As an American Who Lived in Ireland for 4 Years, These Are the 12 Things Europe Does Better Than the U.S.
“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”
In four years of Irish life, I realized that deep cultural learnings about efficiency and lifestyle emerge strongest through inevitable comparisons. While observing daily European routines, I discovered numerous situations that would benefit the U.S. by implementing comparable practices.
Have you considered exploring what European approaches could teach the U.S. about doing things correctly? Here are twelve exemplary instances I gathered through real-life encounters with factual evidence.
Modern Cities Designed for Walking
Urban designers realize that walkable streets serve practical purposes while strengthening neighborhood relationships. Amsterdam and Copenhagen have, through advanced planning methods, placed pedestrian paths alongside bike lanes and restricted-speed areas at the forefront of their urban construction.
According to Walk Score data, European cities receive better walkability ratings than most metropolitan locations in the United States. When I visited Galway and Paris, I understood the natural tendency to leave my vehicle parked.
The thoughtful configuration of pedestrian-accessible urban centers increases community connection while maintaining local markets and cultural business presence, which most car-based American suburbs lack.
Cleaner, Greener Energy Usage
Europe is a leading force in climate change initiatives while leading the world in renewable energy advancements. Denmark generates more than fifty percent of its electricity from wind, which powers vast portions of the Scandinavian grid.
Next door to Europe’s renewable strides stands the United States, where fossil fuels lead electricity demand. While residing in Ireland, I saw everyday behaviors change through recycling programs and fields covered with wind turbines. To me, sustainability is a personal experience rather than an abstract concept.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
Working life is no more necessary to Europeans than their everyday lives. The EU stipulates that workers can take at least four weeks of paid vacation besides regular bank holidays, which helps to create their well-documented high happiness reports.
My weekends in Europe were more prosperous and more rewarding. The abundant number of people sitting slowly at cafes, meals, and lively parks where families gathered showed the importance of leisure periods to human health. Adjusting your lifestyle to match this pattern is worth it.
An Education System Built for Everyone
European educational reforms have enabled all students to access higher educational institutions. German and Norwegian university students pay their university expenses only through small administrative fees because their national programs do not charge tuition.
European students start their professional lives free from massive education loan debts that burden numerous Americans. My peer study experience in Ireland allowed me to see how minimal tuition fees give young professionals greater freedom to focus on building their careers and personal lives instead of paying off debt.
Healthcare That Won’t Cost a Fortune
American citizens can only wish for affordable healthcare services like those offered in Europe. Under universal healthcare models, Ireland and many other countries ensure that medical services reach all citizens.
Patients who visit GPs in Ireland usually pay €50 while the government keeps prescription costs low through state support. US healthcare consumers who hold insurance must still pay astronomical expenses out-of-pocket. More importantly, Europeans don’t fear “healthcare bankruptcy.”
Research by the Commonwealth Fund shows that European citizens encounter medical expenses much less frequently and become financial encumbrances than American families. Europeans enjoy access to necessary preventive healthcare without the burden of treatment delays because of manageable medical costs.
Cultural Access Without a Price Tag
European governments provide financial support to cultural projects, maintaining open access to art historical sites and musical events for everyone. Visitors living in their home country usually get free and cheap museum entrances at the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London.
At the same time, tourists occasionally benefit from these same entry deals. Exploring Dublin’s museums alongside seeing inexpensive operas allowed me to understand more deeply how art meets identity. Compare that to the rising costs of cultural experiences across the U.S., where “free” remains elusive.
Tap Water You’ll Want to Drink
While it may seem negligible, tap water quality in European nations is better than in most U.S. cities. Because of hard-line EU water regulations and significant infrastructure funding, tap water earns broad consumer confidence.
Several countries, including Switzerland, support top positions worldwide for bottled drinkable water through high purity and exceptional mineral content levels. While living in Ireland, my approach to drinking tap water remained unquestioned—the water felt crisp and refreshingly good while being environmentally conscious.
No bottled water is required! Access to safe tap water remains an uncommon luxury within the United States because threats from lead and other contaminants persist.
Public Transit That Works
European public transportation functions better than driving because it proves reliable while promoting environmental friendliness. Cities connect successfully through the fast TGV network in France and Spain’s AVE trains, which travel quicker than domestic flights, while sturdy local public transport provides simple daily commuting options.
According to Eurostat, 60% of European citizens use mass transit systems weekly, reducing traffic bottlenecks and providing significant environmental benefits. When I required transportation services while working in Ireland, this service immediately became essential for my daily commute.
Universal Maternity and Paternity Leave
To Europeans, family time transcends luxuries because they view it as a fundamental necessity. Parental leave regulations demonstrate this approach by providing extended leave times alongside benefits, incentivizing fathers to take home care time.
The Swedish parental leave system grants families 480 days away from work, whereas America lacks any federal law on parental leave. When I listened to my Irish coworkers share their experiences, it became clear they saw government policies creating resilient family structures, reducing burnout, and improving social outcomes at a broader level.
Better Regulation of Food Quality
The superior flavor of Parisian croissants and the longer shelf life of European farm produce remain an enduring mystery. Europe achieves superior food quality throughout the continent through rigorous controls on additive ingredients, pesticides, and GMO use.
Your standard supermarket baguette is free of high-fructose corn syrup and unnecessary preservatives. Through visits to Irish farmers’ markets, I observed how Europeans prioritize naturally grown products from nearby regions. They maintain elevated production criteria regarding their junk food category.
Acceptance Without Judgment
Many stateside communities divided by acceptance issues cannot match Europe’s strength in social inclusiveness. Universal transgender healthcare coverage and broad same-sex marriage legalization represent protective civil rights strategies because progressive societies adopt these measures.
Pride events throughout Dublin and Berlin felt genuine, with broad community participation that made visitors feel welcome. Celebrations outnumbered fear, showing how society moved toward more significant equity.
Cherishing Slow Living
If there’s a lesson I wish every American could take to heart, it’s Europe’s devotion to “slow living.” Dinner isn’t rushed but savored. On Sundays, all activities should center around our families rather than work-related errands.
Life resembles a leisurely park walk than a hurried race. Small-town Irish brunch experiences demonstrated that superior quality results surpass rapid pace. This way of life creates abundant rewards Americans typically exchange for productivity-driven endeavors.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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