America! Land of the free and home of the brave. There are so many wonderful things about the U.S.A. it can be difficult to count but range from large portions that fill you up to friendliness everywhere you go. While Americans might love and celebrate many of these things, some aspects of American culture can be downright odd to European visitors.
Have you ever traveled from Europe and not understood how to leave a tip? Or where to buy groceries late at night if everything is closed? Well, that kind of what in the world feeling can make you feel all the feels- confused, excited, perplexed.
In this list, we’re covering some of the most American tendencies that give Europeans serious pause. The good, the bad, and the ugly- we’re exploring it all. So hold on to your super-sized Coca-Cola and turn down the football game in the background, we’re diving in deep.
In order to make the reading experience of this article more convenient, the article has been split up into multiple pages. At the end of each page, you will see a “next” button which will take you to the next page. Enjoy your reading!
A Big No-No
Coca-Cola, baseball, and hot dogs- is there anything more American? Americans love an ice-cold coke with ice. There’s something just so crisp and delicious about it. But what if we were to tell you this one poor, unsuspecting European saw someone actually add sugar to her coke?
That is extreme, for sure. But for tourists in America who see all the sugary soft drinks and snacks that are consumed- it probably looks normal on the outside. Have you seen the inside of a supermarket lately? Or the area next to the cash registers? Sugar heaven. A person who drinks coke with added sugar must actually have sugar running through their veins.
Religion in America
They say Americans are obsessed with advertising. You can’t go very far without being bombarded by billboards, commercials, or internet ads- and there is a constant feeling of someone always trying to sell you something. For this one Irishman in America, that included the selling of religion.
The writer admits that Ireland is a very religious country, but he was floored by the billboards about Jesus and how much religion is discussed in public. Living in the United States might make many of us immune to this, or even not notice it. You could say Americans wear their hearts on their sleeves and their religion on… billboards?
The Price of an Ambulance
One sure-fire way to surprise non-American is to show them the cost of healthcare in the United States. To outsiders, an ambulance is something imperative in the event of an emergency. After all, in movies people have often whisked away in ambulances during a diaster- so, what’s the problem?
To many Americans, an ambulance is just too expensive. Many women even opt to go to the hospital in an uber than take an ambulance. If that happens we just hope the woman and her partner leave a really good star rating for the driver- or hey! Name the baby after their driver to say thanks.
Super Size, Please!
Ah, America. The land of supersizing everything. Do you want a giant couch to go in your giant living room? No problem. Do you want to super-size your hamburger and fries for under a dollar? Fantastic! And of course the ultimate super-sized stores.
Americans might take stores like Walmart for granted since they are now so commonplace, but for Europeans, this is a very strange concept. I mean where else can you buy your groceries, a lawnmower, and a pet fish all in one store? We’re here for it though. Who has time to run around to 8 different stores? One-stop-shop baby!
Crossing State Lines
Many a tourist in the United States has been unpleasantly surprised by the actual distance between states. In Europe, it is easy to travel to neighboring countries via train, and often the distance is so short it’s hardly a major trip.
The United States, however, is a different story. It can take hours upon hours- even days- to travel across states. I mean, have you ever been to Texas? It’s been estimated that it can take between 14-16 hours just to drive through the Lone Star State. So, hope you packed some extra snacks and made a killer playlist! Roadtrip, anyone?
No Taxation Without Representation
We’ve all heard of the saying “no taxation without representation”- a phrase during the American revolution that demanded the English Crown had no right to tax Americans who lacked representation in the British Parliament. But some Europeans might feel this refers to a different issue of taxing today.
When you purchase an item the sales tax will only be rung up at the register. So for Europeans who have carefully calculated their purchase before heading to the cash register are often in for a surprise. This is always such a bummer when you have exact change and then forget about tax!
Do You Know My Friend?
Americans are not exactly known for their excellent sense of geography. Late-night shows love to ask Americans where things are or have them label European countries on a map, and so many just can’t. Perhaps we just have too many states of our own to keep track of and learn where they are.
These British visitors had a good laugh when a local Bostonian walked up to them and, upon hearing they were from England, asked if they knew her friend in London. That’s the same as asking a New Yorker if they know your friend in Florida. Still, the excitement is endearing.
Some Privacy, Please
Americans are known for the big gaps in toilet doors (what a thing to be known for- yikes!) Many visitors are disturbed by the seeming lack of privacy when using a public restroom, but for anyone who grew up in America it’s just so normal it’s easy to not even notice it.
