[boba]

(Original post by Marlena002)
Christianlady you might have a different experience but I do think you need to cool the religion a bit. I'm a Catholic but I make a point of not bringing that up unless someone else does first. Whether you're in the UK or US nobody likes being preached to And it does seem like the UK is much more secular, so I'm sure keeping your faith to yourself will be appreciated among most groups.

I was thinking of throwing my friends a Thanksgiving dinner because A) I'm a bit homesick and B) I thought they'd like a free meal and a bit of fun like I've enjoyed celebrating some of their local holidays, but I'm not so sure.

I think that they would probably love that it sounds like a wonderful idea. Although I always thought that thanksgiving was around november time?

[Marlena002]

(Original post by boba)
I think that they would probably love that it sounds like a wonderful idea. Although I always thought that thanksgiving was around november time?

Oh yeah, American Thanksgiving is in November. I just meant if I'm still in the UK then, I would like to do it.

I feel a bit wary of that though - I want to be respectful that I'm in a different country and not impose anything on anybody, but at the same time I do miss some of our traditions!

[FelineCostumier]

(Original post by Marlena002)
Oh yeah, American Thanksgiving is in November. I just meant if I'm still in the UK then, I would like to do it.

I feel a bit wary of that though - I want to be respectful that I'm in a different country and not impose anything on anybody, but at the same time I do miss some of our traditions!

See my post further up, a Canadian friend of mine does Canadian Thanksgiving every year and has done since she arrived 10+ years ago. Most of the guests are not Canadian but we enjoy getting together, having a slap up meal and sampling some of her traditional food (I love pumpkin pie). I say go for it, your friends will love that you want to invite them to something and most of us love indulging in another culture now and again.

[boba]

(Original post by Marlena002)
Oh yeah, American Thanksgiving is in November. I just meant if I'm still in the UK then, I would like to do it.

I feel a bit wary of that though - I want to be respectful that I'm in a different country and not impose anything on anybody, but at the same time I do miss some of our traditions!

but you wouldn't be imposing it you would be inviting people who would be perfectly free to not come if they so chose. I imagine that everyone would be very excited about it though if only for the novelty factor plus I'm sure your friends must realise that you miss american things and would feel like you were missing out not celebrating one of your big holidays.

[Marlena002]

(Original post by FelineCostumier)
See my post further up, a Canadian friend of mine does Canadian Thanksgiving every year and has done since she arrived 10+ years ago. Most of the guests are not Canadian but we enjoy getting together, having a slap up meal and sampling some of her traditional food (I love pumpkin pie). I say go for it, your friends will love that you want to invite them to something and most of us love indulging in another culture now and again.

Thank you, that's nice to hear. Pumpkin pie's fantastic isn't it? I only tried it for the first time last year. Soo good.

I actually don't know how to cook a Thanksgiving meal (turkey, stuffing, etc) so I guess I have to brush up on that, lol. I usually just show up to my grandmother's house and eat.

[Christianlady]

(Original post by Marlena002)
Thank you, that's nice to hear. Pumpkin pie's fantastic isn't it? I only tried it for the first time last year. Soo good.

I actually don't know how to cook a Thanksgiving meal (turkey, stuffing, etc) so I guess I have to brush up on that, lol. I usually just show up to my grandmother's house and eat.

Lol me too!

My hubby and I went to the Golden Corral for Thanksgiving... I live away from my parents and family.

[Christianlady]

Lol me too!

My hubby and I went to the Golden Corral for Thanksgiving... I live away from my parents and family.

My Mom makes awesome pumpkin pie, and my one of my sisters makes awesome cornbread! I just clean up: that's my job... to clean the kitchen! I'm not fond of cooking but should learn how to someday lol.

