared to most countries on the planet
You’ve raised some powerful points, and it’s heartbreaking to see how the focus on profit has impacted so many aspects of daily life, from health to work-life balance. It’s true that traveling and experiencing other cultures can open your eyes to how things could be different-and better. Do you think there’s a way for the people who *do* see these issues to spark meaningful change back home?
Good question. I think things may change especially when it comes to food. Videos like yours educates people which helps, I enjoyed it. Keep them coming! I have noticed lately there are more videos online now highlighting how bad their food in America is if more people talk about it and speak out change will happen. But it’s a massive task not just processing food it’s farming pesticides antibiotics in farm animals what the animals eat no bulking agents or hormones chlorinated chickens and eggs no GMO’s preservatives crazy chemicals in food like bread which isn’t needed like that ingredient that’s made to make yoga mats is in bread to make it softer, it should be 4 basic ingredients that’s it. Less sugar and ban high fructose corn syrup in food and drinks. List goes on. Culture like work culture can’t see that changing it’s how the country is run but there should be more work laws in place that protects workers rights more. Healthcare is a joke needs a massive overhaul but people are blind to see that universal style healthcare would be way better and cheaper per month than what they pay for health insurance but Americans have been brainwashed into thinking anything socialised is bad even when told you will pay less and get all treatments no co-pays etc on top either. I could go on and on lol
Thank you for the encouragement! Yes! That ingredient is azodicarbonamide, used in yoga mats and also in some bread as a dough conditioner to make it softer. It’s a potential health risk, and many countries have banned it in food.-what do you think it would take for people to wake up and start fighting for real change in healthcare, food quality, and workers' rights?
Apparently it was never a "great" country in the realistic sense....
@@geertstroy makes me think about that scene where a journalist is asked why the USA is the greatest country in the world but ends up explaining why it's not! Which show is that from?
I left the USA in 1991. I have been back to visit family regularly but the growing, overwhelming ignorance and entitlement of the average American shocks me every time. It’s getting worse exponentially.
1991? That's quite a long time! It must be fascinating to see how the culture and attitudes have shifted over the years. That growing sense of entitlement and ignorance you mention-do you think it’s due to social media amplifying things ?
@ I think it’s mainly down to the poor education and health care systems creating a generation (or two) of progressively more ignorant and less healthy citizens.
We have social media here in Northern Europe too. And while it certainly hasn’t helped matters, most citizens are still capable of logical thought and pragmatic solutions.
Of course we have ignorant, intolerant, over-weight and entitled people here too. But they are comfortably in the minority.
You nailed it. Poor education and healthcare systems play a massive role in shaping a population, and it’s clear how that’s impacted the U.S. over time. Social media definitely doesn’t help anywhere, but like you said, it hasn’t derailed logical thought as much in Northern Europe. Here, the systems at least aim to support a more balanced, healthier society, even if no place is perfect. Ignorant or entitled people exist everywhere, but it’s about whether the system lets them dominate or keeps them in the minority.
the point about entitlement is interesting, I thought to have noticed something similar
the entitlement is just a pose, I think. When you are overweight, in a dead-end job, nearing your 30s with nothing to show for it, you just have to retreat behind your goatie, your MAGA cap and your baseless overconfidence
I don't understand why no one mentions the processed food industry in USA. In Europe, you can not use an ingredient until you've proven it's safe. In USA, you can use it unless it's proven unsafe - which can take decades of people falling ill, dying, or destroying their health for the rest of their lives. The impact on health of this "small difference" is mindblowing. You pick up almost anything in a US supermarket and the list of ingredients is basically a death wish, a horror movie unfolding. High fructose corn syrup in just about everything, food colorings that have been proven to be extremely hazardous in other parts of the world, etc. How can you even expect free healthcare if the system is rigged to make these corps make billions by destroying the health and lives of Americans nationwide? Corporations make money in Europe too (and lots of it), but (mostly) not at the expense of putting the lives of their citizens in extreme danger. Also, look into the percentages of HGH, antibiotics that are allowed in cattle in the USA and in EU. When we talk about the huge obesity epidemic in the States, we often focus on ignorance, lack of education, but the reality is that almost everything you're eating is just way, way less healthy than here in Europe, and sometimes there is no choice. Not everyone makes enough money to shop for groceries at Whole Foods or the time and patience to go to farmers markets and such. Everything is set up around extreme greed, citizens are just consumers. Profit is the only concept that matters there.
As a disclaimer please note I have nothing against the US and its citizens. I've enjoyed all my visits and have mostly had great interactions. This is not a hater comment.
Totally get your point. Thanls for your comment.The difference in food regulations between the US and Europe is shocking, and it’s wild how it impacts public health on such a massive scale. The processed food industry really does feel untouchable at times, prioritizing profits over people’s well-being. And yeah, it’s not even just about choices-so much of it is systemic, making healthy options harder to access for many.
Do you think there’s any realistic path for the US to shift toward stricter food regulations, or is the industry too powerful to challenge?
I agree. There's no substitute like healthy food. May RFK find a solution to this problem in the US. Hoping for his confirmation.
Brit here totally agree, have often wondered if the "food" industry has ties with the "medical" profession! Trouble is American politicians are bought by money for their re-election
The system is totally corrupt. Take a look at what happened at Boeing, the CEO knowingly brings out a faulty aircraft (737MAX) kills 346 people and leaves with $60million and
without any oversight or prosecution.
@@theworldtoexplore Forgive my cynicism I don't expect anything will change.
Until there's a need for change driven by Washington, which will only change with enough demand from voters, nothing will change as too many politicians have been bought by big money.
I don't think the europeans are that much holier, it is just that large corporate lobbying is the dominant political power in the US
The US is a very rich third world country.
@michaelhather9753 America is poor and starving. I remember someone I know went for a holiday to the USA. Funny thing is one dude comes out from nowhere and wants to sell drugs just to survive. I think America is cursed.
6th world country and an oligarchy!
2nd World (New World, remember);
but now it's the failed world.
It seems to be a very American attitude to see regulations as restrictive impositions but European food and drink is what it is because of regulations. Producers are required to abide by standards of quality.
That’s a great observation! Do you think the American resistance to regulations will ever shift, especially when it comes to food quality?
If it did it would be part of a much broader shift in attitudes that I don’t see happening. An informed electorate is needed for democracy to be effective and a benefit to society. What America seems to have is an electorate that is in large part profoundly misinformed, and loving it.
Yeah, that’s a tough one. It’s hard to see big change happening without people being better informed. Do you think there’s any hope for turning that around, or is it just too baked into the system now?
The European approach is consumer protection and wellbeing. Not the interest of big business - although are elements of that we could do with rooting out.