A quick internet search will reveal a few theories into the gap mystery. One of those theories is that it makes it easier for cleaners to properly disinfect bathrooms if they can reach all hinges. Another is that if there’s an emergency like someone passing out, it’s possible to see what’s going on. And yet another theory says it is for better circulation. Does anyone know the real answer?
Side Effects Include… Death?
Do you know those ads on television of beautiful people walking hand in hand in a meadow talking to you about how they lowered their cholesterol levels? Or the woman serenely painting in a sunlit room explaining how she lowered her risk of stroke?
Ads for medication in America are always on TV and are legally required to list the side effects of the medication. Oftentimes, a potential side effect is a death. For Europeans who aren’t used to this type of advertising, that’s when the entire lovely image painted by the medical company just comes to a crashing halt. The rest of us are just used to it by now!
Unexpected Questions
America is a big country, and as such, some people just don’t… well, they don’t get out very much. It can be expensive to take big trips, and each U.S. state offers something so different than the next- exposure to other places can be low.
While this person is inquisitive and just wants to learn more, their questions are… shocking. The Italian’s reaction is priceless. Don’t worry PinkWarPig, we know pizza is Italian! And we’re coming over to get some ASAP. Could you just super-size it for us? Thanks so much! Or should we say, Grazie!
Electric Scooters
Obesity is a big problem in the United States. In fact, around 36.5% of all American adults struggle with obesity. Americans are the leaders in the world in obesity, so it is not surprising that people from other countries have a hard time understanding why.
May we refer back to the first item in this list of ours? Yes, putting sugar in the coke. There might be the answer. But more seriously, better education and more equal access to affordable healthy food can go a long way in reducing the number of people needing to get around on electric scooters.
Thank You For Your Service
If you are an active serviceman or woman in the United States, then you are likely eligible for a variety of discounts and special treatment. Discounts on food, coffee- and you even get to board an airplane with the first group. Americans admire and respect their service people, so this is no surprise.
Europeans, however, find this very surprising. As this internet user explains- in his country service members are not generally idealized or really even noticed. What a bummer! For their sacrifice and hard work, any veteran or active service person deserves some extra love. Way to go, America.
The Heart Attack Grill
Oh my, this one is intense and connects back to the obesity problem mentioned earlier. In Las Vegas, there is a place called The Heart Attack Grill. For patrons who weigh 350 pounds or more, and get on a scale to prove it, are given their meal for free.
This poor unsuspecting English man was mortified by this concept. The restaurant actually celebrates a dangerous health risk like a heart attack. The American sense of humor that thinks this is kind of cheeky or light-hearted is completely lost on this Brit. He’s not alone, though. This restaurant concept is… extreme.
Oops, the Blue Drink Did It
The blue slurpee is a staple in every convenience store. I mean, what is a road trip without slurping down that delicious blue drink with the red straw- you know, it sometimes even has a spoon on the end of it! If you know, you know.
Well, this European decided to try the famous blue drink and was in for quite a shock when she went to the bathroom a little later that day. It seems the blue food coloring impacted her number two as well. Definitely, quite a shock to see, we’re sure. Not sure it can stop us from that icy deliciousness though.
GTA in LA
Imagine your first impression of a country was based on a video game. Rightly, you would probably assume that the characteristics of that country were a little exaggerated in order to create a more full experience. Well, it turns out that Grand Theft Auto is pretty accurately based on Los Angeles… down to the radio station.
This European was pleasantly surprised to see that all that time spent with GTA actually paid off and he felt he knew LA when he arrived. Props to the creators of that game for making it so realistic, perhaps that’s a big key to the game’s success.
A Random Act of Kindness
Paying for someone’s meal is a classic way to contribute to a random act of kindness in America. Sometimes people do this in the Starbucks drive-through line, while others might buy someone’s meal in a restaurant. That’s what happened to these tourists from Europe during their trip.
Props to that kind individual for making a positive and lasting impression on those travelers. With so many stereotypes and assumptions about Americans and American culture to battle- it is nice to know there are some people out there who are fighting the good fight. Let this be a reminder to those of you reading it- a little kindness can go a long way.
How Are You?