[Sommerfugl]

(Original post by SilverArch)
Did your mum and sister go to Northern Ireland? Or the Republic, which isn't the UK

I would expect London to be less friendly than smaller places. That's pretty much how it goes in most places. I went to the US for a week a few years ago - can barely remember it now, but the people in New York were the least friendly of all the people I met, and I'm pretty sure it was because they have so many tourists it's not a novelty of any kind. On the other hand, in a more rural area, people find you fascinating and role out the welcome wagon for you

Depends what you mean by patriotic. If it takes the form of fondness for your home country, support in sporting matches etc, no one should care. If it takes the form of 'my country is so much better than your country' or any superiority thing, then yes you will be made fun of or disliked.

Ditto your faith. I am an atheist, and I think it's fine if you want to go to Church every Sunday and pray before meals. Why would that bother me? On the other hand, if you were to try converting people or preaching to people, you will definitely not be well liked

Okay, there are a few generally xenophobic people everywhere, but don't worry about them. They won't like you, so you stay well out of their way. Most people are nice. By the way, we generally like poking fun at ourselves. If you can laugh at yourself, you'll probably fit in well

I agree with this. OP you seem to be into preaching, which could cause people to dislike you, if you would continously do that to people who are not interested in your religion.
(and watch out with your premade ideas about the uk eg. NI is Ireland, I think a lot of people would find it offensive)

[Christianlady]

(Original post by Veni Vidi Fugi)
We're not actively unfriendly in London and the South. There's just a culture of apathy and a certain level of being reserved. It would be best to not think of yourself as an American and instead consider yourself as a student. Literally nobody cares about the War of Independence, by the way. Oh, and cynicism is deeply embedded in the culture, too.

I am beginning to see that.

[Redheaded_Dancer]

If you want to go and study in the UK then I say you go for it! Most people in university are generally used to people of other nationalities. You'll probably get some ignorant people rolling their eyes and making unfair judgements purely because you're an American but most, like me, are fascinated by America like you're interested in the UK.

The only people who will make fun of you for staying true to where you came from are just stupid, and you don't want to be associated with them anyways. I would look up the area you hope to study though, so you know where you're going and what's acceptable and what's not and that kinda stuff. Plus it's just generally a good idea to know the history so you don't accidentally put your foot in it!

A lot of people generally seem to think that you Americans are ignorant which is annoying as hell, I'm English but it amuses me the way some people seem to think that the sweeping generalisation that Americans are fat and stupid must be true because of what they've seen on the telly...

Can I ask how British people are received in America? I'm not hoping to study there, but I am interested in moving there after I've graduated with my nursing degree and find a job there. Is it hard to get citizenship? What does it involve?

[Christianlady]

(Original post by Redheaded_Dancer)
If you want to go and study in the UK then I say you go for it! Most people in university are generally used to people of other nationalities. You'll probably get some ignorant people rolling their eyes and making unfair judgements purely because you're an American but most, like me, are fascinated by America like you're interested in the UK.

The only people who will make fun of you for staying true to where you came from are ********s, and you don't want to be associated with them anyways.

A lot of people generally seem to think that you Americans are ignorant which is annoying as hell, I'm English but it amuses me the way some people seem to think that the sweeping generalisation that Americans are fat and stupid must be true because of what they've seen on the telly...

Hello Redheaded Dancer,

Thanks. However, I am sensing that you are in the minority, and you are interesting in coming to the USA, yes? That's great!!! (I read ahead in your post lol)

Can I ask how British people are received in America?

I think most British people are received with kindness and a big "Welcome!"

It really depends on where you go, but many Americans depend on tourism and greatly enjoy meeting new friends, and many absolutely adore the British accent!

I'm not hoping to study there, but I am interested in moving there after I've graduated with my nursing degree and find a job there.

That's awesome!!! Yes come!

Is it hard to get citizenship? What does it involve?

I honestly don't know how it is for British people to become Americans nowadays. You would need to apply. If you have American relatives, that greatly helps, because they can petition for you. I hope you do! The USA is a wonderful country (I'm biased I know) and there are people from all over the world who migrate to the USA because of the opportunities here.

