Reflections on the U.S. After Six Months in Spain

After living in Spain for the past six months, I recently returned to the U.S. for a visit, spending time in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, and Dallas. While I was excited to reconnect with friends and family, I was also struck by the many differences between life in Spain and life in the U.S.—some of which I had expected and others that surprised me. Here are a few things that stood out to me during my visit.

The Emphasis on Achievement and Getting Ahead

One of the first things I noticed in Washington, D.C. was the intense focus on achievement and career advancement. Riding the Metro and buses, I was surrounded by advertisements promoting professional success—software tools to help teams work more efficiently, degree programs to boost career prospects, and business certifications designed to increase earning potential.

Of course, pursuing education and career growth isn't a bad thing, but this level of emphasis felt distinctly American. In Spain, the mentality around work is different—people generally work to live, rather than live to work. Long hours and promotions are not the primary focus of life. University advertisements exist, but they aren’t nearly as dominant in public spaces as they are in the U.S. The contrast made me reflect on the different cultural attitudes toward work and personal fulfillment.

The Diversity of the U.S.

Another striking difference was the level of ethnic diversity in U.S. cities. When I first moved to Spain, I was aware that it felt less diverse than what I was used to in the U.S., but over time, I stopped actively noticing it. Returning to cities like Chicago and D.C., I was immediately reminded of how much I had missed seeing such a rich mix of people—individuals of Latinx, African-American, Asian, and Middle Eastern descent. The U.S. is a true melting pot, and that diversity is something I didn’t fully appreciate until I stepped away from it for a while.

The Fast-Paced, High-Stress Atmosphere

One thing that hit me almost immediately upon arriving was the honking. It was constant—on busy streets, in traffic jams, even in relatively calm areas. In Spain, people don’t honk nearly as much, and the overall atmosphere feels less tense. The honking, I realized, was just one small symptom of a larger cultural difference—people in the U.S. seemed more on edge, more impatient, and generally more stressed.

I noticed this at the airport, in restaurants, and while navigating the city. There was a sense of urgency, a rush to get somewhere, do something, achieve something. I even felt it in myself—I rented a car in Chicago and within minutes, I had unconsciously slipped back into my old habits of lane-changing, aggressive driving, and getting frustrated by inevitable traffic delays. It took a conscious effort to remind myself that I didn’t have anywhere urgent to be. I had to actively reframe my mindset and adopt the slower, more patient approach that I had become accustomed to in Spain.

Consumerism and the Abundance of Choices

Another thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on consumerism. This came up in conversations—people excitedly telling me about their latest purchases—but it was also evident in the sheer size and variety of stores. Grocery stores in the U.S. are massive, with entire aisles dedicated to a single category of food, offering countless brands and flavors. In Spain, grocery stores are much smaller, and you typically only have a couple of options for any given product.

The same applies to general shopping. In the U.S., you can go to a Target or Walmart and find everything you need—groceries, clothes, electronics, home goods—all in one place. In Spain, shopping is more specialized; if you need clothes, you go to a clothing shop. If you need household items, you might need to go to a hardware store, an electronics store, or an appliance store. It’s not necessarily inconvenient, but it does require more stops. While I enjoyed the convenience of American stores, I was also reminded of how overwhelming the sheer amount of choice can be.

Sticker Shock: The High Cost of Living in the U.S.

One of the biggest shocks was the cost of food, especially eating out. In Washington, D.C., I struggled to find a meal for two people under $70. A simple sandwich could cost $21, and with tax and tip added, the final bill was much higher than what I was used to. In Spain, when you see a menu price, that’s exactly what you pay—there’s no additional tax, and tipping is rare.

Grocery prices in the U.S. were also noticeably higher than in Spain, and I experienced the same sticker shock when shopping for basic necessities like toiletries and over-the-counter medicine. While gas prices in the U.S. were lower than in Spain, the overall cost of daily living felt significantly more expensive.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the U.S. after six months away was an eye-opening experience. While I loved reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying some of the conveniences of American life, I also found myself appreciating the slower pace and different priorities of Spanish culture. The experience reinforced why I chose to move abroad in the first place—to embrace a lifestyle that values balance, connection, and enjoying the present moment rather than constantly striving for the next big achievement.

For those considering a move abroad or extended travel, I encourage you to pay attention to these cultural differences. It’s not about one way of life being better than the other, but about finding the environment that aligns best with your values and lifestyle. If you’ve ever returned to the U.S. after living abroad, what stood out to you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts!