I wish all of America could see that “it doesn’t have to be like this” - we have so many ways we need to improve!! I find that many people from America honestly don’t understand that there are other ways of being... thank you for sharing!
It's so upsetting because there's so much almost like marketing aimed at people here in the states to make us think that like the US just has the BEST system the ONLY real system. That Americans are rugged and able and we don't need handouts we're tough and pull ourselves up from our bootstraps. But it's usually that that type of rhetoric is aimed mostly at the people that suffer the most under our hyper capitalist system... I have a hard time believing it's not by design tbh.
@Rebecca Spires gospel means " good news"..i think it's good news that she has shared with us. Theres possibilities and room for improvement for the happiness and well being of Americans.
@Rebecca Spires not lecturing i hope. Just hopeful things would change to be more enlightened in the US through the lived example of other happier countries.
@@TheMrsarahanne90 I've often wondered if the two week vacation policy and not changing to the metric system are still in place in order to keep Americans from travelling overseas (or make travelling harder).
Our problem here in the USA is the culture of greed and a selfish need to put oneself over other people (I see this as a nurse everyday) at work and in public life. It is driven by ego and insecurity.
@@newbein1 I always believe in the better of the community as whole. If all put theirs hands then all would grow and eat together. Mean together we work to better ourselves and stop with this greed and ignorance
Agreed with you. I'm a nurse too, new nurse, and I can agree with you 100%. The greed, selfishness, rudeness is ridiculous here. People expect things and don't care to give respect in return. The healthcare here sucks. It's really ass backwards. My boyfriend is from Norway and I feel like that has opened my eyes on how better the USA could be.
The health system is sooo insane here. As a foreigner I’m just like WTF. And I’ve literally had someone say it’s communist to pay for less fortunate people’s healthcare. I will never get over it.
I grew up in the U.s. but have lived over seas for most of my adult life. When I am in the US I am constantly having to ask how does this work? The level of confusion added on when people are sick, seems unfair.
Cardinal Thunder I hate this country so much. I’m working out getting out and going back to my homeland in Europe. Fuck this place, seriously, I absolutely hate the US
@Anthea P it is unfair and I’m more inclined towards socialized healthcare. Just a criticism with the US though, lots of people here have atrocious health and make those choices willingly. Obesity is a huge issue, as well as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Most of these are all preventative with taking personal responsibility for your diet. That’s partially what people take issue with. The rest is that they’re brainwashed
Regarding health care, this is why I've never understood why Americans are against the idea of raising taxes in order to get better access to health care. It just seems like a no brainer to me. I'll gladly pay slightly more in taxes if it means I have access to quality health care whenever I need it. As always, a great video, as an Icelander I love hearing a foreigners take on the country :)
The issue is that in several states they charge you taxes on par with Western European countries already. For example, if you live in CA you pay 13% income tax + Federal Tax (if you’re on the high end, you come out paying 35%). In NYC where I lived it’s the same, except you have an added city tax of about another 2-3%. My taxes were around 35-38% with just a $50k salary and absolutely NO healthcare benefits. In fact, NYC is one of the most expensive places for Obama’s affordable health plans. Take a quick look at the ny.gov website, lowest is $450+ with a $4,400 deductible. US is criminal
"Regarding health care, this is why I've never understood why Americans are against the idea of raising taxes in order to get better access to health care." Our health care is fine. More government regulation makes things so goddamn expensive. Plus, the more you hide the cost of insurance from people and the cost of health care the easier it is to really run costs up and out of control. People aren't babies and should be treated like babies. Take a look at this surgery center in Oklahoma. They don't take insurance and the full cost that you pay for every treatment is LESS than portion that your insurance company won't cover if you do go to a traditional hospital. There are a number of surgery centers around the country. surgerycenterok.com/ It is much better to see the cost up front than it is to hide the costs behind red tape. Try calling a few hospitals and ask them how much a procedure costs that is listed right on the Surgery Center of Oklahoma.
@@mjs28s More government regulation makes thing "so goddamn expensive"? That doesn't seem to be the case for the rest of the world, with most comparable nations spending far less than the United States on healthcare, for systems that cover everyone. Right now, in Canada, their healthcare system covers 70% of health services, free at the point of use. You know how much they spend in taxes for it? $3,600 per person. In the United States, we spend an average of $7,200 per person IN TAXES, for a system that only covers some people, where healthcare is rationed for 10s of millions of people based on ability to pay. The reason for this is because when you bypass insurance companies, like single payer systems do, no longer is it needed to pay for the people who process claims and send bills to patients and insurance companies. Over 2 million people in the United States right now work in positions that wouldn't be necessary if we had a national health plan. *Bad* government regulation that requires hiring people to figure out who qualifies and who doesn't makes things "so goddamn expensive". Targeted welfare programs and liberal economic polices make things "so goddamn expensive". Universal government regulation makes things cheaper, which the rest of the developed world has already proven to be true.
@@mjs28s check out youtuber : Vox "Giving Birth Costs a lot. Hospitals will not tell you how much". The guy filmed himself calling different hospitals to see how much it would cost for his wife to have a baby at their hospital. He never found out LOL the hospitals would not tell him. Very enlightening video.
As a Canadian, I don't think I pay more in income taxes that most of my American counterparts who make similar salaries. I make a 6 figure salary and total income tax = 26% of my income. There are also Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and union dues that I pay into and the total deductions from my pay cheques is about 37%. Those deductions however translate directly to benefits for myself and my family. I've gotten quality health care that costs nothing at point of service for my entire life, pension plan, workers rights, union protections, paid sick time, vacation time, personal days, moving days, paternal leaves, family illness time, etc. and a social safety net if I were to become unemployed. I think the issue is less about the %amount of taxes and more about what those taxes fund. I'd rather have my taxes fund things that benefit me directly as a citizen then say, half of a governments discretionary budget funding the military industry *cough* *cough*.
The other day I had to go to emergency in Ontario Canada for an eye checkup. Then I was sent to an ophthalmologist for a further examination. The cost was zero for both appointments. Universal healthcare may not be perfect but it works.
I can't even imagine that. Visits like that would be thousands of dollars here in the U.S. Wow. More and more and more I'm thinking about living abroad.
