Sunny in London

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Secondary British Schools vs American Schools

Whether the memories are good or bad, your secondary school experience is something you can discuss with any British or American person. That’s probably why the differences between British schools and American schools is one of my most popular blog topics and YouTube videos.

Everyone can connect- but few people have experience on both sides of the pond of being in a school as a teacher and/or student. Therefore, there aren’t many people who can articulate what happens in both secondary British school vs American high schools.

But- I can!

In the video below, I explain that I was a teacher and high school assistant principal in America and have experience in six London schools.

It’s part of my UK vs USA playlist and is the second video I’ve made on the topic. While the content of the first video is all still accurate, I have learned so much more since then and included it for you above. If you watch the first video below, please forgive the ridiculous graphics. It was several years ago and in the spirit of education, it’s fair to say I was in the beginning stages of learning video editing applications!

Before we dive in to all the new ideas, you might want to know that the topics below are covered in a different blog post on Differences between British and American Schools :

  • School Year and Holiday Calendar
  • What Students Wear to School
  • How Students Get to School
  • Year Groups, Grades and University Entrance Exams
  • School Food
  • Extra-curricular Activities
  • Teachers’ Schedules and Classes
  • Myths

Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- Course Structure

In British schools, courses are group together in a two year path. Year 10 and 11 are referred to as GCSE. During this time students ideally have the same teacher and are with the same other students for the entirety of the two years. At the end of the two year experience they take exams for the course. Currently this could be close to or more than 20 exams during the month of June of their Year 11. They receive study leave time, which means their last day of school is around mid May. However, the experience is still extremely high pressure.

Students return in August for what’s referred to as ‘Results Day’ and learn the outcome of these exams. These grades determine whether and where most of them can continue their last two years of secondary school.

Their next step is to take their ‘A levels’ or some may choose to take vocational equivalents. Again their Year 12 and 13 are grouped together in to a two year experience, culminating in exams at the end. However a major difference is that most are only taking three different courses, so they will only have around six exams at the end of the experience.

American students at this equivalent time would be in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade. They are also referred to as their freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior year, respectively.

Courses at this time are at most one year in length. Some can be half year courses. These are commonly called electives and take place over a semester. Their school year includes four quarters and many courses have a final exam at the end that is either created by their specific teacher or an entire department. Rarely would this exam be the same as what students at high school in another district would take, much less the rest of the state or country.

Their grades are usually determined by a breakdown of 20% for each quarter and 20% for the final exam. So, this means their final grade represents a far more balanced picture of their caliber. In comparison, British students face nearly 70% of their grade being determine from their exam and maybe 30% from a project they did- referred to as non-exam assessment or course work.

Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- Curriculum

You may have already started thinking that in comparison, British schools are far more uniform in their offer to students. To me, this is most evident in the curriculum.

Teachers, or rather a Head of Department, chooses an Exam Board for their subject. Examples include AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel and WJEC. From this exam board, the teachers will follow a very prescribed list of what they teach. For example it will have a Specification that lists the novels and concepts students must cover in an English course.

If you teach GCSE English in one school and get a new job, it means it’s highly unlikely you could use your same lesson plans if the new school has chosen a different exam board.

In America, it’s far different. At least it was in the two states where I worked ten years ago. At the time, in Florida and New York teachers were really left to their own devices to choose what they taught. For example, some schools had all students read the same plays and novels in a freshmen English courses. And some schools let individual teachers choose whatever literature they wanted to use to meet benchmarks or learning criteria.

In this sense, if you’re British and go to America you are really going to feel like the curriculum is chaotic and varied in comparison to what you think a school experience should be.

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Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- Student Work

However, lack of solid consistency in America does have some overall benefits, in my opinion. I would love your thoughts in the comments.

Since students in secondary British schools have such a solid outline of what they are to do, they rely heavily on models and examples for everything. Literally, they feel like they need to see previous examples of work and exam essays before they can even process how to begin a task.

There seems to be quite a bit of ‘follow this template’ on a daily basis.

