Latest news with #culturalDifferences
Daily Mail
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I moved from New York to Paris... this common fashion trend in America is considered a style faux pas in France
New York City and Paris are two of the world's most iconic cities - but they are incredibly different to live in. Elena Taber moved from New York City to Paris a year ago - and has been documenting the differences between the two cities since. In a recent TikTok, the 28-year-old opened up about some of the most shocking adjustments she had to make when she relocated from the US to the French capital. She started off her video by dishing on the differences in fashion, while declaring that she was committing a Parisian 'fashion felony.' 'I'm committing a crime right now,' the content creator said, showing off her simple outfit of black biker shorts, a zip-up weather resistant jacket, and her running shoes. 'People do not wear athleticwear here, at all,' Elena, who is dating Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower, shared. 'Don't do what I'm doing right now.' She explained that in the 10 minutes walking home from the gym, she felt embarrassed about her less-than-chic ensemble. 'This feels illegal,' she declared. 'Straight to jail.' Elena, who also has a popular YouTube channel, often talks about life as an American in Paris. In a YouTube video speaking about what it's really like to reside in the French city, she admitted that despite going to classes to learn the language, she has struggled to make friends. 'French women are not particularly warm, most of them,' she admitted. 'Some are,' she added. 'But it's just a bit challenging.' Elena noted that the social scene was a big difference between New York and Paris. The YouTuber said that in France, a lot of people tend to stick with the friends they made in high school or college, and are not overly interested in making new ones. 'It's something I've noticed is a little more French then it is in the cities in the US,' she explained. 'In a big metropolitan area like New York I feel like people for the most part are very inclusive and want to make new friends, but for a big metropolitan area like Paris, people are quite closed, unless they're expats,' she mused. Making friends in a new city can certainly be difficult. But according to Lee Thompson, co-founder of travel company Flash Pack, there are ways to best connect with others when flying solo. While previously speaking with the Daily Mail, Lee stressed the importance of saying yes to things. 'The trick is to be open and curious to new opportunities as they arise and say 'yes' to invitations – even if you feel a bit shy about doing so,' he encouraged 'Equally, I've struck up friendships with the guy busking in the park, or by saying yes to an impromptu game of Pickleball,' he added. Lee also recommended signing up to events, such as supper clubs, open mic nights, or weekly park runs, while travelling or moving to a new city alone. 'A dash of online research will open up a world of events wherever you happen to be travelling,' he shared. 'All you need to do is look them up and choose ones that speak to your personal interests and values. 'This is a really effective way of meeting people in a non-pressurized environment.'
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Forbes
What To Keep In Mind When Dating Abroad, According To Experts
Young couple having a great time in Tokyo backstreet alley with izakaya at night getty Dating abroad can be fun and exciting — whether you're a digital nomad taking roots somewhere new or just looking for a holiday romance, creating connections abroad is one of the best ways to really get to know a culture and its people. 'When you're dating abroad, you're not just learning about someone new—you're learning how to communicate, adapt, and let go of expectations. It's less about finding 'the one' and more about finding pieces of yourself in unexpected places. And who knows… maybe even Mr. Right,' explained Sherita Janielle, owner of the Modern Woman Agenda and author of The Digital Nomad Blueprint . If you're considering dating abroad, these expert-led tips will help ensure a positive experience: 'You'll run into cultural differences, potential language barriers, to other international travelers too. First and foremost, leap in with an open mind; if anything, you're about to learn something new, which could change your entire perspective,' said Emma Hathorn, dating and relationship expert at 'That open mind is key— who knows, you might end up living in Seoul with a partner you never anticipated, learning a new language, moving your business to a completely different country.' 'Casual, curious, or looking for connection—whatever it is, say it,' suggested Janielle. 'That level of directness is often appreciated more abroad than we expect.' 'Honestly, dating while traveling is part cultural exchange, part rom-com, part crash course in self-awareness. Sometimes you get a built-in tour guide; other times, just a great story,' added Janielle. 'Whether it's a sunset boat ride in Greece or an espresso date that turns into a walking tour, even the most fleeting moments can make a destination more memorable. Don't let excitement override safety. 'It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of traveling and the whirlwind of a romance. However, you should always approach dating abroad with the same caution as you do at home,' said Katie Treharne, travel blogger and owner of Escape Artist Katie. ' For example, I recommend that you let a trusted person know your date plans or share your location. It's also best to meet in the daytime, in a busy place that you're somewhat familiar with. If you need to make a swift exit, you need to know the route back to your hotel.' 'I have never actively sought out dates when abroad, mainly because my number one rule is that I will only date people whom I have met organically,' added Treharne. 'Ideally, this would start with an introduction from a friend or acquaintance. For example, I met my partner of 1.5 years in Madeira after meeting him at a digital nomad community event; we also had a mutual friend, who gave a glowing recommendation.' Be honest with yourself if you want something long-term. 'When dating abroad, it's easy to ignore important considerations. If you're dating to find a long-term partner, you need to consider the logistics, like what passports you hold,' pointed out Treharne. 'If, eventually, you wanted to move to their country, what steps would you need to take? Do you need a visa, and how easy is it to get?'
Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Telegraph
Asylum seeker blames rape of teenage girl on ‘cultural differences'
An Afghani asylum seeker tried to defend his rape of a 15-year-old Scottish schoolgirl by citing cultural differences and a language barrier. Sadeq Nikzad, 29, entered the UK illegally on a small boat in 2023, and later that year subjected the teenager to a terrifying sex attack in broad daylight in Falkirk town centre. Nikzad will serve nine years in custody followed by three years on licence, go on the sex offenders register and be deported at the end of his sentence. As the sentence was passed at Livingston High Court, Nikzad repeatedly shouted 'liar' at Mr Justice Morris. He was convicted of rape at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier this year after a jury heard how he approached the girl and asked for her phone number and if she had a boyfriend. He then made sexual remarks towards the underage girl, before leading her to the rear of The Courtyard pub where he attacked and raped her. 'She was only 15' The girl said that she froze during the assault, while a woman who came across the victim shortly after said she had been 'in a daze'. The witness said: 'She looked stunned. I knew something had gone wrong. She came to me for comfort. She said she kept telling the guy she was only 15.' Janice Green, Nikzad's defence counsel, told an earlier hearing that her client had not been educated about the significant cultural differences between the UK and Afghanistan. Ms Green also said that the schoolgirl's evidence about language difficulties between them and the fact she had not told the accused 'No' meant the offence was 'not a typical stranger rape'. She added: 'There are no issues raised by him in relation to fear of persecution and the ultimate result is that he'll be deported at the conclusion of his sentence.' During sentencing, Mr Justice Morris told the accused through an interpreter: 'You've been convicted of an extremely serious sexual offence against a child, and I know your counsel has now explained to you that in those circumstances only a substantial custodial sentence is appropriate.' 'Appalling, opportunistic attack' After sentencing, Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: 'This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business.' She added: 'I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who commit serious acts of sexual violence against women and children.' Det Insp Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley public protection unit, said: 'Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal.'
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm an American living in the UK and I won't use this common English word because I'd get cancelled back home
An American woman has revealed the one everyday British word that's so offensive in the United States, she claims she wouldn't even dare say it aloud. Amber Kacherian, a popular TikToker with nearly a million followers, has been living in the UK and regularly posts about her culture shock experiences, from slang to baffling food labels. But one of her most recent videos has sent shockwaves through both sides of the Atlantic after she revealed three seemingly innocent English words that take on wildly different, and in some cases, inappropriate, meanings in the US. Amber starts the video with a warning: 'British people - do not say these words in America unless you want people to look at you very strangely.' The first item on her list is the humble classroom essential, a rubber. 'In America, the word 'rubber' means something very different,' she says. 'So, my British friends, please be warned that if you walk into a store in America and ask for a rubber, the item you receive is not going to be an eraser.' In the UK, of course, a rubber is an everyday stationery item, but across the pond it's slang for a condom. While Brits might not bat an eye, Amber's point struck a chord with fellow Americans who recalled their own awkward encounters with British terminology. Next up was the classic UK cupboard staple of whipped cream in a can, more commonly known in Britain as squirty cream. Amber could barely contain her disbelief. 'I did not believe this one until I saw it for myself,' she laughs in the video. 'You heard that right - squirty cream. I don't even know if I'm allowed to say that on here. 'And yes, this is 100 per cent real. This is really and truly, honest to goodness, what they call it.' Still incredulous, she adds: 'I went to a store in the UK and I saw it on the shelves there, I saw it with my own eyes and to this day I think I'm still not fully recovered. 'I have no words. My British friends, I think you knew exactly what you were doing when you did this.' Her advice for any UK travellers planning a trip stateside is not to go asking for rubbers and squirty cream unless you want some puzzled stares. But it was her final example that she says she 'can't even say' out loud, and one that left her genuinely shaken. The word in question is a British slang term for a cigarette - fag - a word which, in the US, is exclusively used as a slur against gay people. 'I can't even say the word on here or I'll get cancelled,' says Amber. 'Let's just say it's a horribly offensive slur that you will never, ever hear come out of my mouth. 'It's 'flag', but without the L. But please don't ever say that word in America. Probably just don't ever say it anywhere, ever, just to be safe.' Amber explains how she discovered that the word is also used in Britain to describe a variety of meatball, thanks to faggots, a famous UK meat product. Filming herself in front of an image of the packaging of Mr Brain's Six Pork Faggots, she asks her UK followers: 'For my friends in the UK, my question is: what is the fascination with this word? Why does everyone love using this word? 'Does it mean something else in the UK? In America you cannot say this word ever, but in the UK they're just casually throwing it on packages of meatballs.' While Amber's video was meant in jest, it sparked a flurry of passionate responses in the comments, particularly from Brits defending the language. One viewer wrote: 'Cream that you squirt from a can is logically called squirty cream. 'Americans call a pair of glasses "eye glasses" and are not in a position to criticise.' Brits rushed to the comments to defend their language quirks, arguing English dialects are much older than American ones Another was quick to point out the history behind the words: 'The word "f*ggt" is older than your country. As a food item the name was used from at least the mid-19th century, they are not meatballs as such but rather they are made from offal.' A more blunt take came from another user who simply wrote: 'As the English language comes from England we are correct and the USA is wrong. It really is that simple.' And one commenter said: 'I am a UK resident and I had absolutely no idea that Americans didn't know this stuff and now I can't stop laughing! What the heck do you call squirty cream then?' Amber's video also reignited interest in the origins of the controversial cigarette slang. Linguists point out that the British slang term fag, meaning a cigarette, actually predates the homophobic slur. The latter meaning may have originated in English public boarding schools, where younger boys (known as 'fags') were tasked with menial chores for older students, the Think Queerly blog reports. The term may have evolved from faggot, originally a bundle of sticks - later associated with women's domestic labour and, eventually, the younger boys who performed those duties. As the word developed, it gained the slur connotations, though these did not become mainstream until the early 20th century.