The cost was not zero, unless you've convinced doctors to work for free in Canada. The cost was paid by someone else. When your Mom kissed your skinned knee as a child - that was free healthcare.
@@fiegenfiegen Which is perfectly fine. I'd rather pay a little extra in taxes and KNOW I'll be covered if something goes wrong than be forced to pay thousands of dollars all at once out of nowhere. It's a much better system.
I’m from Australia, we have very strict gun laws, it’s very safe here too. Lots of Europe is safe... America is one of the most unsafe with ridiculous gun laws. The USA is not the norm.
eva weiss I wish the rest of the world would just avoid visiting the USA. Large swaths of the country is uneducated, ignorant and proud of it. It’s also a very dangerous third-world country with so much access to guns. There is so much more I’d like to mention that makes this a failed country.
nic ford please furnish the source for your comment. The US is rated #1 in universities 😁 scientific, tech innovations and contributions to the greater good
@@luciemedici : Do you know how many people got killed by crime in Iceland in the last 5 years? 9 in total. That is including the massive waves of tourists.
I'm from Britain but have lived in Sweden, The USA and Italy. My daughter was born in the US. I was horrified by the US medical system in the years I lived there. Thank god I was lucky and had really good insurance through my job.
I was married and lived in Norway for many years. It was and is absolutely a slice of heaven on earth. Pristine nature, super low crime rate, wonderful people. The rat race is non-existent there, the same for the cut throat work environments so common in the U.S. I worked 8-4 with an hour for lunch, and tea breaks three times a day. We knew/know how to really relax and enjoy life, with about seven weeks of paid vacation per year; not including a week off at Easter to ski in the mountains. Sick leave, maternity/parental leave for BOTH is unbelievable. Parent's, married, divorced or single, receive a monthly stipend for each child until they are 18, and free dental for them. If one is divorced or single, that monthly amount is doubled per child. One cannot be ruined for any health reasons, including not losing one's job for them. Employees are also very much protected from arbitrary firing's. I could go on forever. Taxes are high, however, pretty much everyone lives very, very well. It's quite interesting to know many American's, once they've spent a good deal of time there, do not want to return to the U.S. This I know for sure because I've met them, and I'm one of them too! Comparing both countries, Norway wins, hands down. Everything she is saying in this video is absolutely true, and is true about all of Scandinavia. The quality of life is beyond exceptional.
Interesting to hear your thoughts Donna. I am Norwegian and went the opposite route. I had planned to settle in America. At the time I was convinced everything we did in Norway was really stupid. I thought our health care system was broken, politics, that everything was too bureaucratic and inefficient etc. I dreamed of this kind of Hollywood American life. Man did I hit the reality wall quickly. I had some really awesome time visiting America as a tourist, but actually living in America I realized there was a lot of things about Norway I had totally taken for granted. I cannot complain about the nurses and doctors I encountered in the US. I thought they where really nice and competent. But everything around the health care in how it worked, the incentives, paper work, bureaucracy etc I found slightly insane. Also dealing with various organizations and paperwork I came to realize that Norwegian bureaucracy was actually quite streamlined. I think my time in the US was a very valuable lesson. It taught me to appreciate the qualities of my own home country a lot more. But it would be unfair to say everything in the US was bad. I also brought with me positive things from the US, such as being a lot more outgoing and social. Also American positivity can be quite refreshing at times. But it it feel like this works like a battery. I've been away from the US so long now, that I feel like I need to recharge. I have been for shorter visits but I still wish I could have spent some more time in the US. Even if I don't think I could live there I still love visiting and is still endlessly fascinated by American society. Having spent so much time in the US and following US society for so long (I am married American), I feel a certain kinship with Americans and it kind of pains me to see how a lot of things work especially for the less fortunate people. I have tried sharing ideas and experiences from Scandinavia about how things can be done to improve some aspects of society, but I think people often interpret it as an attempt to talk down America. But I really just wish more Americans could have what we have. Every country does of course have its own unique history and conditions, but I don't think it is impossible for countries to share ideas even if they are quite different. Ideas can often be adapted to local conditions. It does seem like many liberal Americans are open to try ideas from outside, but one almost get the sense that many conservatives think it is border line unpatriotic to borrow ideas from abroad.
@@povelvieregg165 Tusen takk, Povel! Yes, I'm fluent in Norwegian but my spelling has gotten rusty, so I'll write in English. Norwegians who come to the U.S. have an advantage over American's: if they run into some of the many problems that exist in our society, and there are many very serious ones compared to Norway, they can always go back home and get away from them. Sadly, we can't. The advantage American's have over Norwegians when they come to Norway, is we are born and raised to handle the many issues, they toughen us up very early in life. So when we come and settle in Norway, unlike most Norwegians, we are amazed at how stress free and easy life is there, and are beyond grateful, very thankful to be there and experience it. I've heard Norwegians complain about many different things there, and I always say they should be made to go to the U.S. for an extended period of time with no safety net, and they would then learn very quickly just how blessed they are to live in Norway. It's very easy to be ruined, face disaster in the U.S. due to many events, and sadly, it's also quite common. I didn't fully understand this until living in Norway. People are kind to each other, and society is kind to them. I've never met anyone there ruined from medical expenses they can't pay, being unjustly fired from a job, homeless, etc. It's a win-win joyful way to live and work. And I've never changed my mind and opinion about this. Ha det bra, og ha en fin dag!
@@donnabaardsen5372 > Norwegians who come to the U.S. have an advantage over American's.... Absolutely. Which is why I have contemplated many times just staying in the US for a couple of years for the experience. As long as it is not permanent it is doable. But stuff like having to put my kids in schools which do active shooter drills, kind of put me off it. We will have to stick to longer vacations there instead. And yeah I know Norwegians complain a lot. But it is also a bit of a healthy sign I feel. When are in countries where people have nothing but positive things to say, it is all too often some kind of dictatorship. I think most Norwegians despite our complaints know we are pretty lucky.
@@povelvieregg165 They absolutely are. Even on vacations they must be very careful. We're raised in it, learn very early to be on our toes at all times. So it's second nature to us. Norwegians should vacation but not live here. Only those of us who've lived in Norway understand why and can truthfully give that advice to you.
Unfortunately, a lot of Americans’ taxes go towards other countries vs our own citizens. If we fixed that, maybe we’d enjoy more of the benefits other countries have.
"It doesn't have to be this way" .... I feel that. I wish that more Americans understood that there are better ways to do things. It's not healthy for people to hang onto something harmful to them just because it's comfortable, and I feel like far too many people do that because they can't imagine how it could be when something isn't "familiar" to them. We've politicized the well-being of ourselves and others, and for what? It's heartbreaking.
Everyone knows that there are better ways to to things. You have to pick between a limited choice of sociopathic candidates to fix things, and they won't do it. There's no power for the individual in a country this big.
Most Americans who travel around the world are aware of much better health services. Luckily for the US government, most people have been further than 40 miles from their homes so have seen nothing of the "real" world. America is actually a backward country.
I've personally met people who couldn't tell me if there was a gas station in the next town as they had never been there. FIFTEEN MILES AWAY. Millions of Americans are ignorant of the next town,state,city. Of the world they have no knowledge at all.
Yes, and so much insurance is both mandatory and expensive, however the insurance companies, by design, try their hardest to offer as little compensation as possible. It’s ridiculous.
@@NS-pj8dr That's a large part of the problem. The USA overspends on the military. Is it really necessary to spend 24x what the next closest country spends? More tax money should go back to care for the people.
@@micmarmac No, you're right, its not necessary. But the small dick men in charge need to make sure the U.S. Empire is still on top. Just give it a decade or two, our political system will collapse entirely and hopefully someone will be kind enough to swoop in and save us from this awful mess
@@NS-pj8dr Small dick or not i will proudly support our military funding. Politicians and corruption are the main issues not military spending, you do realize we are spread around the entire globe right? we support a multitude of nations.
I am born raised and live in the US. I work for a large corporation and Vacation time for more than a few days is frowned upon. After 20 years of working this way, it wears on you. I know Iceland is not perfect, but the idea that people generally understand that you need sometime to care for yourself is wonderful. I wish that type of mindset was adopted here.
I had a climbing buddy who’s mother was Icelandic. When she became very ill I gladly joined the little community of Osk’s Carers, and learned a lot from her. She was the one who introduced me to Icelandic folklore and Icelandic knitting patterns. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with that special lady. I read on Facebook, posted by an American, “Being an adult means avoiding the doctor like the plague & praying you don’t die.” In the UK, rich people have private medical insurance, the rest of us have the NHS. When we begin our working lives a portion of our pay goes directly to National Insurance, you don’t even really notice it, but in the last decade I’ve had a hysterectomy, a stroke, Fibromyalgia, kidney cancer, then the cancer metastasized, can you imagine how much my care would have cost in the US? My prescriptions alone wold be more than I could afford. Here, there are certain conditions for which you are exempt from paying for them. I never thought I’d be glad to be diabetic! Children, the over 60’s are entitled to free prescriptions, as are diabetics. The Health service is constantly being squeezed for cash by a government that doesn’t care about the majority of the population. I’ve always thought the US would be great if they had a National Health Service because it’s a more Just & fair system. People shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can afford dentistry or medical care. I didn’t know anything about Icelandic health care, so thank you for sharing. I’m always curious to see what’s going on in the rest of the world, that’s why I’ve subscribed. Btw, you have a beautiful smile.
As an immigrant, I love the USA! Americans don’t appreciate what they have. The affordability of food, clothing, housing, transportation is amazing! Healthcare is expensive only for the middle class. If you’re poor, you get free Medicaid, which covers pretty much everything (and I’ve been poor and used that government insurance), if you’re rich, then of course everything is affordable. I’m middle class now, slowly climbing to upper middle class. Insurance through employment is expensive per month plus deductibles, insurance through Obamacare is equally expensive and high deductibles, but I discovered bill sharing programs, which my family is now a part of. Monthly payments are very affordable, deductible can be as low as $500. I also buy private dental insurance, and loved it. Love the freedom of choosing education for my kids, freedom and affordability to travel the US, which is so diverse in its geographical regions, roads are great, gas is cheap, lodging affordable. Weekend getaways are easily affordable on a variety of budgets. Where I come from, fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely expensive, travel is only for the rich, same with personal transportation, medical is technically free, but clinics make you pay for everything, including bed sheets at the hospital. Plus long wait times to be seen. Housing is so unaffordable that people can’t wait for grandparents to pass away so they can have their apartments.
Also to add, I came to USA with $100 in my pocket and no English. I’ve worked some dirty jobs- removing snow from rooftops and cleaning chemical plants. I drove $100 cars, there were doors that didn’t work, ac didn’t work as oil always leaked. Now I have a job I love, making 6 figures, raising 4 children. USA is the country where I succeeded. I cannot understand why anyone would complain about life in the USA. Life is what you make of it and America is a land of opportunity
Thank you. I am so annoyed of people always talking about how terrible the US is as if it doesn't vary state to state. The great thing about the US are the opportunities available to all. You can't beat it. Are there flaws? Of course, like any other country. I still prefer here for now.
I was in Iceland last year, my fiancé and I loved it so much ! So refreshing to hear this comparison, even though I was there for a short time, the air just felt lighter, everything seemed brighter and we just felt so safe as two black people from NY. We hope to go back and spend longer than 10 days after COVID.
Thank you! Thoughtful thoughts on USA vs Iceland. I live in Texas and feel I don't worry to much about being mugged or attacked much, unless I'm in a downtown. But I remember when I went to Iceland with my husband we got a rental car and we made remark about living stuff in the car, and the person helping us with our rental gave us a crazy look and said that wouldn't happen. Which hilarious in a way, it also is rather sad.
LOL yea, it is weird sometimes to know that life is so different here. The only strange thing is that I have heard that it is changing in the downtown area. I live about 15 minutes outside of downtown and it is nice to see that kids leave their bikes unlocked and there isn't concern for people taking your things. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience here.
It's a mess in the USA, but I love hearing how it's different in another country. I'm happy for you that you found a good home and feel safer living in.❤
I'm planning on visiting Iceland in February to see my boyfriend who lives there.I love watching your videos :) They help get rid of my anxiety about travelling there from the us.
