LONDON — I never thought being an American in a foreign country was like to being a fish out of water.Some differences are expected and exciting, but the Metro, electrical outlets and language barriers proved to be quite complicated. I loved wandering through Paris and London, but I was definitely lost in translation and sparks flew between the electrical outlets and me.But the Parisians were forgiving, except when we misused their language.One man actually refused to continue speaking with my roommate and me when I incorrectly said “I understand.”Then again, I did say it in Spanish.But, when we partook in Parisian night life, the French loved us.Not only did they speak with us like we were a novelty, a man who had been kissing my cheeks stuck my fingers in his mouth. When in France?Studying abroad is more about cultural infusion rather than academic achievement. But don’t tell your professors that.We attend class and have beaucoup assignments and projects due, but more importantly we’re learning foreign mannerisms, jargon and customs.I find Americans expect other countries to cater to our culture, although we know little about theirs.Most locals can spot Americans in their cities because we are either loud or obnoxious or hogging the sidewalk.And before this trip, I didn’t know the French king’s name or that Tony Blair was no longer England’s prime minister.If Americans want to step away from the “dumb American” stereotype, we should learn more about our government and those of the world.The Parisians and Londoners I spoke with were more knowledgeable about America’s government and economy than I was about theirs.Americans don’t comprise the entire world, but we like to think we do.And that mindset is incredibly pretentious.I’ll be in Scotland soon, and I plan on learning more about its culture, bagpipes and kilts instead of expecting locals to adjust to my ideas of common courtesy. I’ve already been informed polite conversation is not a paramount social quality, but I don’t want to form preconceived notions.However, if a Scottish bloke graphically describes any after dinner plans, I can rely on my loud, obnoxious, American qualities to handle it. —–Contact Victoria Yu at [email protected]