I personally know only one English guy. He is a lot of fun and is very nice. I don't know him very well, but next time I see him, I'll ask him how the process to apply for citizenship is. I don't know however if he is an American citizen though... never asked him.

[Emaemmaemily]

(Original post by Christianlady)
Hello Redheaded Dancer,

Thanks. However, I am sensing that you are in the minority, and you are interesting in coming to the USA, yes? That's great!!! (I read ahead in your post lol)



I think most British people are received with kindness and a big "Welcome!"

It really depends on where you go, but many Americans depend on tourism and greatly enjoy meeting new friends, and many absolutely adore the British accent!


That's awesome!!! Yes come!


I honestly don't know how it is for British people to become Americans nowadays. You would need to apply. If you have American relatives, that greatly helps, because they can petition for you. I hope you do! The USA is a wonderful country (I'm biased I know) and there are people from all over the world who migrate to the USA because of the opportunities here.

I personally know only one English guy. He is a lot of fun and is very nice. I don't know him very well, but next time I see him, I'll ask him how the process to apply for citizenship is. I don't know however if he is an American citizen though... never asked him.

Bold bit: The exact same can be said for the UK. They are both great countries. I'm only pointing this out because you seem to have stated that you are no longer thinking about visiting here because of some of the idiots on these threads.
What it may help you to realise, is that the internet does not represent how people are within their societies. If people have been rude here, I'd be willing to bet 99% of those wouldn't say a WORD to you in person.

Most British people have no problem with people of other nationalities. We have plenty of immigrants here too, and students especially are very used to being around a mixed group of people. You won't, generally, be treated differently because of where you are from. You may even run into people who are fascinated by you (like many Americans are when they hear our accent in their country).
I'd only suggest avoiding huge cities, especially London. Not because you're American, but because every major city like this is less friendly than the rest of the country, and so not a good example of the country.

You won't be treated differently for holding religious views, or for standing by them. The only thing that people may get annoyed at is being preached to, or having it shoved down their throat. Is that an issue?

[Christianlady]

RedHeaded Dancer,

I just looked up

http://www.us-immigration.com/us-cit...pplication.jsp

It might be a good idea to get a visa to visit the USA as a tourist, see if you find a place here you like and fit in, and then see about getting a green card for employment?

[Christianlady]

(Original post by Emaemmaemily)
Bold bit: The exact same can be said for the UK. They are both great countries. I'm only pointing this out because you seem to have stated that you are no longer thinking about visiting here because of some of the idiots on these threads.

Thanks Emmaemmaemily,

I do admit I do let negativity get me down. I'm not used to rude people, and it's hard for me to know how to deal with them.

Yes I don't doubt that the UK is a great country too, though I've never been there. I'm sure there are great people there. I absolutely love many English people, including those in the past: William Wilberforce, Elizabeth Heyrick, and C.S. Lewis are the main ones I can think of at the moment.

What it may help you to realise, is that the internet does not represent how people are within their societies. If people have been rude here, I'd be willing to bet 99% of those wouldn't say a WORD to you in person.

Good point.

Most British people have no problem with people of other nationalities. We have plenty of immigrants here too, and students especially are very used to being around a mixed group of people. You won't, generally, be treated differently because of where you are from. You may even run into people who are fascinated by you (like many Americans are when they hear our accent in their country).
I'd only suggest avoiding huge cities, especially London. Not because you're American, but because every major city like this is less friendly than the rest of the country, and so not a good example of the country.

Ok. Yeah based on this forum, I don't sense that, but thanks for stating that and you are right that one shouldn't come to a conclusion simply because of what some anonymously say on a forum.

You won't be treated differently for holding religious views, or for standing by them. The only thing that people may get annoyed at is being preached to, or having it shoved down their throat. Is that an issue?

It is not an issue for me. However, it seems that people think that my presenting my views in the religious section, which is made I assume to discuss spiritual matters, is "preaching"? I do not see what other purpose is the religious section for other than to discuss religious matters and religion. ?