Iceland is the closest thing to leaving the planet without actually leaving, all of the modern world’s nonsense, politics, violence and war etc., etc. will leave your mind the peace and beauty is overwhelming. I felt totally at peace there and never wanted to leave.....I’m still considering moving there. As for NYC no matter how you slice it, it’s an expensive, dangerous, shit hole..
Fascinating and this second video I've watched. Random thoughts, I'm old enough to to remember when the NRA was about hunting and firearm safety. But then munitions and bullet and magazine manufacturers linked up with the NRA. And why would anyone need to own a military grade weapon. The Civil War never really ended. Unions were once a thing in America, no longer. Inefficient, yes medical care in this country is exorbitant and the Affordable Care Act stripped down from it's original premise. Something something socialism and taxes. I wonder what it would be like to live in a civilized society.
I can say how it feels in short. I feels safer and more relaxed. You work less, spend more time with your family, and enjoy your life more. Then a lot will depend on your personality, nothing to do with the country. But overall stress level will be lower for sure.
The United States is a troubled nation to me. Glad.you enjoy peaceful Iceland. Yes, quality of life has declined much in the U S. The stark vastness of the inequities are just a killer. You've found happiness also with the quality of life there and have managed to have someone there who loves you and treat you well.☺
I have lived in France since 1977. I haven't missed the US one day and now that both my parents have passed I have no need to go back. I went to Iceland 5X between 2012 -2015. I couldn't live there in Winter with 3 hours of sunlight though. I'm very well in Europe.
Honestly, I like the US enough, but I feel like my ideologies are ahead of this country yet more tolerant so someday I'll probably see what my options are for retiring outside the country.
Thank you so much for sharing these insights into how you view US now from an outside perspective. I’m an American working on getting out of the US to The Netherlands to try and find a better way of living. As I’ve been going through the process of researching this move, I feel like every person I talk to here about it is astounded that I would move somewhere other than the US with no intention of returning to live there again. Everyday I feel like more and more Americans are becoming desensitized to the economic and racial inequalities that have existed in the US for so long, and I fear that change is not coming soon enough, especially with how bogged down our political system is. It’s exactly like you said, that it doesn’t have to be like this, but will America ever come to that realization?
Great video Jewells! Would love to hear more about your working experience in Iceland! Could you give us some tips on finding jobs in Iceland (especially in Marketing/Communication)? I know we live in unprecedented times and that there are currently many people without a job. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm glad you're interested to hear about my working experience. I'm planning to make separate videos about my experience and how to find jobs/move here. Some industries are doing fine, while others are hanging on by a thread. It is so strange.
I've never felt safe ever in the US. It's something that bothers me to my core. I'm so happy you get to experience that feeling! We really should be able to feel that, but capitalism makes it quite hard. I went to Iceland a couple years ago and it was so magical - I'm glad I found your channel I get to live vicariously through you until I visit again!! lol :)
This was great! It's good to hear prospectives from another American since we each have our different stories! I've lived abroad for almost 4 years and this content is so relatable !
Japan is a special case i'd say. It's very densely populated but super safe, clean, and nice. But it's an exception. Also it's very homogenous(98% is Japanese) and kinda xenophobic.
@@nicktankard1244 "Also it's very homogenous(98% is Japanese) and kinda xenophobic". Yeah, that's why it's safe. You people really can't put 2 & 2 together with all the anti-reality propaganda can you?
Marie Taylor It is not more prevalent in the US than in many other parts of the world. You sound clueless about the world to not understand some of the horrific inequalities that exist worldwide. The US may not be the best, but it is far from the worst.
The USA is the greatest country in the world. People would give their lives to be here. I love other countries and cultures, but I am also not naive. I have been to quite a few countries, some for extended work stays, and the USA is the best. Ask the millions of immigrants who came here, the majoroty will agree..
@Robert Oh.....Im your neighbour, to the North, and I have many uncles, aunts and cousins that are American. I live on the westcoast & in the warmest part of Canada and I won't lie.....there has been a few times were I have fantasized about moving to Maui, where some of my family lives! But? Its always just a fantasy & I know that. I have so much gratitude for Canada's universal health care system. I got cancer in my late 20s, right after having a child who was born with a congenital heart condition. My second child, born a couple of years later, is on the autism spectrum. My ex/their dad, who was in recovery for years before I met him, relapsed and struggled to get clean & sober again. We separated to protect the safety & wellbeing of our 2 young kids. As a result of his addiction he lost his job. Childcare in Vancouver (for under 5s, which I had two of at that time) is hard to impossible to find & when you do find it, you are looking at aprox $1800/month, per a child. So....I was a newly single mother....no income & no child support of alimony coming in, then or in the foreseeable future.....going through cancer treatments....with no way of getting childcare....and, with no way of paying the $3500- $4000/month childcare costs for two under 5s in Vancouver, should 2 spots miraculously drop in my lap.....with one of my young kids requiring slightly more medical care than normal for a kid her age, due to a congenial heart defect and my other child requiring slightly more medical care than normal, due to being on the spectrum. We'd have been SCREWED if we were American. Beyond screwed. Thankfully, we are Canadian & had(have) universal healthcare. And, that I got a ( partially government subsidized) Canadian university education....and used accademic scholarships to cover the remaining tuition costs....so had ZERO educational debt to deal with while going through all that. In spite of envying the climate and beaches my Hawaiian cousins get on a daily basis? I am beyond grateful that I am Canadian, not American.... beyond grateful for our universal heath care system...and beyond grateful for our partially subsidized post-secondary university/college education system. Im happy & proud to be a Canadian (and a child of an Icelandic father & grandparents😊) I think Canada & the Nordic countries get a few things right that America has a big ol' blind spot around. You may think that America is the best place in the world to live, but I wouldn't agree, based on my own life experience. And, I don't think I am alone in seeing the benefits of Canadian & Nordic countries' universal heath care, subsidized university education etc... In fact, 4 of my American born cousins are currently applying for Canadian citizenship (they are children of my Canadian born auntie, so they can apply on that basis). Anyway. Just my experience & 2cents🤷♀️
As an African American born and rasied in the San Francisco Bay Area and now living in Australia, I can totally relate. Having had travelled for the past couple of years has really opened my eyes to all the great things the States has to offer ( especially diveristy, convenience (especially for hair products lol) and the negative aspects of it, as you have pointed out. To add to what you had mentioned, the one aspect that I miss about the SF Bay Area is the "small talk" conversations with strangers or a smile or acknowledgement while walking past someone. When I first started travelling, I would often take offence when people would walk past me without some form of acknowledgement or, at least here in Australia, people would look at you and say "How's it goin'? and just as I was about to respond they were 10 feet behind me hehe. I know this is a rudamentary example, but it just goes to show that there are going to be some aspects of home that we all miss, but I am not willing to sacrifice the "new" life I have now to go back to the States to live, just because as you had mentioned, the quality of life is so much better. Anywho, thank you for your video and looking forward to the next one . PS: I reallly like your top :)
I was a £10. Pom in Oz as a child. My Mother noticed Australian manners. A guy would go into a shop and ask for cigarettes, They were presented and paid for without any other words spoken. No please, thank you etc. It took me ages to get fish and chips because I was the only one queueing! That wasn't rude, they just didn't do it! In London one had to say please and thank you, and carry ladies' bags. But Australians were helpful and Matey and my Dad loved them.
