US vs. UK: Similarities and Differences

For spring break, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to London with my MEJO 447: Media in the UK class. Here are the top five similarities and differences I noticed during my time in London compared to the US. For this blog, I will be comparing London to NYC.

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Because this was a class trip, we had many site visits and networking opportunities with successful professionals in the Advertising, Public Relations, and Journalism industries. The main difference I noticed during these visits is how they conduct business. A prime example of this is in the US, when you are connecting with someone for a story or campaign that would be mutually beneficial, you usually engage in “small talk” to get to know the other person a little better before getting into exactly what you need from them. In the UK, this isn’t the case. You don’t call someone and ask how their day is going. You would need to cut the “small talk” and tell them exactly what you want in a way that is enticing and will get them on board. In the UK, they don’t usually emphasize establishing and building a relationship with the person you are working with/want to work with. This building usually comes later in the process, if at all.

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A similarity I noticed almost immediately between London and NYC is their methods of transportation. Because these are both large cities, many use public transit to get around. In NYC, many choose the subway as their method of getting around. London has its subway system called “the tube.” While their methods of transportation are very similar, the etiquette and overall atmosphere couldn’t be more different. When using the tube in London, it is normal to go in, sit down, remain silent, look at the ground, and simply enjoy the ride. For those that have been to NYC and have used the subway, you know that this isn’t the case. It is a very different atmosphere of people running around, talking loudly either on the phone or with those around them, and people performing both on and off the subway cars. Additionally, the tube seemed to be way cleaner and easier to use than the NYC subway system.

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Another major difference I noticed was how people in London communicated compared to those in NYC. British people tend to not use their words but rather their facial expressions and overall attitude towards things. You can tell what they are thinking by the look on their face, their body language, or even when they do a double-take when they hear an American accent. When they are displeased, you can tell through their eye-rolls and deep sighs. In NYC, this is far from their normal. A New Yorker will tell you exactly what they are thinking in a rather loud and blunt tone. If you are in their way, they will tell you to move, and usually not in the nicest way. From my experience, I think these differences come with the overall difference in social norms and atmosphere of these cities. NYC is known for the life of a hustling, fast-paced environment where everyone is in a rush to their next destination. Those in London tend to enjoy the journey to where they need to go a little more.

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I finally had the experience of trying Pret while in London. Pret is by far London’s choice for coffee and quick bites. This is evident through their many, many locations. The streets with heavier traffic even have 2-3 Prets, which only supports and strengthens its popularity. In NYC and throughout the United States, Starbucks and Dunkin are the coffee chains most popular with the public. While London still has Starbucks, they are not nearly as popular mainly because Pret offers more food options and comes at a more affordable price overall.

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While the traditional food in the UK is arguable not the best, they shine through their international cuisine. Both London and NYC share a striking similarity in their reputation for international cuisine. Both of these “food capitals” are filled with diversity which is directly shown through their cuisine as well as the magnitude of tourists that come to these cities hoping to experience all the different cuisines both these cities have to offer.

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These similarities and differences stood out to me during my time in London, but it is worth noting that the lack of a language barrier makes it easier to assimilate into day-to-day life. In just a few days, it is easy to feel like a local who takes the tube everywhere and enjoys the journey. Similar can be said about NYC. Once you assimilate to the environment around you, it is easy to feel like you are a part of the environment rather than an outsider looking in.

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Advice of the day: Be mindful of the cultural and societal norms of the place you are visiting. This not only shows respect to the place and those around you but also allows you to experience a full immersion into the place’s dynamic.

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Thanks for reading! 🙂