On the other sections of this forum, I do present my beliefs and Christians who believe what I do, but that is because I am explaining why I have the view I do, not because I'm preaching.

So, it seems to me that some people seem to think this is preaching?

[Redheaded_Dancer]

(Original post by Christianlady)
RedHeaded Dancer,

I just looked up

http://www.us-immigration.com/us-cit...pplication.jsp

It might be a good idea to get a visa to visit the USA as a tourist, see if you find a place here you like and fit in, and then see about getting a green card for employment?

Thank you! You've been very helpful
This won't be for a fair few years as I've not yet even started my degree, it was just something I've always considered for my future.
And yeah, like the other dude said, people are a LOT more ballsy and loudmouthed on the Internet than they are in real life, most people in England are unlikely to approach you and tell you to go away although you might receive some eye rolling when they hear your accent from time to time.

[Gales]

(Original post by Christianlady)
Yes I don't doubt that the UK is a great country too, though I've never been there. I'm sure there are great people there. I absolutely love many English people, including those in the past: William Wilberforce, Elizabeth Heyrick, and C.S. Lewis are the main ones I can think of at the moment.

CS Lewis was Northern Irish.

[llessur123]

(Original post by Christianlady)
Hello Lessur,

It seems like many people agree with you for different reasons. I looked up Gaelic classes in the USA, and there are some here, so it would indeed probably be best for me to just study Gaelic here. Thanks for your blunt advice.

I admit the pictures of rural areas are lovely!

Peace and God bless you

I still think you should visit the UK, it's a pretty good place and most people are very friendly. I just thought I'd give advice on studying and staying in NI. You should do some research and visit the areas that appeal to you, then decide if you want to stay and study.

[Christianlady]

(Original post by Redheaded_Dancer)
Thank you! You've been very helpful
This won't be for a fair few years as I've not yet even started my degree, it was just something I've always considered for my future.
And yeah, like the other dude said, people are a LOT more ballsy and loudmouthed on the Internet than they are in real life, most people in England are unlikely to approach you and tell you to go away although you might receive some eye rolling when they hear your accent from time to time.

No problem

Yeah it seems many people lose manners online. Good point

[Emaemmaemily]

(Original post by Christianlady)
Thanks Emmaemmaemily,

I do admit I do let negativity get me down. I'm not used to rude people, and it's hard for me to know how to deal with them.

Yes I don't doubt that the UK is a great country too, though I've never been there. I'm sure there are great people there. I absolutely love many English people, including those in the past: William Wilberforce, Elizabeth Heyrick, and C.S. Lewis are the main ones I can think of at the moment.




Good point.


Ok. Yeah based on this forum, I don't sense that, but thanks for stating that and you are right that one shouldn't come to a conclusion simply because of what some anonymously say on a forum.


It is not an issue for me. However, it seems that people think that my presenting my views in the religious section, which is made I assume to discuss spiritual matters, is "preaching"? I do not see what other purpose is the religious section for other than to discuss religious matters and religion. ?

On the other sections of this forum, I do present my beliefs and Christians who believe what I do, but that is because I am explaining why I have the view I do, not because I'm preaching.

So, it seems to me that some people seem to think this is preaching?

As I said, as long as you're not brinigng it up for no reason with people, or pushing it on people when they are uncomfortable, no one will treat you any differently (and even if you did that, they would mostly just become uncomfortable and try to change the subject, not DO anything).
You're right, the religion forum is for that kind of discussion, so that's not really comparable to a discussion in person with individuals.

[gm15]

(Original post by Christianlady)
RedHeaded Dancer,

I just looked up

http://www.us-immigration.com/us-cit...pplication.jsp

It might be a good idea to get a visa to visit the USA as a tourist, see if you find a place here you like and fit in, and then see about getting a green card for employment?

US immigration law....boo hiss
Sorry, its just that there's one tiny little bit that means I can't claim US citizenship instantly through my dad (born in detroit). Not even a reduction in the naturalization period.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my U20i