@@malcolmnicholls2893 Oh wow. That must have been a shock the system and I agree it is different even from the city to the countryside in Australia. It fascinating how we become so familar with the way we do things and we are shocked when it's done a bit differently in another country hehe. I find this especially true for English speaking countries. Now, I have an appreciation for many aspects of the culture.
malcolm nicholls what part of Australia are you? In South Australia, Adelaide to be specific people have manners. People will say please and thank you and even thank bus drivers as they get off the bus! The history here is a bit different though, they pride themselves on having descended from free settlers from England and it’s a conservative culture compared to the rest of Australia.
@@britjj5126 Just like where I live (Dorset). Believe it or not, it was a suburb of Adelaide! Semaphore Park not far from the sea. But then again, that was 1964. It was a developing country. I had a return visit some years ago and everyone was charming.
I'm Icelandic and i've watched a few of your videos, super fun to see how you view us =) i know USA quite well and the east coast esp.. you are becoming quite Icelandic in your antics and tiny movements ... just something that cannot be described;) hate to break this too you.. lol .. very sweet and beautiful xx
I also grew up in NYC and moved away, not quite as far though, just to Canada. It's definitely an interesting time to be abroad. Your comment about hypervigilence (although you didn't call it that) really resonated with me. I didn't really realize how "American" or "New York"I was until I got here. Love your channel! Can't wait to catch up on all your videos.
I am in Canada, very save and free health system here. I move from Amazon (Brazil) to Canada in 1990 and I consider myself a lucky person too, married a Canadian and happy ever since. Good lucky to you beautiful lady, you did a good move in life, congratulations 👍🙏🏽❤️🙌🏽🇨🇦
Loved this video, I live in Argentina, and comparing the two countries, I think USA sounds similar to us. Except for health care, which is free for all of us, no matter if you are foreign or not. I've been to Iceland and the feeling is so different, it feels you are always in a small town. I hope some day I'm able to do an Argentina - Iceland comparison lol.
So glad to hear that you loved the video. It's awesome to hear that healthcare is free in Argentina. I hope you are able to make that comparison one day too. :-)
Just discovered your channel and love it ! After watching travel documentary on Iceland, Finland, Norway and Danemark it made me fell in love with the scandinavian country. One day i want to visit Iceland, Norway and Danemark !
Had a bike accident one day and broke my wrist, it was a complicated break so after a check at the local doctor (I live in northen norway that have 2 big hospitals as the county is as the size of Denmark), small towns have like a healthcare station where you can do minor surgery or stuff like that but bigger operations you need to get to a bigger hospital. Anyway .. after being checked up by this local doctor they conclude I need a big operation to fix the broken wrist, so they send me to the hospital. I get a taxi and the trip is roughly 4 hours by car ... we can get ambulance planes but it was a broken wrist not a heart attack so there is priorities after all. Came to the hospital and it was a small checkups (because I was not suppose to eat I could get operation at once), I went into surgery where I was totally put out. They had to screw a plate at the thick bones of my wrist and well it was a operation that took abit time. Woke up at the intencive care after the surgery, in the morning I was clear enough to be sent home. They got me place at the regular plane transport that we have 3-4 times a day.... All this costed me less than 1000 nkr I think to be honest it costed me 2 doctor consultations ... like 500-600 nkr together. The operation was free ofcourse, materials they used was free and so on ... after that I went on sickleave for 6-8 weeks before they took my cast and stitches, and sickleave was paid for ofcourse ... 2 weeks where the company I worked at had to pay my paycheck, and the rest of the sickleave from the state. Here if you get past 2500 nkr. in doctors fee and medications you get entitled to a bluecard wich gives you free medical expenses the rest of the year, so nothing is suppose to cost more than 2500 nkr.
Really great content. I am looking for a place to live outside of USA, and appreciate how Iceland is like so many other countries in that healthcare and quality of life is the norm.
If only to experience the contrast, it's so beneficial to travel. It can knock you out of a spell of sorts. You can feel like you're living on an alternate planet. Here in Florida since coming back from this COVID lockdown, I've been designated as part-time with NO benefits and I'm now doing additional tasks of a position that has been furloughed. I'm wondering how long they plan to continue this arrangement. This is NOT something I care to do indefinitely.
It’s so cool hearing about your experiences working and living in Iceland. It’s honestly different hearing it from a person who is relatable and real. I watch your videos all the time!!
For me, moving from northern California to Australia, the big change is 1. goes without saying, health care coverage, 2. Workplace culture! It's a little more casual, they definitely do not tolerate "tall poppy syndrome", workplace relationships are not looked down upon in the same way you might find in the US and lastly, there is a big emphasis on spending time with coworkers after work, like grabbing drinks at the pub. Personally, I don't drink often for starters, but I also don't want to hang out with the people I just spent all day with 😂 Hopefully coworkers don't get the impression I don't like them 🤷🏼♀️
The paid vacation days is a subject that blows my mind. By law here in Mexico you get 6 days only AFTER working for a whole year at a company. It’s crazy to me how throughout most of this continent people just seem to have a borderline slavery working mindset. It also shows on this thing that you mentioned where in the US you didn’t feel free to challenge your boss. It’s like we are taught to obey instead of being encouraged to work as a team... it’s a shame really. Anyways, I’m happy to hear your quality of life has improved in Iceland!