@ European attitudes to freedom tend to be based around ‘freedom from’ whereas the American attitude seem to be more ‘freedom to.’ In this instance freedom from being fed low quality food and freedom to sell low quality food. Freedoms that broadly favour society as opposed to freedoms for individuals, usually with money, to do what they want with little regard for possible negative effects on society.
My adult children have special needs. The Irish government has lifetime benefits for such circumstances. The pressure to be employed is eradicated. The benefits includes a weekly monetary allowance, free medical care and hospital stays, free travel on both public and private buses, trains and trams. A Christmas bonus if 100%. A maximum cost of €15 per month for medicines or €1.50 per item for lower volumes. Taxes pay for these and it's standard in The EU to support your fellow citizens. The benefits from paying taxes can be transferred to and/or combined with other EU/ world countries because of treaties.
That’s amazing your family receives this support-it must make a huge difference in daily life! Totally unheard of in the U.S.! What do you mean by "The benefits from paying taxes can be transferred to and/or combined with other EU/ world countries because of treaties."?
And would such benefits be possible if American companies did not have a tax "bridgehead" in Ireland? The Irish government does not have its own money - it gets it from taxes from citizens and companies, including American ones, which take advantage of the reduced corporate tax rates.
Germany has a similar system, plus a system of protected workshops for people with disabilities, where we have educational opportunities and workplaces tailored to the needs of each client, so they can have meaningful and paid work.
@infeltk That’s a sharp observation. Ireland’s low corporate tax rate has certainly attracted plenty of international businesses, and those taxes do play a big role in funding public services. It makes me wonder, though: if countries like the U.S. adopted similar tax strategies or pressured companies to keep more profits domestically, would that shift the balance for places like Ireland?
@@infeltk You do realise that Irish companies also employ people in the US....
The shock about tipping is not that the service charge is included in the bill, it's that Europeans actually pay their staff properly.
Exactly! The real shock is realizing that fair wages are built into the system. It’s nice not having to guess how much to tip, and it shows respect for workers by paying them decently from the start.
@@theworldtoexplore And, people in Europe still tip, but there is no pressure ( France and Italy are a bit different )
Absolutely! Tipping in Europe is more about showing appreciation than meeting an expectation. It’s optional and not tied to workers’ livelihoods, which makes dining out less stressful for everyone.
I am in the UK and, due to poor mobility, have my groceries delivered. I don't tip the drivers apart from at Christmas when I give them a few quid for a Christmas drink. However, I have to push that on them, they don't expect it.
In what country? Please inform me because that is not the case in Spain.
I often see comments from Americans who seem to take pride in working 50, 60, or even 80 hours a week and who defend or justify things that primarily benefit employers and the very wealthy. It's as if they’ve been conditioned to see what’s good for employees and everyday people as a bad thing.
Spot on. It’s like a cultural conditioning that glorifies overwork and downplays the value of balance and workers' rights. The irony is, many of the things they dismiss, like fair wages or universal healthcare, actually improve productivity and quality of life for everyone
@@theworldtoexplore
Nah, that would be rewarding the "non-rich"
@@gordonsmith8899 and you are? conditioned non rich? ... must be ... or your irony has to be marked as one ...
@
Me? I'm very grateful I was born and raised in the UK.
I commented some time ago that the position of the average blue-collar worker in the USA is virtually that of a serf on a pre-industrial rural estate.
Hired and fired at the whim of a boss whose only interest is making money and where long hours are considered 'normal.'
Land of the free? I don't think so.
@@gordonsmith8899 okay it was meant as an irony.
And yes the colonies are a lot, but not free, and never had been ... strarting with the 1st extremist sending to the Americas in 1620
A similar story from Americans travelling to or living in Australia. Accessible health care, good public transport, better work-life balance etc etc all evident Down Under.
Absolutely! Australia really nails that balance-accessible healthcare, solid public transport, and a lifestyle that values time outside of work. It’s no wonder so many Americans notice the difference. Do you think it’s just the culture, or is it the policies that make the biggest impact?
@@theworldtoexplore yep Australia is 💯% better than USA. Even my president Saddam Hussein once said the USA is a very bad place to live in the government are evil
I worked for a few years for the UN with a mixture of European and American colleagues. I noticed that the Americans devoted longer hours at work but I didn’t notice that they produced higher quality work than their European colleagues. It was almost as though they felt guilty for spending less than 12 hours at a desk.
That's such an interesting observation! It really highlights the cultural difference in work attitudes. Americans often equate long hours with dedication and productivity, even if the quality doesn’t necessarily match. Europeans, on the other hand, tend to prioritize efficiency and work-life balance, proving you don’t need 12-hour days to get great results. It’s a fascinating contrast in how different cultures approach work.
@philipalcock9867 VW started a production in USA and failed because of the quality issues those US Golf´s had.
They came back, hired new staff and educated them, to be able to produce in the German standard ... VW still does produced in USA. Others made the same experience or learned from VW.
In America , Healthcare is a privilege reserved for wealthy individuals
In Europe , Healthcare is egaliterian right for all
That’s such a stark contrast, and it really highlights the difference in priorities. Do you think the US will ever move towards a more egalitarian healthcare system, or is the current structure too deeply ingrained?
Health care is seen as a basic human right, in Europe.
European cities werent "built with public transport in mind" ... they were not bulldozed for the car like US cities.
or destroyed by war and rebuilt in a lot of cases.
it is especially interesting to consider the layout of newer cities in europe, conceived and built after 1950 say
They were bulldozed by bombing during WW2 which have them the opportunity to rebuild.
I lived my first 30 odd years in the US but these past 27 have seen me in Europe for 2 and Asia for the rest. All of your points definitely apply to me in Asia as well especially the food comments. So much so that even now after retiring I have no intention of moving back to the States. The healthcare costs especially now that I am in my 60s is one of the main causes for that choice.
It sounds like your time abroad has truly shaped your perspective. The healthcare costs in the US are definitely a major consideration, especially later in life. Do you find that Asia feels more like home now, or is it more about the practical benefits like healthcare and lifestyle?
I used to live in the US for many years. Health Insurance, crime, long hours and high inflation were some of the reasons l left that country. I have a much much better life in the South of France.
Sounds like you made a thoughtful choice! The South of France offers such a beautiful lifestyle-it's hard to beat the mix of quality healthcare, safety, and slower pace of life. Glad it’s working out for you!
Language isnt the biggest "gap in US education" ... *geography* is!
I'm English and as a child I learned French, German and Spanish. And Latin for reasons I still haven't quite worked out. I'm also passable in the Nordic languages.
Impressive linguistic range! Learning Latin might not seem directly useful, but it probably gave you a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary across European languages. Being "passable" in the Nordic languages too? That’s quite the feat! Sounds like you’ve got a knack for languages-ever thought of diving into something non-European like Mandarin or Arabic?