Ok, so guilty of this one. In America, it is totally normal to ask someone how they are, without genuinely wanting to know. “How are you?” has become a question similar to “what’s up?” We expect the answer to be light-hearted and simple.
In Europe, the answer to this question is often taken very seriously. Ask a Danish person how they are doing and you, my friend, might be in store for a long conversation about their recent job promotion or trouble with their partner. So next time you think of asking how someone is doing, consider searching for the real answer- if you have the time!
Can You Turn the AC Down?
Most European countries do not have homes with central AC- in the warmer summer months, people use either smaller, wall-mounted units or simply a fan. Well, not in America! We like to super size our air conditioners as well.
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This can be a hard concept for Europeans to accept. Why would you use the AC and make it so cold inside your home that you need a sweater? Frigid temperatures indoors can be difficult to bear if you are not used to it. Well to that European I would say, have you ever been to south Texas? Go, and then you’ll see why we love our ACs so much.
Bigger is Better
Cars, meals, homes, apetities- you name it, it seems Americans truly believe that bigger is better. Parking lots, malls… Costco! I mean if you think about it, we really do have a lot of big stuff in the U.S. We’re certainly not complaining about the bigger meals though! More fries, please.
Europe in comparison is much smaller and therefore has less space- so things are smaller. Think of that adorable French mini market that you pop into for your grocery needs and compare it to shopping at Target where you get your groceries, an amazing new bathing suit, and a television.
Working Age
In Europe, most people retire around the age of 60, and the majority by the age of 70. Given that, it is rare that you will see someone of advanced age working at a place like a supermarket. Any European going into a place of business and seeing an older adult is likely to be very surprised.
While some are working because they need the money, others do it to get out in the world and to have a more fulfilling purpose each day. Especially now with the sharing economy (Uber, anyone?), more and more older adults are finding new ways to get back out there.
Do You Want Some Cereal With That?
What is more classic than Americans and their beloved breakfast cereals? A glass of orange juice, a delicious bowl of cereal with milk, and maybe some cartoons on television. It doesn’t really get much better than that. Wouldn’t you agree?
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Some Europeans have a difficult time with breakfast cereal- in particular the sugar found within it. Sure, eggs, toast, and fruit is a healthier breakfast option, but will it get you wired and amped up for your day like a nice hearty bowl of sugar? Didn’t think so.
The Parks… and the Toilets?
This Australian has a random list of things that were difficult for her to digest in America. Sure, food we’ve covered so far. We get it, portions are huge and the food is often sugary. And who is complaining about getting full on Denny’s? Not I!
Hilariously, this visitor had a difficult time with the toilets- something that most Americans never even think about it. After all, you do your business and move on with life. Have you ever thought about the amount of water or how it looks? Not many do. I guess you learn something new every day.
And I’m Proud to be an American
Americans and flags, a love story. We fly them outside of car dealerships, supermarkets, businesses, and schools. These non-governmental places of business with flags have tourists stumped! Now just add in those that fly also the state flag and they’re gonna be really confused.
Who doesn’t want to see a little red white and blue action as they buy strawberries or a carton of milk? In fact it would be weird not to have a flag. And if you ever forgot what country you are in, well then, you’ll be easily and quickly reminded of that. I mean, we don’t really see a downside.
The Homeless Population
This one is a difficult one on the list. The homeless population in many American cities is a big issue that deserves to be addressed quickly and with care. Homeless people, for a variety of reasons, are forced to live on the streets with very little, if any, access to healthcare, food, and basics like a shower.
It is no wonder that Europeans are surprised by this, and bothered. If Europeans have found effective solutions to help homeless people find homes and live happy, healthy, safe lives- then we’re all ears.
3 Cheers for AC!
Isn’t it so fun when it’s colder indoors than outdoors? Just remember how it feels on a sweltering summer day to finally walk into a store and be hit by a cool blast of air? Ahhh. In a moment the world is right and you aren’t in such a bad mood anymore.
Apparently, Europeans use air conditioning much less, if at all. Instead, on warmer days they use fans. But between us, a fan aint gonna get the job done! No way. You need a mega-powered cold air conditioning system. Maybe not the most eco-friendly solution, but it gets the job done.
McDonalds Ingredients
If there is an item on this list that is going to make an American shift in their seat or blush a little- it might be this one. It turns out that in Europe, McDonald’s french fries are made with three ingredients: potatoes, salt, oil. Maybe that includes some dextrose. In America, it’s a different story.