Wow! I had no idea it was like that in Mexico. I agree that many North Americans are trained to obey instead of be critical thinkers and collaborate. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts and experience.
@@creepykrissy1748 Well that because of the type of job you have. Every company that I have worked for since I was 17 offered a minimum two week vacation as part of the benefit package
I left the USA in 1995 for Australia. It's interesting viewing your home country from afar. I agree completely with your views on healthcare, holiday time and safety. I think more American people would agree with government healthcare if they could see how well it works in other countries but how do you visit anywhere outside the US with only 2 weeks vacation?
LOL perhaps the increasingly small upper middle-class, as well as of course the very wealthy, get paid vacation time in the U.S., but most don't even have access to that anymore. I certainly don't. I haven't had more than a three day weekend in fifteen years!
Hahaha, that's what I always say too! People think Americans don't like to travel or we aren't well traveled because we like where we live. I truly believe it's because we have such little time off. Dont get me started on maternity leave in the US. it's atrocious.
@@thomassenbart Wasn't part of that collapse the exponential growth in CEO salaries? CEO wages went from thirty- five times the lowest paid employee in the 70's to the gap now seen with salaries and bonus's 100's of times higher than the average employee.
Iceland is beautiful but it is a highly homogeneous country which also makes it easier to manage. Once you have a highly diverse society as in the USA, ie. religions, races, cultural backgrounds- things start getting complicated. There’s a lot more diverse people to try to accommodate. One of Iceland’s success is its size and homogeneity. And yes, the system is great. Not free, that’s why folks pay high taxes, which I would prefer actually. There’s a lot to be said for diversity and how culturally enriching it is. I wish there was a good combo of both countries.
American here, my brother is married to an Icelander and currently lives there as a PR. We were all so fascinated to learn about the universal unions there! Last summer he worked in a restaurant and whenever American tables asked him what his favorite thing about Iceland is he would tell them about the unions. He saw it as doing his part to get people thinking about positive changes we can make to American society.
Societies that prioritize human well-being over profit are always better to live in. Societies where science, reason and ethics dictate and not religion and superstition are also better. The more religious a country is, the worse it is on human rights, social justice, equality of women, safety, health, well-being for children, educated populace etc. That is what every single Global Index on Social Development Goals, Social Progress indicates. The religious countries FAIL at these things. The secular countries SUCCEED at these, more often than not.
alieninthecaribbean We do not want Socialism in the USA. We do not like Slave Masters here. That is what Socialism is... The Healthcare system under Socialist policies will let you or your kids die more than likely,,,, they decide wether a sick person gets treatment or tell you go away and die. America is for winners not losers.
@@beverlybalius9303 Lol the US already has socialism - have you benefited from our schools, police, and firefighters? Our roads and bridges? These are all examples of socialism - public benefits funded by our tax dollars. Until the early 1900s school wasn't compulsory, so only those who had the money to pay for it were allowed to be educated. When we look back at that time, it seems ridiculous and cruel that not all children would be allowed a primary and secondary education because of the cost (there are still cost barriers but I digress). This is an example of socialism at work. Healthcare in the US already IS letting our communities and their children DIE because people can't afford care. Would you rather live in society A) one where a select privileged receive the best care in the world while the rest of the country is forced to live in crippling debt, chronic pain, and DIE from conditions that have been easily preventable for a long time. A society where many people have to choose whether to pay for food or healthcare, education or healthcare. A society with the highest maternity mortality rate of the developed world because it is so goddam expensive to give birth in a hospital and because treatment is so unequal for mothers who are poor and non-white. A society where hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are allowed to make billions off of people who are sick, forcing middle-class families into poverty to pay for treatments that are actually quite cheap in other developed countries. OR B) one where most people still don't have access to some of the most advanced treatments but where EVERYONE - regardless of circumstance of birth - is guaranteed basic to comprehensive (depending on the country) healthcare. This healthcare also hugely reduces the number of emergency visits (which are expensive) because of cheap/free preventative care. Giving birth is free because why tf would anyone charge for that. The cost of treating common diseases like diabetes isn't putting anyone into debt because pharmaceutical companies aren't allowed to make billions off of the suffering. EDIT - Literally minutes after posting this comment I saw this news headline. The link is below, but here is a summary: "In 2017, Matthew was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma. Even though he had insurance, he wound up having to declare bankruptcy in his 20s. Now, he faces another $10,000 medical bill." www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/09/25/916514499/heart-disease-bankrupted-him-once-now-he-faces-another-10-000-medical-bill?.com&fbclid=IwAR2nAeG_XhPXUFifd7wyF6YyJFiYHI3r8nqhDL_u3aC2IXzmgqJG6_Th2cw
Silly Socialist talking points. She says she works in a corporate structure, and people work a lot of hours. They get a fair salary, which people who care about personal profit care about.
Americans who talk this socialism nonsense don’t even realise how ridiculous they sound. I live in the UK, still a monarchy with a highly developed democracy. And yet it has an amazing healthcare system which as available to everyone. And the taxes - surprise, I pay less of them than I paid in the U.S. Because they are more fair.
Iceland sounds similar to Australia in a lot of respects, based on your telling. Not perfect by any stretch, but a moderate balance between personal freedom and civic responsibility, initiative and cooperation. Sadly, it always alarms me to hear about life/culture in the US. There is some sort of weird undercurrent of lofty ideals and the ‘American dream’ just veering slowly slowly off the rails and leaving too many citizens defeated and divided in its wake (and now with Trump, off the rails like a bullet train, which is alarming to see).
Did you get depressed after moving into Iceland? How was the process of making friends within an already tight community? I’ve seen you casually mention this in other videos but I’d love to hear an in-depth experience video
I didn't get depressed after moving here. My process of making friends has been pretty organic. It happened through interacting with family and meeting people at my job. I will have to give some thought into how to make a video about it.