@@theworldtoexplore I've worked in the gulf (Al Khaleej) a lot, but somehow never made any progress in Arabic beyond what I needed for getting around and eating.
Being able to speak and understand basic phrases in another language isn't usually considered being able to speak that language here. For example, I tend to say I speak 2 languages fluently: My native language (Dutch) and English, and I tend to speak a decent amount of German and a bit of French.
However, I can still manage to enter into a decent conversation with someone in French, even though my French is not that good. I could ask for directions, order some food or drinks, and can manage myself pretty decent. If we are talking about understanding basic phrases, I can also understand and speak some basic phrases in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, and I can kind of understand some sentences in Norwegian, Danish and Swedish, but would not be able to speak it or write them myself.
I think it's mostly because we have been so interconnected for centuries with so many different languages around us, that we've always felt the need to be able to speak the language of our neighbors. But since most media, entertainment, scientific papers, and even most of the internet is all in English, it's become like a second language to nearly everyone worldwide. That's why bilingual people are very rare in the US: Your neighbors have 2 other languages, French and Spanish, and (almost) everyone speaks English. Europe has about 30-40 different national languages...
Spot on top ten! I also wish to add the unbalanced media in the US, the level of scams, cleaniness of cities, and no one interacts. I started speaking to a black guy at the Penn train station NYC while waiting for a train. He's was a security guard, visiting his wife in care, he said no one normally does that. I said where I come from that's normal part of being human.
You’ve hit on some really thought-provoking points. The media can feel heavily polarized, and issues like scams and urban cleanliness are definitely concerning in parts of the U.S. Your story about speaking to the security guard is powerful,it highlights how small, genuine human interactions can stand out in a place where people often stick to themselves. Those moments show how kindness can bridge gaps, even in places where it feels less common. Where you’re from sounds like it values connection in a beautiful way..something the world could use more of!
Long hours in US indeed but, for me as a Dutchman, with a pace that makes you fall asleep. I did in half a day it took my US colleagues about a day.
Interesting perspective! Do you think it's the work culture in the US that slows things down-like more meetings or over-complicating tasks-or is it just a difference in efficiency and priorities? Curious how you kept such a faster pace!
Hi Ed, lived in Tilburg for many years ,great work life balance, Dutch people who are working 38 hours a week do more than a Yank who works 56 hours a week ,people who do alot of overtime slow down .
Totally agree, work-life balance makes such a huge difference! Did you find it easy to get used to the Dutch way of working? Sounds like a much better vibe!
A balanced life, considered the norm in Europe, is work 7-8 hrs, with a lunch break usually an hour. You can hammer employees with 10+ hour days and being constantly on call. Result: employees who hate you and wouldn't xxx on you if you were on fire. Treat people like robots then you get robots.
Exactly! Overworking people just makes them miserable and burned out. In Europe, they’ve nailed the balance..shorter workdays, real lunch breaks, and respect for personal time. Do you think it's the mentality or the system maybe?
@@theworldtoexplore If it depended on the system we would still be in an American situation. Capitalist employers are the same everywhere. People backed by trade unions had to fight for their rights for years.
My wife never worked more than 20 hours a week after the birth of our children.
I reduced my working hours to 24 hours a week. We had enough money and always had a lot of quality time. We built a house and paid it off completely.
Now we are both retired and the time is even better.
That sounds like a dream lifestyle-finding the right balance between work, family, and financial stability. Do you think this kind of work-life balance is still achievable for younger generations today?
What struck me about the U.S, from my last visit after a number of years, was the almost total takeover by large corporations. NYC which I loved to visit was a real shock, corporate America everywhere, its soul and unique feeling almost completely gone. Unbelievably I even preferred the city in the bad old 70’s (ok I was young and impressionable) because it was a real living pulsating place with loads of independent outlets, unlike now. No more visits I prefer to remember how it was, the good and the bad. 😊
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt perspective-it’s always bittersweet to see how places we love change over time. NYC in the '70s must have had such a unique vibe, even with its challenges. What do you think contributed most to that shift-rising rents, globalization, or something else?
In so many (almost all) aspects, Life in Europe > Life in the US, BY FAR!!!!
And life in Scandinavia > life in western Europe
Simoly so so happy to be back in Europe.
As an American expat living in France I find that this is dead on. All 10 points are exactly right.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that the points resonate with you-living in France truly seems to offer a refreshing perspective on life.
As bourn behind the iron curtain the US was the garant of democracy and the free world. It's not the case anymore. The heart sinks.😢
Times have changed, and it's hard to see the ideals shift. But perhaps it's a call for collective reflection and action to revive those values that once inspired so many around the world. 💔
There are places you can go to like Cuba. Consider relocating.
@@MatthewAstra If you like it move there yourself and enjoy it.
The differences between countries in Europe can be vast as well.
Absolutely, the differences between countries in Europe can be striking-culturally, economically, and even in terms of work-life balance. Any European country you would consider moving to?
@theworldtoexplore well, I already live in Sweden and I'm not planning to move anywhere, although it would be nice to live somewhere a bit warmer in this time of year. But in the summer I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Yes, and italians are not white...
@@zejo65 Sweden sounds like a great place to live, Sweden’s quality of life and nature are hard to beat!
@@caliberto5087 what did you mean?
There is a saying in Sweden that goes like this: "money is all a poor man has". I don't think Americans understand the meaning of that saying.
That Swedish saying is so insightful. It’s a subtle reminder of how wealth disparities impact values. Do you think Americans could ever embrace a similar perspective?
@@theworldtoexplore I do and I see it in the younger generations but then they just reject getting involved politically and the end result of the "big wave" is a fart of 27% voter participation.
I do think that younger generations are not all about the work grind and appreciate free time to do what they really want to do more than excess wealth. They just need a push to actually get involved politically and make it happen. Change happens over time so I do have some hope on that matter.
Great points! It’s encouraging to see younger generations valuing free time and balance over the constant grind. But you're right-low voter participation is a huge hurdle. Do you think there’s a way to better motivate them to take that political leap and drive real change?
@@theworldtoexplore I think it has to start in school with representatives being present making their case (that's what we have) and of course as a parent you have to allow your children to have different views than yours and discuss them.
I think that if kids learn that they CAN make a difference, that their vote actually matters you can get them to vote.
Of course our system is very different than yours but both require participation of individuals to be a representative system of democracy.
Starting in schools and encouraging open discussions at home can definitely help kids feel empowered. It’s all about showing them that their voice and vote matter. Do you think there’s enough effort in your system to engage young voters, or could more be done?
When I chose my profession as a police officer a few decades ago (2000), my instructor asked me how to recognize American tourists.
I didn't know and answered spontaneously:
“By looks? Hawaiian shirt, shorts, stupid questions or cowboy hat?”
He laughed at my very prejudiced view.