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McDonald’s fries in the USA include fourteen different ingredients. [GASP]. Why? What are those 14 ingredients? Feels a little excessive, doesn’t it? We give you this one, Europe. Fries are simple, beautiful food and we don’t need all that extra business. Just the potato- please! We’ll take the orange syrup though.
Countries Within a Country
Have you ever driven from one state to another? If so, chances are you that when you crossed that state border you suddenly encountered a different culture, food, and even different accents. Each state is a world within its own and driving through them can yield very different experiences.
That is what’s great about traveling in the U.S., don’t you agree? No two places are the same- each with its own culture and history. Think how different Santa Fe is from New York City! You can spend a lifetime just traveling around each state and experiencing what each has to offer.
Have a Good Day!
Have you ever second guessed why Americans are all telling each other to have a good day? Probably not! It’s just a nice thing we say when we part from someone, hang up the phone, or leave a store after making a purchase.
Wishing someone a good day in other parts of the world, however, is less common (and dare we say kind of rude?) If you are not used to someone telling you to have a good day I suppose it can be a little overwhelming. Because, like, what if you’re having a really bad day and you just get constantly reminded of it?
30 Refills are Life
A restaurant without refills goes on my blacklist. I mean, I want to FEAST when I go out to eat and refills on my soda are just part of it. Americans love their sodas- Coke, Sprite, Pepsi– anyone out there not embarrassed to profess their love for Big Red? Anyone out there know what Big Red is?
People outside of America tend to me more controlled in their drinking of sugary, carbonated drinks. Which is why soda refills can be quite shocking. If one soda is more than enough for you, and your waiter keeps refilling it- well, prepare not to sleep that night!
Use Your Manners
Sometimes America could use a PR makeover to help protect its image abroad. Americans are often classified as brash, unmannered, and loud. Ok, we are loud, what to do! Many tourists who visit the U.S. are surprised by how polite and kind most Americans actually are.
Just take NYC for example. Yes, if you are staring down at your map in the middle of a busy sidewalk you run the risk of people pushing you to get by. But, without fail, some native New Yorkers will see you lost and trying to navigate, and will gladly stop to help you find where you’re going.
Towers in the Sky
We’ve already established on this list that Americans like to do things bigger and better (flags, portions, soda!) That philosophy is not limited to buildings and architecture either. Most downtown areas of major cities will have glittering, towering skyscrapers a plenty.
The most striking, of course, is New York City. If you get to an area like the Financial District or Times Square your neck is likely to get stiff from all the looking upwards you’ll be doing. Currently, America’s tallest building is the new One World Trade Center. It comes in at 1,776 (541 meters), and 104 stories.
Americans and Cars, A Love Story
Americans and baseball. Americans and their flag. And of course- Americans and cars. Some things just go together. Detroit, the Motor City, knows this first hand. America has produced some real classics too- the following began as American-made cars: Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Jeep, Ford, and new to the list, Tesla.
When Europeans come to America they are often not impressed with the number of cars. After all, Europe has a well-established network of trains and public transportation that many larger, more spread out places simply don’t have in the U.S. And who wants to ride their bike 12 miles to work? Yikes.
Credit History Limits
Ah, credit. It’ll get you every time! Those old school loans? Yep, they’re affecting it. But what about non-citizens who come to the U.S. to live, study, or work? They too need a good credit score and credit history in order to rent a car, apartment, or even open a bank account.
It’s kind of a riddle. As a foreigner, you need a credit history to do those things. But America doesn’t recognize your country’s credit history report. But you need basic things like a bank and a place to live. Um, yikes! Has anyone figured this one out yet? If so, let us know.
Warning!
Lawsuits may have gotten out of control in the U.S., as this European mentions. After all, most people with a shred of common sense will know not to microwave their dog, but hey- if you don’t warn them not to then you might just have a lawsuit on your hands.
Seeing a warning at the entrance of a building stating that the building has materials that could cause cancer would probably have me running back to my car in a flash. What the what? Just remove the materials! Or BRB let me go get my hazmat suit. Likely though, this is just another warning meant to protect the establishment from lawsuits.
Candy is EVERYWHERE
Oh, so you need some gas for your car? No problem, would you like some candy with that? Your car wash will cost $10, and would you like a Twix with it? Picking up your medicine? Don’t forget to grab a KitKat on your way out, after all, you deserve it.