In comparison, American students can launch a project or essay structured with a fairly low level of ‘hand-holding’. They don’t need a starter sentence for every paragraph and can function quite well with just a basic outline or idea, as a whole. Work seems to be far more inquiry based and in an entrepreneurial spirit.

Of course I understand that students with special needs don’t neatly fit in to this opinion on either side of the pond.

Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- Student Identity

Again the concept of prescribed curriculum and modeled work affects overall student identify when comparing British schools vs American schools at the secondary level.

Given British school students must wear uniforms and work to the same standard for their grades, there seems to be a squashing of their individual identity.

American school students have so many opportunities to be recognised for their unique personalities. Whether it’s running for student council or congress, decorating their locker, or reading the announcements over the PA system as a leader representative, they have so many chances to establish their individual style.

And no- I’ve never been in a London school that has morning announcements. I’m not even sure if they have a PA system in the buildings.

Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- Parents

In the new video I recognise that all parents in both secondary British schools and American schools care about their students. While primary schools on both sides always feature more involvement in comparison to the older students in secondary schools, there are still some other big differences.

Can you guess in which system I feel the ‘helicopter parent’ is more prominent?

I share my thoughts in the video and would love to know if you agree.

Secondary British Schools vs American Schools- What’s Next

I always try to end my blog posts with a final thought or summary statement. This time, I would like to know which topics that I haven’t covered in the first blog post and video or this blog post and current video that are still ones for which you are curious.

Would you like to know more about teacher interview differences between British schools vs American schools? Contracts and unions? Administration/Senior Leadership Responsibilities and Structure? Staff Meetings?

Anything else? I can’t wait to hear from you, Sunny friends.

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Differences between British vs American Schools

‘What are the differences between British vs American schools?’ is a question I receive often because I have written several advice posts on American expat life in London. For this reason, I thought it might be fun to highlight some of the biggest differences here on the blog.

While you might think a school is a school, I’ve definitely learnt learned that’s not the case when comparing across the pond. And, yes, that strikethrough is there because it represents how British people spell the word, as opposed to American.

Also, there are quite a few differences between the way teachers are hired so if you’re looking to teach in the uk then you might want to look into what qualifications you need in order to get a teaching job here. It’s not just different for the kids but also for the teachers!

That’s just the surface of the differences between British vs American schools, Sunny friends. Take a look…

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British vs American Schools- Who has more Class?

When Americans belt out Alice Cooper’s ‘School’s out for summer!’, they really have a reason to celebrate. In America, schools generally give students around 10-12 weeks of vacation. They can release students anywhere from the end of May to mid August, or mid-June to the beginning of September. British schools are quite different. They generally end their academic year in mid-July and begin the first week of September. This gives students about 6 weeks of a summer holiday.

However, British students receive much more time away from school during the academic year, in comparison to American students. Nearly all British schools have a half-term, one week break in October, February and May. They also receive at least two weeks holiday over both Christmas and Easter holidays.

British vs American Schools- Off to Gryffindor

I giggle every time I pass British kids on their way to or from school in London.

Why?

I always feel like the kids are spawns of wizards or muggles on their way to Hogwarts in their colourful uniforms. However, I keep my chuckles to myself, in the event one of them actually pulls out a wand and aims it in my general direction.

American kids can wear what they want to school. I remember days in Florida when I wore a bathing suit top under my t-shirt so I could fast track it to the beach when the last bell rang.

The British school uniform nearly always consists of a: blazer, jumper sweater, dress shirt, trousers (with the option of a skirt for girls). Most schools have pupils students wear a tie, regardless of gender. Students must ask a teacher’s permission if they want to remove their blazer during class if they are too hot.

Uniforms are made in the school’s designated colors. Mr. Sunny’s uniform at Hill House School was gold, rust and grey. Prince Charles also attended this school, albeit much earlier than my British husband. Here’s a picture of the school and a very old picture of Mr Sunny in his uniform.

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Mr. Sunny also went to the Parkside School, and at this boarding school the uniform was grey and purple.

British vs American Schools- Where’s the Bus?