Then he said:
“No, you can recognize them by the fact that when a car backfires, or there's a loud bang somewhere (fireworks etc.), all the Europeans reach up to see what caused the bang.
The Americans lie on the floor with their hands on their heads or try to hide somewhere by crouching...”
And I really did experience that myself at some point. He was right!
And then I wondered how twisted and frightened a person must secretly be to evoke this reaction and under what pressure and what fears, even if they are repressed and compensated for, an individual first comes to life.
What repressed fears do Americans have to grow up under and what does it do to their souls?
That's an interesting observation. It speaks volumes about the cultural differences rooted in the environment people grow up in. Americans have likely been shaped by a society where the risk of gun violence is a daily reality, creating a deep-seated survival instinct.
Baseball caps and white tennis shoes. NEVER saw them ANYWHERE but the US and on tourists. Also hugely fat people.
Have you heard of New England and a some other areas in the US? The people represented in this comment don't make up the whole country. You should be embarrassed for displaying your ignorance to the world. Shame on you.
@@MatthewAstra "You should be embarrassed for displaying your ignorance to the world"! At most it shows ignorance about some place in the USA. The USA is not the WORLD. Even if you like to think so.
Recently i had to visit a dental emergency in Czech republic after like 25 years and i was shocked. I had to pay entire $1.50, outrageous!
Dentists are modern torturers and we have to pay them for their "services". That is indeed outrageous.
That’s both hilarious and mind-blowing! Imagine the shock of paying $1.50 for dental care-it’s practically a steal compared to what most people expect, especially in countries where healthcare costs are sky-high. It really puts things into perspective about how affordable and accessible healthcare can be in some places. Thanks for sharing that funny and eye-opening experience!
@@theworldtoexplore yeh, oddly enough the fee was for visiting Emergency, the dental procedure itself was completely free
Simply amazing!
That's encouraging. Can you provide the dentist's name? I'm interested.
The UK is somewhere in between mainland Europe and the US on the subjects in this video. Overall I'll say we have more in common with our European neighbours than the US.
That’s a fair take! The UK does seem to sit in a middle ground-leaning toward Europe in areas like healthcare and public transport, but still sharing some traits with the US, like work culture or privatization trends. Would you say Brexit has shifted that balance at all?
@theworldtoexplore Yes. Brexit supporters want us to be more American than European
@@theworldtoexplore Yes the Brexiteets want us more like the US
If Americans want to spend their short lives on this planet Working...let them.
wow spot on! Expat in Prague since 1992...moved back several times Europe is better.
Absolutely, Europe often offers a better balance of quality of life, healthcare, and social support. Prague since 1992? That’s amazing-such a beautiful city with so much charm and history. Sounds like you made the right choice!
My wife and I moved from Texas to Spain in 2017. I can vouch for the first nine items being spot on. As for the last one, I don't intend to ever find out.
Sounds like you’ve found your place in Spain! Glad the move seems to be working out for you!
There is an easy answer to safety - stricter gun laws.
you mean more gun in america to protect yourself or less gun to avoid people to kill other ?
@theworldtoexplore better control of guns. A longer, stricter approval process; stricter rules about keeping guns; jail time for losing guns; sentence multipliers for guns used in crime.
@@charlestaylor9424 do you think Trump will help for the regulation ?
Repeal the 2nd Amendment and ACT on that repeal.
@@theworldtoexplorelol
No one will argue that USA is grater than any under developed country to live in. But USA is near the bottom when it comes to involving its citizens in a standard of living in a developed country. Americans are told that America is the best country to live in. They are told this by the 10% who it is. And beleave it. For the rest. Would be better of living in another well developed country.
@michealmouse5548 yep they are being taught from childbirth that the USA is the best.
You’re spot on-there’s such a big gap between the reality for most people and the narrative pushed by the privileged few. The "American Dream" works for some, but for many, other developed countries offer a far better quality of life with things like healthcare, education, and work-life balance. It’s a tough truth to face.
Put it to the test . Productivity is at it’s best when folks are relaxed but focused in making important decisions.
Absolutely agree! A relaxed yet focused approach often leads to better decisions and productivity. It’s something more countries could learn to balance.
100s of dollars for a checkup?? wow, i pay around 10$ for a chekup, and also about 10$ to get a broken bone fixed, or 10$ to have a kidneytransplant
Indeed, I just published a new video specifically about healthcare. Go check it out! ua-cam.com/video/ZuHB4u8YBCQ/v-deo.htmlsi=W57rRQR5R54ZgyXz
I am German, working for an American company in Germany. When ever I visit my American colleagues in the headquarter, I see them sitting in their open space offices in these cubicles that remind me to chicken farms. Jesus. When they visit me in Germany. I can tell that they are irritated by my own separate office. And we are the same hierarchy level, just that their salary is higher. But hey, life quality is not all about money.
You nailed it-quality of life is so much more than just a paycheck. The cubicle culture can feel dehumanizing, while having a private office allows for focus and comfort. It’s a stark difference in work environments that says a lot about the priorities in each country!
To disribe the difference in 1 sentence: "Americans live to work while Europeans work to live"
Europe sounds really nice.
I was astonished when I went to the USA.
Obesity, terrible food, fat cops with guns, big cars, nobody walking, terrible TV, extremes of poverty and wealth, racial stereotyping, and ignorance about the wider world.
Every American should travel through Europe for a few months to broaden their horizons.
But, having said that I love America and Americans.
Their culture is unique, fascinating, beautiful, and really special.
Time for another trip to the fabulous US of A!
Sounds like you’ve got quite the love-hate relationship with the U.S.! It’s definitely a land of extremes, but that’s part of its unique charm. What do you think makes American culture so fascinating and special, despite the challenges you noticed?
USA is a rich country with poor people
Very well said. 👍
The USA is not rich, just rich in debt - that is more accurate
How much this reminds one that the UK is not wholly in Europe.
They're heavily in debt, the actual "richest country" is China...
@@baramuth71yep exactly. They owe China a lot of money
Re #2: This varies quite a bit from country to country. Generally, in boisterous Mediterranean community life is more pronounced. Level and mode of connectivity differs: for example, some 30 years ago I spent six months on a IT consulting gig in Paris, at SNCF. For all that time, my counterparts, whether developers or their managers, didn't invite me to share their table at a local lunch place _once._ OTOH, within a month I had "my" butcher, boulanger, fromager. The latter was something special: I visited every Saturday. I expressed my unfamiliarity with most of hundreds of French cheeses and my wish to tra as many, and as different, as possible. This turned my Saturdays into a cheese tour: the gentleman (probably the proprietor) remembered what we had already covered and suggester the next set of three or four different pieces of local ambrosia.
Haha, isn’t it wild how different those connections can be? Work life in Paris might’ve been all business, but your cheese guy totally stole the show! A personal cheese tour every Saturday? That’s the kind of community magic everyone dreams of. What a gem!