SISTA!!!!! JUST FOUND YOU. I'M A BORICUA ORGINALLY FROM WIILY B. Born and raised before gentrification 😂😂😂. Residing in the BX now. Just fo7nd you yesterday and I'm loving you. My daughter and I want to visit Iceland for the aurora and everything Iceland has to offer for a tourist. Thank you for being so positive. Be safe.😊
Interresting! Would really like to hear more regarding working in Iceland. I live in Sweden and I think there is a big resemblance between our countries
im so glad to have found your channel... ive been itching to learn about other countries where I could possibly move and I've thought about Iceland (maybe... I don't know about the weather lol) so happy to have stumbled upon this!
Sandra Crockett Yeah ... I know what u mean. I personally feel more safe in the city rather than “the country”/rural area. I have family that I visit somewhat regularly in a rural part of my state, and that’s nice for a visit. However, can’t say I’d feel safe living there - going out alone at night, for instance. Shades of the movie *Deliverance*, I guess.
That’s not true. Sadly, many people equate their experiences as truth and applicable to everyone. In fact, rural areas in America have horrible problems with property crime and petty theft due to substance misuse (opioid and illegal) and intimate partner violence that comes from depressed wages, misogyny, deregulation, economic depression, etc.
@@MiniM69 I took a road trip to Virginia and I am not even black I am Greek and have dark skin. I was scared for my life. People looked at me with hatred. Total lack of education and people living in shacks. New Hampshire and Maine is full of racist Trump supporters now. Iceland is so very different they welcome all people and look to the soul not the package
That is one of those things many of us in the US would not even consider. I've travelled enough to know about import fees, and that not everything is available when you want it. But it is not something that we think about.
Random but I love seeing Black women living in peace and happiness. I’m so happy for you that you found somewhere to truly call home. I’m looking at various places to live and hope I can make that big move in the near future ❤️
You look super happy. It's delightful :). Edit: it's funny because alot of folks from Northern Europe look at Stockholm as like the "NYC" of the North. I have been able to get 90% of whatever I missed in the USA in Sweden. Yet, Sweden is not even 10 million people. Yet, many American expats complain about missing this and that when they move to the country. I guess it's all relative. I don't know how often you frequent Stockholm (well, especially now); but you might consider adding several trips to Sweden to your lifestyle. Heck there's even a small group of folks who are not just from NYC but from the 7-1-8!
Thank you! Oh, it is great to know that you have access to so much in Sweden. Thanks for the tip about going to Stockholm to pick up things I can't get here. I will definitely keep that in mind. Aww, I miss my 718 number.
@@AllThingsIceland There are cool places to get natural hair products and even a soul food restaurant 😂😂😂. After being in Iceland you will look at all the people complaining about what they can't get in Sweden like spoiled brats ha
Shola I think one has to just get used to a bit different life style. Like I live in Norway and obviously had a lot less stuff in stores than in the US. But OTOH we have a lot more vacation and normally our currency is quite strong so it is quite cheap and easy to fly on vacation to other parts of Europe. One just get used to being in the habit of shopping when abroad, and anyway that is also part of the fun. When abroad you know that you get to see a lot of new and cool stuff that you can buy. Of course Amazon kind of killed that experience for me personally. Apart from food, I feel I can order almost anything I need just on Amazon or one of these other big online stores.
Thank you for this video. It was very enlightening. I just discovered your videos. I'm a Black American and senior citizen. I would love to experience other countries but sometimes I think it's too late for me. I would love to know why you chose Iceland if that's not to intrusive. Or if there's a video I would love to watch it. Again thank you for being so enlightening.
I don’t know how I stumbled onto your channel, but I love listening to you, and I really adored the story of how you met your husband. I’m from Tennessee, and my best friend went to grad school at RPI.
Those who refuse to adapt to change get left behind and the response for the slow and/or inflexible is to permeate their environment so they don't have to change for their environment because they are their environment. I don't think it's necessarily a fault of capitalism more-so this warped variety of it (The ways in which it's abused plays a massive factor in this too) so for that reason I think it's more about this sort of permeation than the thing itself. I also feel this way towards other things like religion for instance...
I just came across your videos and find them very interesting and fun to watch. I´m an Icelander who lived for over a year in the US 16 years ago or so (in Rochester, NY) and I have always been very interested in the US society. I watch The View regularly and really wish Meghan McCain would watch this video and your video on your work experience in Iceland vs. the US. This is the "socialism" that the progressives in the US are talking about. Or what we call The Welfare State. By no means perfect, but more human in my view. In my journey to try to undersand the US better, I have come to the conclusion that there is such a difference in thinking, approach and view of life between the Nordic countries (and Europe?) and big parts of the US, and that I will never be fully able to understand that thinking, and vice versa. Even though Iceland is Amercianized in some ways, there is still a big cultural difference in many aspects of life. Just to be clear, I love the US and many things about it, but when it comes to politics and social issues I get very frustrated. Anyway, I love hearing from your experiences. It´s always educational and broadens the mind to hear another viewpoint. Will keep watching your videos :)
It makes me so happy to see American black women living thriving lives overseas. To hear that you feel safe is so nice. I often feel like a bird in a cage, and fearful of life and of the idea that it only takes someone being scared, angry, or jealous of me in my "safe" neighborhood to snuff out my life or have someone called to do it. I always feel anxious and have a severe anxiety disorder that enables the state that we're in currently within the U.S.
Hi new subscriber here and fellow New Yorker (also a life long Brooklyn girl--also a member of the Black Diaspora)! As I am listening to you speak in this video about the differences in work culture and the COVID-19 responses between our countries, I am at work literally drafting my email to FIGHT management for the option to continue working from home because now after months (and warnings of an imminent second wave) my govt job wants to RETURN people to the office with absolutely NO scientific or medical basis that it is safe to do so!
Health care is traded on the big board in the US. Trying to profit over health in a corporate way is why it is so complicated. Americans are ignorant about this and their belief that anything not corporate is socialist will keep them locked in the madness. I am first generation American. My mom is from Sweden and I've lived there but am a native New Yorker. I am also a doctor. Doctors have been turned into corporate toadies. The frustration is real.
