They say that there’s no place like home, and while that might be true, there are some things that the US should adopt from Europe to improve its citizens’ lives. From longer breaks and eating culture to education and maternity leave, here are prime examples of what Americans should learn from Europeans.
Longer holidays
On average, most Americans get eight sick days and 11 vacation days. In the European Union, workers get at least 20 paid vacation days. The French get 30 days, while the Brits get 28 days. Europeans also have extended lunch breaks and slower employee response time outside work hours.
Smaller portions
Europeans are taught to enjoy food, and their portions are typically prepared for a person to be full, not staffed. France had the smallest portion sizes, which does not mean that they are all diet-obsessed or that there is no obesity. It merely focuses on quality over quantity, especially in the Mediterranean, where cousins are made of fresh veggies with plenty of olive oil and cheese.
High school sports and homecomings
Europeans love their sports, but in high school, kids are boosted to be more focused on learning, and the pressure is almost nonexistent. Similarly, there are proms, but they are about children celebrating graduation and enjoying their time instead of overpriced dresses and beauty queens. This does not mean that there are not jocks or mean girls, but the culture is not less encouraging.
Car-free spaces
Car-free areas are typical across the Old Continent. People enjoy strolling, and due to a better work-life balance, life is a bit slower, yet it is still just as exciting. While American life depends highly on cars, Europeans prefer walking or using alternative transportation like bicycles and scooters.
Working less
French workers, for example, are some of the most productive, yet they work 35 hours per week. The European Union’s high level of protection for employees makes workers more relaxed and, therefore, highly efficient. This helps them achieve a work-life balance boosted by plenty of days off.
Gun safety
Europe is a continent of 50 countries with various laws, but all have strict gun rules. Mass shootings are so rare that in 2023, with ten mass shootings, it was one of the worst years for the Old Continent.
Less sugar
American food is much sweeter, and it only causes health issues, from diabetes to obesity. The food industry increasingly incorporated cheap sugar and fat into the American diet to cut costs. Sugar is often added to bread in the US to maintain freshness, which Europeans can’t seem to grasp.
Affordable healthcare
Healthcare is mainly affordable in all European countries. If, by any chance, you don’t have insurance, medical procedures are much cheaper than in the States. Though labeled “free,” it is paid by the society through taxes. As of 2024, Portugal has some of the world’s best and most affordable health care.
Childcare and parental leave
On average, in the European Union, a mother gets 21 weeks off work after the newborn’s arrival, while fathers get three weeks off work. In contrast, 72 percent of new moms in the US either work full-time or part-time following childbirth. Eight European countries offer maternity leave at 100% of the employee’s base salary.
Dressing up
You can see various styles across Europe, but despite being a continent and not one country, most people take pride in their appearance. It does not mean that they are all dolled up all the time, but there is a reason why Europeans easily spot American tourists.
More education, less elitism
The most prestigious universities are in the United States. Yet Europeans get a great and broader education despite not having to incur costly student debts. Many countries offer free education, especially for gifted students. The term tuition is almost foreign, and most US students are satisfied with their college life in Europe, particularly in the U.K., Sweden, and Austria.
Tipping culture
Americans usually spend 20 percent on tips, while in Europe, tips are optional. Yet staffers get paid proper wages and earn enough to live on them. Europeans leave around 10 percent, but they will not get called out if they can’t afford it. It’s not that they don’t respect servers, but they are not responsible for their wages.
Cheaper travels
Europeans use buses and trains, which might be more time-consuming and less comfortable, but they tend to see and experience more. Some airlines offer low-budget rides, so traveling abroad is common in Europe. While the US is a massive country, the number of people who never left, even for Canada, is exceptionally high and confusing for the majority of Europeans.
More learning
Most Europeans are well-informed and aware of international events. Knowledge is still appreciated in Europe, and people take great interest in various topics, from history and philosophy to music and movies. Education does not stop with a degree, and Europeans have more hobbies due to more free time.
Less worry about national identity
Despite being known as the Old Continent, Europeans generally are not obsessed with national identity. When they visit the US, they are confused by the number of American flags. Though they do mind that many Americans believe Europe is a country, they are not insulted if you can’t find their country on a map.
Less political division
Europeans follow American elections partly because the process is fascinating and highly lengthy. There is also less political division, though a 2018 survey found that the tensions are less tolerant and more divided than ten years ago. This could be due to Brexit and the current situation on the Old Continent. Still, even if they disagree on politics, religion, or socioeconomic points, European families do not break apart over these issues.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.