The US justice system is sad, the healthcare system is bad and the political system is mad…..
That’s a sharp but accurate summary! It highlights the frustration many feel about systemic issues in the U.S. Fixing these areas would require major reforms and a shift in priorities-but it’s not impossible.
Now I have a question about the USA. Are children becoming less independent? Children are not allowed to go out alone there. They are not allowed to ride their bikes alone. The children are always supervised by their parents or at school. How do you teach children to be independent in the USA???
This is a growing concern in the U.S., often linked to cultural shifts and heightened fears about safety. Over-supervision can limit opportunities for kids to learn self-reliance. However, many parents are now embracing "free-range parenting," encouraging independence by giving kids age-appropriate responsibilities like walking to school or managing small errands alone. It’s a balancing act between safety and fostering autonomy.
I was shocked when I moved to California that there were no kids out riding their bikes etc. My kids were out playing on their own at aged 4/5 . They had plenty of parks to walk or ride to. In the summer holidays they would be gone from morning till dinner time.
@@llamagirl2679 California isn't the only state in the US.
@ I have traveled all over the US and spent months in various States.
@@llamagirl2679 Sorry my English is not perfect. I live in Denmark and I have noticed the same when I lived there. My cousin is married to an American and they are too afraid to let their children explore in the USA.The kids use public transport there, they can't get themselves anywhere and the parents have to ferry them around. My children have used public transport from age 5yrs old. I noticed that a lot of residential areas don't even have sidewalks in USA. So the children can't even go out safely. My cousin has many friends who home school their children in the USA as they are scared to let them go to school. I can't imagine this life for my children. Seems a lot of Americans under this video are very defensive. Once an American has moved out of the US to a European country their attitudes quickly change. I don't think it's right to comment unless you have lived somewhere , you then have to perspective to compare.
I'm a European (Italian) born and raised, and in the early 90s, I lived in the USA for 7 years, which gave me a clearer picture of the differences between those two cultures. The points raised by the very well-made video are accurate: better services, more than affordable healthcare (here it's mostly free), rare gun violence, better food, cheap, and above all USABLE, public transportation, more free time. A more relaxed and less stressful life. But the cost is a HIGH bureaucracy that clogs up small businesses and enterprises, almost non-existent self-defense rights, and politically correct immigration laws allowing uncontrollable fluxes, sparking (in recent years TBH) cultural clashes and disorders. It appears to me that in Europe the "community" well-being is at the expense of individual rights, while in the US is the opposite. Just to give you an example: if you buy a house in most European cities, especially the older ones, you CANNOT paint it the color you want or change the style of the windows or whatever. They have to respect the original architectural style and not clash with the adjacent houses. That is why when you walk in any old European city everything matches and blends harmonically. Once again, individual rights give up to the common good. On the opposite, I still remember how it strikes me how easy was for me to get a Driver's license in the US: a trip to the local DMV, filling up the paperwork, taking the written exam, taking the driving test, and bam, one morning and 8 dollar and I walked out with my brand new DL. Here it costs at least 1500 € and it takes at least 2 months.
( edit: to be honest, here the driving schools REALLY teach you how to drive; freeways, parking, wet or snow, city or country/mountain driving makes you a better new driver. )
The bottom end is, that I wish Europe learned a more friendly bureaucracy and individual rights and the US focused less on individual profit, gives free healthcare, and, above all, a less brain-washing culture. Is so refreshing to see Americans here that finally get "enlightened".
That’s such an interesting take! It’s so true how Europe and the US seem to focus on opposite priorities-community versus individual freedoms. The housing example really nails it: Europe’s all about preserving harmony, while the US is more about letting people do their own thing. And yeah, getting a driver’s license in the US feels almost too easy compared to Europe! Do you feel like living in both places gave you a preference, or is there a sweet spot somewhere that could mix the best of both?
@@theworldtoexplore
To be honest with you, when I moved back to Italy I got mixed feelings. Besides seeing my family, I actually appreciate even more all the things mentioned in your video, though realizing that they're taken for granted here. At the same time, I missed so much that "freedom spirit" you breathe in the USA. I felt that my country cuddled me more, but didn't want me to fly too far from the nest...while the US was like a father that disciplines you harder, but just to push you to accomplish more. Don't know if I make myself clear. Is there a "sweet spot? I haven't found it yet...(but I've heard Switzerland is pretty good...LOL). For sure I can tell you that we have a lot to learn from each other: if only Americans could peek outside their cultural bubble and accept that "community" is good, and Europe could shave a bit of old-style bureaucracy and let citizens free to "fruck-up" we could both achieve great wellness.
I totally get what you’re saying, Italy feels like home and super comforting, but maybe a little too protective, while the US gives you that freedom to push yourself, sometimes too much. Finding that sweet spot is tough! Switzerland might actually be onto something, haha. And yeah, if Americans could embrace more community and Europe could chill with the bureaucracy, both would be so much better.
@@theworldtoexplore Spot on ma' man!
At least ONE person here says the truth: Europe is not totally HEAVEN. :)
0. No guns and absurd reasons to own them.
stricter gun control could help reduce violence and prevent unnecessary gun ownership. Limiting access to firearms and ensuring they’re only used for legitimate purposes could lead to a safer society. What’s your view on how this could be implemented?
That doesn't work always,the gun violence in US is mostly prevalent in big cities like LA or San Francisco and New York in states there have thr most strict gun laws,in London it's a high crime involving knives on the streets on Sweden it's even worse because illegal immigrants.Having gun rights should be essential to all countries in the world.Better to have and don't need it then don't have and need it.Most European countries are safe..for now...but nothing last forever...@@theworldtoexplore
True, it’s complicated. Even with strict gun laws, violence happens, and more guns don’t always mean more safety. But do you think focusing on prevention and social issues could work better than just arming everyone?
@@theworldtoexplore I live in Japan and the only guns allowed are for hunting and are extremely regulated. I guess tom is expecting the world to fall apart and needs a gun for when that happens. And actually, in Switzerland it is my understanding that everyone does military training and keeps their gun as part of the reserves. It really therefore is a cultural thing which tom eludes to.
I’m 70 years old, I’ve lived in various different countries, never owned a gun, never wanted one, never had any reason to want one. Happy to think that the people around me don’t have guns either. A gun is a tool for killing people (or animals; but few people in Europe need to shoot animals). It’s not a defensive weapon, it won’t stop a bullet heading in your direction; its only function is to make holes in other people.
I'm glad these videos are made and i hope more Americans would be open to it. I I don't want to be arrogant or snobbish about being German or European but I'm fed up hearing about this silly American dream. That the kids of a every family should be wealthier as their parents and so on. Why do we need more and more money to be happy and feel good. The world is not like the wild west any more. The worlds resources are limited and do not belong to the amercains only. We have to learn to be sustainable and help each other to save the world and cope with the climate catastrophe. This is our duty!!! And there's no right for such a dream! And leaders of a country should go for this duty and make it clear for the rest of the countries in the first place.