There are no school buses in London. Students rely on public transportation or a ride from their parents each day. In London, they refer to this as the ‘school run.’ It’s definitely a time you want to avoid being on the road or on a London bus.

In America, our school bus system is fairly standard. Every student who attends a public school has the opportunity to take ‘the cheese’ to and from school. And guess who had the chance to hop on a bus for this ‘luxury’ valet service once…

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(I know my outfit matches the seats. Hey, if you’re taking the bus, you at least have to look the part, right?)

The big yellow buses chauffeur kids to and from their educational destination each and every day that school is in session. Most kids work part time jobs in an effort to buy a car so that they can transport themselves to school and other places.

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British vs American Schools- What’s the plan?

British students spend ages 5-10 in primary schools. Secondary schools have students ages 11-18. There are no middle schools, unlike America and these schools accept students based on their school catchment areas. Until recently, British schools were compulsory for kids until they were only sixteen years old.

In America, we say students are in ‘Seventh Grade.’ British students of the same age are in ‘Year 8’. They are labeled a higher number in comparison to the US because we call the first formal year of school ‘Kindergarten’, which is the equivalent to ‘Year 1’ in England.

British school years are further broken in to groups called Key Stages. For example, Years 7-9 are classified as Key Stage 3. Students ages 16-18 are in Key Stage 5, which is called Sixth Form.

When looking at study plans as differences between British and American schools, there is more unity in the British course of study. Schools (unless they are independent) must follow the National Curriculum. American school teachers experience a substantial amount of freedom in comparison to what they can teach and when against their British counterparts.

Instruction for British secondary students focuses on the GCSE subject exams and the A Levels. In America, the SAT and ACT are the only real standardized tests that students take at a national level.

The SAT is most popular and is taken on a Saturday morning, usually at the beginning of a student’s junior year. It is quite honestly- dreadful. It features three sections: math, critical reading and writing. For nearly four hours, students struggle to answer questions that seem to have no reflection on what they study in school each day. However, the results of this test have a substantial effect on a student’s ability to apply for a university.

Most American expat students in London tend to receive their education at International Baccalaureate schools because the work is transferable in all countries and universities.

At the end of a class period, British students must stand at their desks and wait for a teacher to say they are dismissed. In America, when the bell rings, you run. The end.

British vs American Schools- Food for Thought

I can’t tell you how many times British people have asked me to explain a ‘tater tot’. They find that food wildly entertaining. This is comical to me because every American associates a tater tot with a school cafeteria lunch. Tater tots are small, deep-fried grated potatoes and they’re always included on a cafeteria lunch tray, with chocolate milk, of course.

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American school cafeterias are not pleasant places. For lunch, kids wait in a line to be served a piece of soggy cardboard with two thick slices of pseudo-pepperoni, a thick red paste and chewy cheese that was probably manufactured from particles in the bottom of a bin in a science class weeks before. Next to their pizza is a watery, dull yellow substance called ‘Apple sauce.’ Finally, there’s a scoop of fruit salad. It’s usually hard to tell what fruits are featured because they’re all a greenish grey color and are very squishy.

British students call their lunchroom a ‘Canteen’. A random week at a British boarding school features Main Course lunch selections such as:
– Ratatouille with Mediterranean Herb Couscous
– Vegetable Moussaka
– Vegetarian Sausage Cassoulet
– Asparagus, Sunblush Tomato and Mozzarella Risotto
– Pea and Asparagus Girasole with a Cream and Chive Sauce with Fresh Parmesan Flakes

School children in England are absolutely forbidden to eat food in class. They are also only allowed to drink fruit juices or water. A fizzy drink soda is banned from a classroom. American kids enjoy Red Bull or Mountain Dew with a hefty bag of Cheetos for breakfast in a first period class.

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British vs American Schools- Who gets more?

Extra-curricular activities take place on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. However, in America, we tower above what the British offer. American students can choose from an array of sports like football, soccer, la crosse, hockey, swimming, tennis, track and field, baseball and basketball.

We also have events like pep rallies, where the entire school gathers in the sports gym instead of going to class. This is for the purpose of seeing the football players, basketball players, cheerleaders, dance team, majorettes and band display school spirit in support of a big upcoming game.

