How Are Americans Perceived Right Now?
It’s a question we hear more often lately: How Are Americans Perceived Globally Right Now?
Given everything happening in the world—politically, economically, and geopolitically—it’s a fair question. Some people are understandably wondering how they’ll be received when they travel.
Our honest answer is this: people are more thoughtful, more nuanced, and more welcoming than the headlines might lead you to believe.
Our counterparts are exceedingly capable of separating government and policy, from a person. To be even more honest, they are more capable than our fellow Americans are in this mentality.
They’re not meeting “America.” They’re meeting you.
A traveler. A guest. A professional. A person showing up in good faith, open to learning and conversation.That’s exactly how you’re received.
More Curiosity Than Judgment
In our engagements across continents what we see most often abroad is not hostility. It’s curiosity and camaraderie.
People want to know how others are experiencing the moment. They want to compare perspectives. They want to ask questions. They want to understand. And they're open to sharing.
These exchanges are thoughtful, candid, and warm. In moments like these, experiencing a different culture and meeting new people becomes a reminder that people are often far more generous, discerning, and open-hearted than public discourse might suggest.
What Our Own Teammates Living in Europe Say
Mike Kote, living in Ireland, shared:
“As an American living in Ireland, I find opportunities to break down stereotypes. I approach conversations about politics and global sentiment through a lens of human understanding and kindness. I am grateful for my background, and I find the people I meet in Ireland—and everywhere outside of the U.S.—are genuinely interested in my perspective.”
Jeff Colburn, living in Portugal, shared:
“The idea of being alienated because of where I was from never crossed my mind. Having lived in Portugal for over three years, I cannot recall a single time where I felt uncomfortable based on my citizenship.
...People here in Portugal care less about where you come from than how you act and interact with them. If you are willing to learn, laugh, smile, and experience the country—they are happy.
In all of my travels, when politics comes up, it usually feels more like a comical interlude...People are trying to understand more than judge, and they recognize that not everyone’s views are aligned..."
This sentiment reflects what we’ve seen again and again through CLE Abroad programs.
People respond to sincerity, humility, and curiosity.
And when people meet face to face, most stereotypes tend to loosen their grip.
Why This Matters to Us
At CLE Abroad, we’ve always believed that travel matters most when it brings people together.
Not through headlines.
Not through assumptions.
Not through social media.
Through presence, conversation, and shared meals. Through seeing a place for yourself and meeting the people who live there.
That kind of exchange does not erase differences. But it does make room for understanding. And often, that is where the most meaningful moments begin.
A Final Thought
If you’ve been wondering how you’ll be received abroad, our experience is simple:
You will be met first as a person.
And in many cases, that opens more doors than it closes.
With gratitude for our global community,
Dani
Team CLE Abroad