You make a powerful point-there’s a growing need to prioritize sustainability and collective responsibility over endless economic growth. The "American Dream" can feel outdated in a world facing climate challenges and limited resources. Leaders everywhere should focus on fostering equity, sustainability, and cooperation, rather than fueling individualistic ambitions.
When i left the UK to live in France over 20 years ago, one of my dietary staples for a quick meal was Heinz baked beans. After a couple.of years in France i found them revolting with so much sugar they seemed better suited for a dessert.
In Ireland my visits to doctor is free and so is my diabetes 2 medicine. Two brood tests cost €10
Simply amazing! In the U.S., a simple doctor visit can easily cost $100-$200 without insurance, and insulin prices have historically been outrageously high. If you were living in the USA, how do you think you'd manage healthcare costs?
@
My son and family live in NY and they’re fortunate to have good medical insurance ( company ). If they require treatment. They still have to check if they’re covered. Fortunately no need so far.
@@michaelellard4664 That's great, but it's a pity that American have to rely on employment for health coverage, everyting fall apart in case of any employment issues!
Free? For whom? Do you think money grows on trees?
languages: I speak 4, my wife: 3 almost 4, and our daughters 3.
it s always quite surprising to witness that most of US americans, can hardly deal with 2 languages (when they even can 2 actually).
Can you guys stop it with the constant "Europe"... There's a whole lot of difference between European countries and cultures, and we don't incessantly say North America when we mean the USA or Asia when we mean Japan.
Remember there is such a thing as the European Union. Most of Europe belong to the European Union so there are many similarities in their expectations because of it between these member countries. The beauty of it is that their differences of culture add to their union rather than be a dividing factor.
Yes, there are. But I come from southwestern Europe and I live in Central Europe, from Portugal to Luxembourg more precisely. And I've been to more countries. I go often to the Netherlands as my daughter lives there. Despite the differences, there is a lot in common between European countries. What is stated in this video I think it applies to the European countries in general
The opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups or small companies is the one big asset of the USA. If you have a dream, live it. For the rest (and that is a long list) , I do prefer living in Europe.
Totally agree! Best of both worlds if you can combine them!
On Health Care. I feel that this video doesn't cover the stability of your income when you become sick. In most European countries you are automatically covered so you do not feel the strain of bills piling up while you're recovering. You get paid despite being sick. Terms and conditions vary from country to country, but I know for sure that in the Netherlands you can be sick for two years without having to fear that your employer is going to fire you. Simply because it would be illegal to do so.
I know that Americans will say that the system will be massively abused, in reality most Europeans have higher standards and don't abuse our welfare system and very generous laws to protect the people from being exploited.
Great point! Income stability during illness is such an important factor that often gets overlooked. The Dutch system, where you can’t be fired for being sick for two years, really highlights how much value is placed on protecting workers. The argument about abuse always comes up, but it’s interesting how cultural standards and trust seem to play a big role in keeping such systems functional. Do you think this kind of approach could ever work in the US, or is it too different culturally?
@@theworldtoexplore To be honest I doubt if such a system would be viable or sustainable in the USA. Partly because people already try to play the system of food stamps, let alone if they were given cash money "for free". And partly because they would have to change their way of thinking about supporting people in need, which seems to be an alien concept to people that have been raised in a system where "only the strong survive".
Good point! It’s true that a system like that would require a huge cultural shift in the US. The "only the strong survive" mindset runs deep, and there’s already skepticism about people "playing the system." Do you think there’s any way attitudes toward supporting those in need could change, or is it too ingrained?
@@theworldtoexplore Perhaps the attitude could change if the government would organize a campaign to inform people that helping the needy isn't a socialist or communist idea but that it's a religious concept and a duty for any civilised society. You can't claim that you're a civilised country or that you're a good Catholic when people die because of malnutrition, untreated illnesses or homelessness. Those are supposedly the signs of a third world country, but it happens in the USA on a daily basis.
Totally agree! Reframing the conversation to show that helping those in need is a basic human value, not just a political stance, could really change how people see it. Most religions already emphasize compassion and caring for the vulnerable, so leaning into that could resonate with more people. It's wild how a country as wealthy as the U.S. can still have so much preventable suffering-it just doesn't add up. A solid public awareness campaign could really help shift that mindset and remind people it's about basic dignity and humanity.
Cultural openness to languages BEGINS when one can read, in addition to one's mother tongue and English, at least one other language.
My eldest son learned German, English and Latin at high school. He did long internships in Australia and, learning Spanish, in Mexico and his post-doctoral work in the USA. He works in SE Asia as a contract researcher with the University of Oxford (UK). His wife, also a scientific researcher, is Vietnamese. She also speaks French, English, Japanese and is learning Tibetan.
My young son, with a Dutch mother, (physiotherapist working in France) was bilingual from the start, which stimulates the intellect. He began his final year of high school at age 15. At ten years old he spent 5 months in Latin America, the first two of which were in a school with lessons in English in the morning and Spanish in the afternoon. He learned German in high school and did his last year of computer engineering studies in German, in Germany (Eramus). His mother speaks the same languages.
Before the age of ten, children abroad learn the language like a sponge immersed in water soaks it.
Wildlife biologist, I can read books in French (my language), German, Dutch and English. And not just for professional use.
I regret insufficient oral practice on my part. Although here (Southern French Prealps), in the summer, Dutch becomes the second local language and German the third one.
That’s an incredible family story-what a testament to the power of multilingualism! Learning languages early really does open so many doors, both intellectually and professionally. It’s inspiring to see how your children have thrived in such an international environment. Do you think Europe’s emphasis on language learning gives young people a big advantage in the global job market?
@@theworldtoexplore I suppose, without having statistical data. Example of my son Floris:
high school and student, he was preferred to work at the campsite in his town, due to his multilingualism and also his computer skills. I further learned that he was adept at finding solutions to conflicts;
Before the end of his computer engineering studies, he was contacted by a Belgian company interested in a bilingual French-Dutch computer engineer.
The other son of Floris' mother, Tristan, immigrated to France before he was ten, quickly became bilingual. Working during his summer vacation in the restaurant of another campsite. A young joker, he sometimes had fun at the expense of Dutch or Dutch-speaking Belgian tourists, in various ways. For example : •
• f tourists admired his mastery of Dutch while believing him to be French, he played modest: "it's not difficult, by working a little each evening with a book";
• if these tourists ordered in very laborious French, he let them “flounder” for a long time without saying anything, taking notes. And, at the end, he gave a recap in perfect Dutch.
Ah ! Ah ! Ah !