The entire system is reminds me of Uber. Uber makes the software that connects the driver and the user, and they give the driver only so much. But the driver is responsible for everything, but yet they are not consider an employee. Uber is the middle man taking a cut. I see the insurance companies as the middle man taking a cut from the doctor and the patient. I think some industries should not be about profit. Your healthcare is one of them. Blessings to you Questinia - what type of doctor are you? Yeah, being a doctor is about to change...
@@YouAdii Luckily I have my own practice and have resisted joining any healthcare companies! Being a psychiatrist makes it a lot easier as I just need a couch or a chair and Kleenex. I still am regularly getting head hunted for health corps. with promises of very lucrative salaries but I prefer to make less money while really taking care of my patients and in accordance with my training. Very interesting about Uber. I suppose it's these business models that get replicated over and over in different industries. These Iceland videos help me truly see where we need to improve. I have no doubt we can if we remember who we really are. This country has taken a wrong turn.
@@Questinia1 So happy you still have your own practice. I pray that you can continue in this fashion until you decide to retire. I saw my optometrist and I found out that Luxottica is on the move to owning everything top to bottom.... If he goes with them his recommendations would favor them instead of favoring the right choice for me. ( Contact brand) He is private for now but the pressure to 'join' is enormous. ( Luxottica owns not only a large portfolio of brands (over a dozen) such as Ray-Ban and Oakley but also retailers such as Sunglass Hut and Oliver Peoples, the optical departments at Target and Sears, as well as key eye insurance groups (VSP) including the second largest glasses insurance firm in the US.) Thank you for your post and reminding me to waken from my slumber this 'tightening of the belt' is going on. I do believe if you (doctors) are more vocal we will support you. Once doctors become part of the machine, they have no voice. Freedom to you and your patients. Much respect and love.
@@YouAdii You hit the nail on the head! Doctors by their very nature are not vocal and tend to be supplicant. They are also far too self-sacrificial. Certainly not all. We are trained to heal and that can mean we lose sight of what is in front of us. Some have become more activist but we need a national vocal outcry. Doctor's generally have heavy debts to pay for medical school so they essentially sell their souls to corporate entities. Then they hate what they do and burn out. I don't think we can change doctors. They won't go on strike and associations like the AMA and APA have sold them out. That almighty dollar. Thank-you for your kind and astute words. We need more people like you on the face of this earth.
Hey Jules. I discovered your Channel a few weeks ago & have now become a subscriber. I find your topics interesting and very useful & your delivery warm friendly professional. I’m a Londoner from Jamaican parents. My partner is Icelandic. We returned from our 14th trip to Iceland 2 week ago. Although we both love London, we will be moving to Iceland towards the end of next year for reasons to long to write. I love Icelandic culture especially art, literature & hot pools. My only reservation is the winter. So. It’s for all the above reasons that i find your channel very useful & interesting. Thanks Jules & keep up the good work.
So glad to hear that you find my videos helpful. Good luck with the move. Winter has its challenges but people cope with it in different ways. Hopefully, the coming winter is not as stormy as last winter.
I think Iceland is one of the countries that doesn't inject a bunch of toxic vaccines into babies. I think they are one of the countries with the least amount of required vaccines.
As an English guy, I think the problem with the UK and USA, and quite a number of other nationalities, is that working class people have been culturally groomed into thinking that taking time off and not constantly working is somehow immoral or a sign of personal weakness. It's utterly unfair, and undermines our sense of the basic dignity and security we ought to feel entitled to.
Iceland sounds like an awesome country. I think there is always room for improvement, and there are definitely things we can do better here in the United States. Do you know what life is like for people with disabilities in Iceland? As a blind woman in the United States, I have the same rights as any able-bodied person, but we do face discrimination and it is harder to get a job as a person with a disability.
Iceland sounds cool but i could never live there. I love NYC and would like to live there. Maybe not forever though. I live in Berlin and it's a bit small for me with it's 3.5 million people :) I like big cities with lots of stuff to do.
From my understanding the medical cost soared when insurance became a thing. When it was a cash system costs were lower. The other thing that drives it up is that costs are not up front. Your told the price of services after the fact. Doesn’t allow for comparison shopping or negotiation of pricing. Labor laws are listed on your state website. I new mine and held them to it. Vacation is the one thing I never got, until I owned my own business.
Love the comments from a couple of Americans here who say Cdn. Health Care is not free. Of course it's not free, but it's free at the point of delivery & that's what matters. Then that's followed up with "but your taxes are so high". Yes, they are higher that what Americans pay, but our higher taxes pay for much more than health care. They also pay for a great quality education, infrastructure (roads, highways, bridges, delivery of energy, water management, defense, diplomacy etc.) & so much more. As a very large country with a small population, we want quality services & are willing to pay for them though our taxes.
I loved the time I was in Iceland Everyone was so nice to me and my family. I tried to learn a little of the language and speak Icelandic when I could which wasn't much more than ordering a coffee or asking how you say,. Everyone laughed and corrected the way I pronunced the words but after a couple attempts they would say, We like you, you will get 10% off. I talked to a number of people there and they spoke English very well. I did not meet anyone who wasn't friendly even in Reykjavik. I thought that I would love to live here.
I began working when i was 15 I am almost 60 now and I can tell you that when i began working Unions existed in the U.S. 4 weeks of vacation were the norm and benefits which were either affordable or paid by your employer. It's amazing what Americans have allowed and I truly believe this is why we have such a bad mental health situation in this country. Only when you live abroad do you realize how the quality of life in the U.S has declined.
I think that would be interesting a video on how easy is to find a job and immigrate to a place like this. Because at some point in my life really would like to try to live in a country like iceland, but i dont know how possible it would be.
What a cool channel and you are adorable!! I was just going to watch this one video real quick because I've got a lot to do today, yes, overworked American here :-( . But I am SO tempted to just binge-watch your channel. Thank you for sharing your life with us. :-) Subscribed!!
It is Iceland. It is not as diverse. There are not near as many people, and it's cold. Of course there is less controversy. Less warmth. Less going outside. Less variety of many things. I love America. God Bless America. I love lakes, rivers, and green trees, plants, and flowers. 300,000 compared to 328 million people. There is no accurate comparison. But I also love God and I am glad you are happy.