Candy is everywhere in America- at almost every cash register despite what that store is selling. And you know what? We. Are. Here. For. It. After all, you got dressed, you went out, you did an errand, don’t you deserve a sugar rush for all that hard work? Indeed you do, my friend! Now, what will it be- Milky Way or M&Ms?
I Was Watching That
Did you watch Mad Men? (Who didn’t, right? If you didn’t- you’re weird. Go watch it ASAP and enjoy the life-changing magic of a superb television show). I digress, America loves advertising. It’s how we sell, in new, creative manners- a variety of products. From prescription medications to vacations, a good ad can work wonders.
While we might be into advertising, many Europeans struggle with the number of ads on TV. A one-hour show will usually have about 4-5 commercial breaks. That is the time when you run to the bathroom or downstairs to get a snack. Those breaks are needed, and important.
24-Hour Availability
24-hour grocery stores can be a lifesaver. Maybe you need that carton of mint chocolate chip at 3 am or its midnight and you just need that frozen pizza to get through the night. Whatever the reason, that glowing superstore of glory will be there for you.
For many Europeans, a grocery store open 24-7 is a very odd concept. Whether it’s a mini market like a 7-11, or a full-fledged store, you are sure to find whatever you need. Of course, this is both good and bad. Good to satisfy those cravings, bad to further your insomnia to new, unprecedented records.
Diversity for the Win
America is built on people who came from all over the world. Europe, Africa, South America… you name it. In the time since its founding, America has only grown consistently more and more diverse. It might be something we even take for granted today- seeing all different types of people from many different ethnicities and cultures.
For some Europeans, however, diversity can be striking at first. As this internet user from Poland notes- his country is practically completely white. That means it’s sorely lacking in diversity. Many Americans celebrate diversity, and rightly so! After all, diversity leads to new ways of thinking, ideas, innovation and of course- delicious food!
The Way Homes are Built
Europe is old. Yeah, we said it. Like, really old. Most of the structures there go back hundreds of years, and back then, well, builders just did things differently. The materials were heavier and stronger. This has made it difficult for some upgrades like proper plumbing to be implemented in many places.
In the U.S., the homes tend to be significantly newer than those in Europe. As such, new, cheaper materials are used to build them. This European claims the walls felt like they were made from paper which is a bit of a stretch- unless your upstairs neighbor has a drum set or a two-year-old.
Water, Please
A great, attentive waiter can be hard to find. But when you have- you have probably hit the jackpot. Your dining experience is about to be seriously elevated to some next level stuff. Take a sip of water and have it immediately refilled. Have your needs anticipated before you’ve even thought of them!
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While this kind of restaurant experience can make you feel like royalty- it is actually not as common in Europe. Maybe because they have actual royalty? We kid. In any case, refilling water is an American tradition. We want you to never be thirsty and alway well-hydrated. Guess we’re just nice like that.
Water, Please
A great, attentive waiter can be hard to find. But when you have- you have probably hit the jackpot. Your dining experience is about to be seriously elevated to some next-level stuff. Take a sip of water and have it immediately refilled. Have your needs anticipated before you’ve even thought of them!
While this kind of restaurant experience can make you feel like royalty- it is actually not as common in Europe. Maybe because they have actual royalty? We kid. In any case, refilling water is an American tradition. We want you to never be thirsty and alway well-hydrated. Guess we’re just nice like that.
Water, Please
A great, attentive waiter can be hard to find. But when you have- you have probably hit the jackpot. Your dining experience is about to be seriously elevated to some next level stuff. Take a sip of water and have it immediately refilled. Have your needs anticipated before you’ve even thought of them!
While this kind of restaurant experience can make you feel like royalty- it is actually not as common in Europe. Maybe because they have actual royalty? We kid. In any case, refilling water is an American tradition. We want you to never be thirsty and alway well-hydrated. Guess we’re just nice like that.
Water, Please
A great, attentive waiter can be hard to find. But when you have- you have probably hit the jackpot. Your dining experience is about to be seriously elevated to some next level stuff. Take a sip of water and have it immediately refilled. Have your needs anticipated before you’ve even thought of them!
While this kind of restaurant experience can make you feel like royalty- it is actually not as common in Europe. Maybe because they have actual royalty? We kid. In any case, refilling water is an American tradition. We want you to never be thirsty and alway well-hydrated. Guess we’re just nice like that.