Why if an American come to my Country you call him expat and if I go to the U.S. you call me an immigrant?
10:16 In Denmark it's free all the way up to your higest degree. You will also be paid for a period of time while you are studying.
Besides the monthly payment ( SU ) which ca 1.000$, you are also entitled to rent a small apartment at a very reasonable cost while you are studying.
The only thing you have to pay by yourself is the books.
Everything else is free, from 1st class elementary school until you leave university.
Since this is talking about Europe, the language thing also seems to apply to Brits. My other half is German and speaks German (naturally), Dutch (she has Dutch ancestry), French, Russian and English. Her French is a bit patchy, tbh. A lot of the English guys I work with are still asking me how to spell basic words in their own language.
Wow, your other half sounds super impressive with all those languages! 😂 And yeah, it’s funny how that happens sometimes-language skills can really vary!
I can't disagree; I'm English but speak 4 languages. But I'm in the minority.
The best realization : it won't cost a liver for healthcare and you are not throw away from hospital if you need it.
Life in the European Union is simply good
Yeah, life in the EU is pretty good. You’ve got affordable healthcare, a decent work-life balance, good education, and it’s so easy to travel around. It’s not perfect, but they’ve got a lot of things figured out when it comes to quality of life.
The American dream for many now is leaving it...
Most of the points are correct. But few people speak more than two languages especially in France. Communitarianism is also gaining ground, encouraged by some politicians. In the USA religious beliefs and social media make people easier to abuse. The lack of education also. And the will to have more and more led to anomalies in behavior.
Yes, you are right. French people are generally not very good at languages other than French, especially in rural areas. However, in Paris, many people can speak English as well.
@@theworldtoexplore funny, i never had problems in France with my English, but i can also speak German, a little French, Italian Spanish and even a very little Korean!
but i am an avg European with a low education!...
Nowadays it isn't correct. Since 2005 in France you learn a first foreign language in primary school (5-6years) and another in college, I think it's secondary school, at the age of 10-11 years so almost everybody speaks 2foreign languages. You can choose between English, Spanish, German and Italian and in some schools Russian, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Japanese and other languages. My 4 children all speak French, German, English and Spanish one of my daughters in law French, English, Japanese and Chinese and the other one speak French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.
They studied in France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Bresil, Canada and China.
Things have changed in France 😉
my daughter only English, German, French and Spanish...
i only English, German and a little French, Italian, Spanish, Danish and a very little bit of Korean/Hangol...
i forgot, my daughter also a litte bit Japanese!
It's great to speak foreign languages. The best way to open doors in the culture of a country. @@Arltratlo
Even McD is a massive difference, in Europe. Food Regulations really help, when they approach the topic with 'Everything is forbidden unless proven safe' instead of 'Everything is allowed until proven dangerous'.
Even something like McDonald's is noticeably different in Europe thanks to stricter food regulations. The "forbidden unless proven safe" approach really sets a higher standard. It’s crazy how much better the quality can be just because of those rules. Do you think the US would ever adopt a similar mindset, or is it too tied to the "freedom to choose" approach?
The US needs to modernise its constitution. Include proportional representation as the norm and include social rights of every person and abolish the right to wear fire arms without reason and intense scrutiny. For livability, include minimum high standards for tap water and make mixed zoning laws the norm in cities and suburbs. For healthcare, make a state subsidised health care system. Pay it by decreasing your military a bit. Do the same for schools and universities. A yearly fee of max 3000 dollar per student (excluding dorms) is enough.
Every present problem in the US can be traced down to the corrupt SCOTUS.
This has to be fixed to save the US from crumbling.
For instance:
1) Use a FIFO to replace one judge per year.
2) Create a board of well-renowned judges to accept nominations in January.
3) Anyone can nominate, but they must be accompanied by a detailed CV that includes several exceptional rulings throughout the nominee's career.
4) In February, publish the top 10 nominees with their CVs and let all US judges vote for preference #1, #2, and #3.
5) In March, publish the result.
This way, the three pillars of the state can be fully kept apart
Agreed, it sounds straightforward, but it seems like these changes are far from happening anytime soon. There’s a lot of resistance to major reforms, and it often takes years, if not decades, for such shifts to take hold, especially with entrenched political and economic systems. But change does happen eventually, even if it’s slow.
Excellent point - a modern constitution for a modern society - although there are great principles in the US constitution, some important concepts are missing. There was a time with the Supreme Courts rulings were important prompts to other countries taking on social justice issues but that seems to have gone backwards in the past 30 years. Seldom do you see references to the US SC now - the European Court of Justice really sets the international standards these days.
@ronaldderooij1774 yep, they should fix all their laws like having a gun and so on. Even in my own country Iraq under Saddam's rule, things are cheap like if the husband works, $0.50 can feed the whole family and filling your car's tank with petrol costs you at least $0.05. Now things are very expensive
I ❤️ Europe 👍😊🇵🇱🇪🇺
❤️ Europe is amazing! thanks!
i need to go back to work on Tuesday, 2 weeks vacation are over, but in March, i get another 5 weeks off....and September again 3 weeks!
Wow, that's an amazing vacation schedule! Would you ever give up those amazing vacations?
@@theworldtoexplore i got ask by my FIL to join his business in Philly....i refused, told him i will live with his daughter first one year in my country before moving to the USA...
my ex-wife is still here after 25 years!
my daughter refused to visit her family in PA.
...she told her cousins to come here, because she will not go there!
and she traveled to Paris at 16....
i went to a foreign country without my parents at 4 years old, born and living just 200m from an international border...
Europeans are used to cross borders, i did it in 3 weeks motorbike vacation around 35 times!
Well guess what...
And so Europe becomes less and less competitive with the rest of the world, it will lose its significance and become a "nursing home", because in Europe (with exceptions) the birth rate is tragically low.
But now there are 8 weeks of vacation, so let's have fun!
It is 4 - 6 weeks for to take of for holiday. The sick leave is untill you get healthy for to work
and than endless other holidays as a celebration of something which can be nearly a week if it is just before or after the weekends
but the holiday it self is only 4 - 6 weeks it is not usual more but can be
Perscriptions are not "subsidides" in the UK but because the NHS is so large there is a huge saving through shere bulk purchase
That’s a great point! The NHS’s ability to leverage bulk purchasing power is a huge advantage, making medications more affordable without the need for traditional subsidies. It’s a smart approach that benefits everyone.
Do not include the UK in this European report. We barely have these European standards. Brexit has prepared us to accept your standards for existence without investment in people.
Brexit certainly shifted the UK's position, and it's true we can't really compare it directly with the broader European standards anymore. Do you think the lack of investment in people is a direct result of Brexit or a longer-standing issue?
