Living in another country challenges you to think about your own identity, and how much of it has been shaped by your cultural and environmental surroundings. This can make it hard to imagine how someone can grow up without [insert dryer/dishwasher/air conditioning unit] that you have always had. Becoming an expat makes you appreciate the things you miss and realize the tastes & preferences you have that will never change.
In the following list, I tried to avoid the obvious differences (politics, weather) to focus on the cultural elements of what makes me feel American (or Western in some cases) because it’s different from Singaporean locals or residents.
Work & Money
Explaining the concept of unlimited PTO. This wouldn’t even be legal in Singapore.
Being able to quit a job with two weeks notice (the average is TWO MONTHS in Singapore and it’s written into your contract).
Using my non-contactless American credit card because the rewards are better than those offered by Singapore banks.
Paying with credit cards and not having to worry about payment processing fees because the merchant will cover it. Budget airlines are notorious for tacking on ridiculous fees ($8 per person per flight).
Food
Defending pizza to those who haven’t had a good foldable slice in NYC (you don’t want to know what blasphemous toppings I have seen on pizzas in Asia).
Asking for ice water at a restaurant (if you ask for water, it might be room temperature). Being annoyed when they charge for water.
The joy I get from not having to tip at a restaurant.
My obsession with eating mangoes all the time because it’s so hard to get good ones in the US.
Craving crunchy/crispy snacks or corn based snacks. Not a huge fan of rice crackers.
Craving soft, chewy cookies and not the dry shortbread ones that can be easily found in Singapore. Never thought I’d see a Famous Amos stand at the mall…
Life
Talking about (American) football and attending games at the Big House (second largest stadium in the world).
Cheering for a specific sports team like my alma mater instead of a country’s team.
Having to think twice at the gym about which dumbbell to grab because they’re all in kg.
Wearing bright colors or athleisure when I’m not working out.
Missing massive supermarkets where you could truly one stop shop.
Explaining the concept of trick or treating on Halloween or exchanging valentines on Valentine’s Day.
Missing the convenience of a dryer.
Running the air con while I sleep.
What are some things that make you feel American?