American’s Knowledge About the World
Oops- this one is shockingly true. Have you ever given an American a blank map of the rest of the world and asked them to write in the countries? If you do you should probably film it because it’ll make for some incredible laughs. In general, Americans struggle with knowledge about the rest of the world.
Maybe Americans are just too busy trying to figure out which of the 50 states goes where. After all, it’s a huge country spanning 9.834 million km². Europeans have it a lot easier with a land mass ranging 10.18 million km² in comparison. Perhaps we should have listened more closely in Geography class.
The ‘Burbs
This is such a sweet story! The suburbs are not known for having easy access into major cities. Most likely you will need a car to get to work or the grocery store, and it will involve busy roads and highways so you really can’t walk it.
This sweet soul set out to surprise his host family with a meal. Since it is so unusual to walk to a supermarket on busy roads some police stopped to check on him and even gave him a ride home. This kind of looking out for one another and making sure people stay safe and comfortable is an essential part of the American lifestyle.
Sugar, Sugar, Sugar
Oopsie! Here’s another food item that has us a little surprised and well, embarrassed. Did you know that bread in America has so much sugar that it would actually be classified (and taxed) as a cake in Europe? The more you know…
I guess that explains why your peanut butter and jelly sandwich really gives you a rush after lunch. It might also explain why the French have such good bread and often eat only that for breakfast. A nice warm cup of coffee and a warm loaf of bread with butter, sure! Gonna start rethinking all that sugar bread.
Counting Flags
We’ve already seen in this list how much Americans love their flags. We put them everywhere- front yard, grocery store, and bank. Not only that, sometimes we add in a state flag for good measure. It’s just become second nature to see flags everywhere so we’ve never thought to count them.
This sweet, naive foreigner wanted to count the number of flags he saw since he expected it would be a high number. He couldn’t even get through the ride from the airport though! Here are some things to count instead of flags next time: Starbucks, VW bugs, and cop cars.
Your Entrée Isn’t What You Think It Is
Many tourists who come to America have a hard time when they get to a restaurant. No, it’s not that our food customs are so strict- after all, what manners do you need to enjoy a hamburger? None really. It’s that we seem to have gotten the meaning of words mixed up along the way.
Americans refer to entrées as the main dish in a meal, but this is actually incorrect. Entrée is French for “entrance” and refers to the first dish of the meal. Italians keep this more simple by referring to each plate as first, second, and so on. But for French people visiting America, navigating through appetizers and then entrées is undoubtedly amusing.
How Americans Write the Date
Most of the world has a different style of writing the date. They write the day, then the month, and lastly the year. In America, we write the month, the day, and then the year. Which one di you think makes the most sense?
When tourists come to America and they need to figure out a specific date or write one, it can be a real challenge. 1/5/2020 could either be the first of May, or January first! That can cause some serious mistakes and mixups. Maybe we should have a global rule so everyone can keep track?
Tipping Culture
In America, when you go to a restaurant it is expected that you will tip your server. Tipping helps to supplement the server’s income, and in many places, they rely on it as a major part of their salary. To get better tips, many servers will try to go above and beyond to ensure your meal goes smoothly.
For Europeans tipping is not expected, and in some cases, it’s downright weird if you do it. Oftentimes the salary of the server is made so that they do not rely on tips for a living, and thus only if the service was exceedingly exceptional do you tip.
That’s What You Call Lemonade?
Lemonade is an American staple. What would summer be without a pitcher of it next to some hot dogs at the lake? And don’t forget the classic lemonade stand. The best way to support tiny entrepreneurs that likely added too much sugar to the lemonade.
In other parts of the world, lemonade isn’t what Americans think it is. Someone from New Zealand, for example, visiting America may order lemonade at a restaurant thinking they are going to receive a Sprite! Isn’t sprite a soda? If you’re a tourist we suggest just asking for a fountain drink and then go to town mixing together all the different flavors.
Grades
Ok, we have to hand it to this Twitter user. The thought never crossed our minds that the American grading system includes A, B, C, D, and F- but never E. What happened to the E? E is for effort perhaps so it can’t be aligned with a low score.
For foreign students coming to America to study, this is no doubt a mystery. How can you jump from a D to an F? Arguably, if you’re already in D or F territory, not much can save you- not even an E. You’ll want to keep things more in the A, B, C range from now on.