@@theworldtoexplore My experience comes from working in large and small engineering enterprises and I could write a book on the difficulties of all profiles of the work forces. As you can imagine the shop floor workers have the least consideration. I started my technical apprenticeship with the Timken Bearing company based in Northampton. The yearly intake of new apprentices in that year of 1966 was 90 adding to to workforce of around 3,000. By the time I moved on to a small start up intake was down to 20. After the Cold War the Canton Ohio headquarters shut down both plants carrying 4500 and moved the plant to Poland. Along side of this investors moved in and purchased struggling traditional industries and basically asset stripped and moved to cheaper manufacturing countries with no accountability of the intellectual property.
@@theworldtoexplore To continue Brexit has made manufacturing even more difficult, as gaining sales outside of Europe is logistically more difficult coupled with much higher prospecting costs in new and unfamiliar environments
thanks for sharing! It’s disheartening to see how industries like manufacturing have been affected by globalization and lack of accountability. Do you think there's any way to revive traditional industries in the UK, or has Brexit made that even harder?
Lunch breaks: as I understand in the USA a lunch break as described in the video ('shoveling food into your mouth while sitting at your desk') does not even count as a lunch break. The key part being the 'while sitting at your desk'.
We must realize that you cannot 'have it all'. I've lived in America and in several countries in Europe for decades, and yes I observed an emphasis towards leisure vs professionalism. Just pick where you want to live based on your personal preference, and then live wit that, take the bad with the good.
Totally! Eating at your desk doesn’t really feel like a lunch break at all. You’re spot on-you can’t have everything, and it really comes down to what matters most to you. Do you lean more toward the laid-back vibe or the hustle?
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Cheers!!! thank you!
Well, it's a good thing that Trump is open to map changes. As the Canadians have recently suggested, some of the democratic US states such as Washington and California, or the entirety of New England might be a great fit as new Canadian territories, as their inhabitants would finally get to live in some proper nation that's not just catering to the billionaires. At the same time, this would mean the US would no longer have to deal with those annoying democrats -- so it's really a win-win.
What I really noticed in Europe is that people go OUT and here in the US we crawl into our houses, lock the doors and draw the blinds.
Perfectly narrated! good job
Thank you! I appreciate that! Glad you liked it!
@@theworldtoexplore
I agree. Never mind the gimme-gimme people who complained about how you created this video.
I'm from Sweden, and I recognize everything you mention.
I also understand why you want to use a narration that is easy to understand rather than your own voice.
As the guy said, very well done!
BTW, it may interest you to know that in Sweden, the employees don't pay a single Krona on our social welfare -- it's all paid by the employers with a special welfare tax. ATM 31% of the gross salary.
@@bfelten1 Thanks for the kind words! and for sharing that detail about Sweden-it’s fascinating! A 31% employer-paid welfare tax really shifts the dynamic compared to systems where individuals shoulder the bulk of social costs directly. It seems like it might also incentivize companies to invest more in employee well-being, since they're already contributing so much.
It's true that multiligualism is often a common thing in Europe. I speak 3 languages myself: Romanian (native tongue), German and English and I am fluent in all 3 :)
This video is really interesting, but do not show the U.S. citizens our lovely Europe.
Interesting point! Europe does have so much charm-do you think showing it to Americans might actually inspire some positive changes back home?
Bhai app kon sa ai tool use karta ho please help me bro because I am also UA-cam you can see please reply my best brother 😢😅
No one is turned away from an ER in America either, so don’t insinuate otherwise.
You’re correct-federal law in the U.S. requires emergency rooms to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. However, it’s also true that while care in the ER is guaranteed, the bills that follow can be financially devastating for many. That’s where a lot of the frustration with the healthcare system comes from-it’s not about access in an emergency, but about affordability and long-term financial consequences. Both perspectives are important to consider.
@ And it’s actually the insurance companies’ fault because they forced hospitals and such to give them massive discounts, which meant that to make enough money to cover costs after the discounts, they had to massively increase the base costs. And of course the insurance companies save money by forcing the customer to cover basic costs, the deductible.
And idiots think that solving the problem will come from giving more business to insurance companies.
The cycle of inflated costs and insurance-driven discounts creates a system where the actual prices become completely detached from reality. It’s frustrating how the burden ends up falling on the patient with high deductibles, and yet some think giving more power to insurance companies will fix it.
@ And Obamacare, which does just that, is hailed by the public as some great and wonderful thing and how monstrous it is to speak against it. To say nothing of the non-medical stuff it does.
It’s definitely a polarizing topic. While Obamacare aimed to expand access to healthcare, it also tied more people into the existing insurance-driven system, which already had major flaws. It’s frustrating when reforms don’t address the root issues, like inflated costs and the power of insurance companies. What do you think would have been a better approach to fixing the system?
Guess what, the lack of guns tends to help with there being less gunviolence, it really does make a huge difference.
Exactly! Fewer guns usually mean less gun violence-it’s a pretty straightforward correlation. If people want to see more on this topic, make sure to check out my next video on guns! 🔥🔍
ua-cam.com/video/HTH_2cDfOf0/v-deo.html
In Sweden, we get paid to study at university.
That’s amazing! How does that system work exactly? Do you think it motivates more people to pursue higher education?
@@theworldtoexplore I don't know if more people study at university because it's free, but no one is stopping themselves from studying because it's expensive. It's not only free, you also get money to study. It's not that much money you get. It's the equivalent of about. 500 dollars per month. If that's not enough to live on, you can borrow money very cheaply. You can borrow another 500 dollars per month at an interest rate of 2%, which you have to repay before you turn 50.
You also asked how the system works with free studies. It is a benefit we have because we pay taxes. It is to the benefit of the whole society that we educate ourselves. There may be some politicians who don't like it, but I have never heard of any politician in Sweden being against the system we have. As a politician, it is probably harder to control educated people than uneducated people.
That’s such a game-changer-free education and financial support make studying so much more accessible. Do you think this system encourages more people to pursue higher education, or does it just make it easier for those who were already planning to go?
@@theworldtoexplore The reason we have this system is that everyone who feels motivated to continue with higher studies should be able to do so, regardless of the financial background they come from.
I don't know if more people decide on higher studies just because it costs nothing, but it is an advantage for those who want to study.
My daughter decided to study 6 years to become a civil engineer. She would not have had that opportunity if we had had to pay for her living in another city and for her education.
Australia is very similar to Europe with plenty of government subsidised services from taxes. Our superannuation system is what should stop a blow out in social security entitlements. Since the latter 80"s over and above a wage an employer is required to pay a % to be placed in a workers superannuation policy of choice to grow a nest egg for retirement. Currently 9% and soon to be 11%. It was initially set up as a trade off against a pay rise in wages one period and has remained in place since. The coalition government who are usually backed by the corporates like US continually try to tamper with by letting people take money before the targetted retirement age of 67. Supposed to be unable to access without a pretty good reason until you get into your 60's.