My daughter wants to study abroad with her university in England is this a good idea?

Question

My daughter wants to study for a semester in England, but I am unsure because I've heard that there is a lot of anti- Americanism in Europe. Do you think this will be a problem for her? I wouldn't want her to go if she will be ostracized for being American. Other Americans have told me that it will be no problem, but what do ya think? She was also thinking of Ireland or Scotland, but I've been told it's the same there as well. Your help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Being someone from England, I personally don't mind people from America. I don't think anyone does here tbh. England would be a life changing experience for her and maybe you should let her go here as it is only just for a semester. The only advice I would give is not going around acting American. Many people are quite passionate about England and do not like Americans if they go around wearing USA t-shirts, making fun of the English lifestyle. As long as she doesn't do anything that would make her stand out as an American.

Also, being a guy, I like American accents, haha :P

Answer 2

Hey I'm English and I can tell you people are the same everywhere.  Some have  a problem most don't.  I know Manchester-in ENgland is a great place for people in different countries.  We have people from America, China, Spain-alsorts!!  At the end of the day we take in imigrants from countires I've never heard of-yuor daughter will be fine.  I don't kn0ow Ireland but Scotland is a great place to study.  Beautiful, cold and windy and great for scenery and the country!! x

Answer 3

Oh, my gosh, don't believe any of that. I just returned to California from living in the Netherlands for ten years, and what an education I got, just from living in Europe.  And being an American did not affect any part of my life. The most favorite place for me was Scotland.  The people are awesome, the environment so beautiful.  Edinburgh is so delightful, as is all of Scotland.

It is expensive, so if you are paying put her on a budget. Everything is twice as much, so she should learn how to live within her means.  But let her go. What a wonderful opportunity to learn outside of the books, and to grow and mature in a fantastic way.  Transportation is so great that she can travel within the countries quite cheaply, and see as much as she wants to.  

As to safety, no worse than anywhere else. I have the East Side Crips living a block from me here in California!  In Scotland I could walk at night, and never be afraid.  Here we keep everything locked and out of sight.    Being an American is not any worse than being black, pink or whatever.  Right after 9-11 and the Iraq war beginnings some countries were mad at us, Bush and whatever else they could find. And we Americans, seeing it from on the European side, weren't the most likeable, as the news reports made statements by Bush obnoxious.  He was saying he didn't need Europeans to have USA invade Iraq, etc. and they took offense.  He did a lot of harm to our allies, and this is known worldwide today. But that is Bush, and your daughter won't suffer because of that now.  They all understand our politics are crazy, so they have moved on.  There is more dissension in England against Americans, but it is more like children calling names on the playground. On the TV, they love to put Americans down, but I learned to ignore it.

My choice for a daughter of mine would be Scotland.  England still has terrorists, and problems. Not against Americans, per se. Your daughter won't get hurt walking in London.  But why chance an attack from some home-grown idiot when Scotland is so much safer.  Ireland is also wonderful, although I only spent a weekend there.  I would vote for Scotland, Ireland and then England.  But please let her go. And visit her if possible before she leaves.  Europe is so wonderful. I miss it so much.

Answer 4

your daughter would be very welcome in ireland there may be some anti americanism in media but we still love ye and would be very surprised if ye taught we would not associate with someone because they are american try websites for various colleges i am sure american students studying here will give more information and set your mind at ease about your daughter coming to study in any of the european countries try the websites for university college dublin.ie university college cork.ie university college galway.ie university college limerick.ie trinity college dublin.ie if your daughter may not have to pay tuition fees if she qualifies as an irish citzen through parents or grandparents but i am not sure you would need to check it out

Answer 5

No! Absolutely not, I'm English and I think American people are great!! I would take no notice of all the rubbish on here as people just take the mic of Americans for something to do, in reality they'd be very friendly, British people love the accent I think she'd be made very welcome.

Answer 6

It will be an important experience for your daughter let her go and relax.

I had the same experience in london. I really loved it.

Answer 7

yes, take every chace you have to study abroad!!! it's so important to expand your horizons while your still young.

Answer 8

Look the thing is, even if there WAS anti-americanism, its important that shes exposed to that. I went to Italy in 2005 and for some reason a lot of tuscans hate foreigners. it was good for me to see that because i was under the impression that i couldnt possible be judged for being australian. Being shielded from the world is not a good thing.

Just let her go. I'm sure she'll be fine. We had a Texan on Campus at my uni in melbourne last year she was very well known and had heaps of friends.

Answer 9

England is ok , most English people dont have problems with Americans but like all places in the world you must stay out of some areas

Answer 10

I live in Scotland and we welcome Americans, there are so many here that there is even a US Consulate. The American accent is heard frequently (and understood!!)

Yes it is true to say that because of the invasion of Iraq there is some anti American feeling. However that is towards the US as a country, I have never seen it on a personal level.

I am sure your daughter would be as happy here as the hundreds of other US students.

We might even find a tartan for her!

Answer 11

I studied for a semester with a girl from Texas and lived with a guy from Boston in my first year in Uni.

General consensus is that if your daughter can take a ribbing from being from the south she'll be fine. People will say stupid stuff she just needs to be able to take it on the chin and except that people hate America over here in Europe. However, that isn't to say that everyone does.

She is already in uni so she must be smart.

My recommendation is Scotland, i left Ireland to study for two years and never went home, very friendly happy place.

Also there is tonnes of other Americans in uni over here so if she is home sick she wont have to look hard to find company.

P.S. just tell here the TV isn't as good, that was my roommates biggest problem.

Answer 12

I think it's a great idea. I'm currently studying in San Diego and I'm from England. There were quite a few students from America from on my photography course and they loved it. Some of the American students tended to stick together though.  

My mother did not want me to come to America, she said that it's very dangerous and that there are is a high rate of gun crime, she really wanted me to go to Australia, but I didn't want to go there!

Please do not worry about your daughter she will do well and grown as a person as well as a student, and most English students are about having fun and meeting new people!