Further, students can belong to clubs like Art, Science Olympiad, Photography, DECA, FFA (Future Farmers of America), National Honor Society, Marching Band, Chemistry Club, Chess Club, Frisbee Club, French Club, Latin Club, Interact, Model UN, Debate Club, Ping Pong Club, Video Gaming Club, and Shrimp Club.

Ok. That last ‘club’ was an ode to Forest Gump joke. I think. But…you never know. 😉

In America, if kids can convince the school that their club idea is worthy, there’s room in the extra-curricular budget, and they have a faculty advisor, then they can form their group. I guess it’s likely that there could be a group of marine biology students in Florida who start a Shrimp Club, right?

British vs American Schools- To Level or not to Level?

American schools offer classes that are usually either general or advanced. That’s it. Students mostly pick which type of class they’d like to take. Those that want the higher level need a teacher’s recommendation to register.

This is not the case in British schools. Students are separated in to numerous ability levels and can be changed and regrouped throughout the year. Therefore, it is clear to everyone what type of progress a student is or is not making.

British vs American Schools- Time and Tables

An educator’s schedule in a secondary British school is referred to as a ‘Timetable.’ Some schools offer them by one week, some by two weeks. They change daily and it’s rare for them to see the same class at the same time each day. British teachers could teach English to Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 within a five day week.

In comparison, American schools basically have kids take the same classes in the same order nearly every day of the week, with the exception of gym. Teachers call their workload ‘Preps’ and rarely have more than three a year. For example, a teacher with three preps would teach 9th Grade English, 10th Grade English, and 11th Grade English. That’s it.

Teachers in America must apply for teaching certification in every state they wish to work. The requirements and process for each state is complicated and long. It also costs money for each certificate. They often need to be renewed every several years.

British teachers apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after they have trained and worked for a period of time. This enables them to teach any subject for which a school feels they are suited. Therefore, a teacher could teach English, Dance, Geography or Maths while working in one position at a school. However, it’s highly unlikely that would occur.

British vs American Schools- It’s no Musical!

Finally, British kids have the perception that American schools are like those they have seen in High School Musical and Mean Girls.

Thanks to Hollywood, American students are perceived to be very segregated by popularity groups like cheerleaders, football players and band geeks. So, I have to ask my American friends, do you think this is the case in American schools?

What other differences between British vs American schools can you add?

UPDATE: February 2, 2017

* After more time in London, and regular interest from readers, I created a YouTube video addressing many more differences between the school systems. Please add your comments/questions there too and share it on your social networks as well!

USA vs UK- 5 Life Conveniences You Won’t Have!

Can you name five life conveniences that don’t exist when you compare life in the USA vs UK? There are a few every day hardships that Americans in London experience while living abroad that you would never guess occur!

These aren’t fun things like certain American foods (Skittles, Mexican cuisine, peanut butter) or cool shops like Sephora. We are going to classify those items as amenities for this blog post.

I am writing about regular every day items. These are things you wouldn’t notice as missing while in London on holiday. If you’re making an international move through a company, you probably won’t learn about them in your ‘expat moving to another country research’ either.

It isn’t until your feet hit the UK ground and you start living that you’ll suffer through the losses. And I mean, SUFFER!

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#1 USA vs UK- Forget a Filter

It’s always tricky trying to determine if a British person is really making fun of you or just ‘taking the piss out of you.’ You have to filter through a lot of sarcasm in social and professional conversations. One thing you don’t have a filter for, however, is your window in the UK.
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American friends, get ready to live without window screens. In several years, I have yet to see one in a London window.

That’s right. For whatever reason, you won’t find window screens in London. As a Florida girl who grew up in a state full of love bugs, leaping lizards, pooping Pelicans and ‘no see ’ems’, windows without screens are terrifying.

#2 USA vs UK- No Bathroom Blowouts

Spend time each morning blow drying and straightening your hair in the bathroom, ladies? Say goodbye to that too. If there is a plug in your bathroom, it’s most likely for an electrical shaver and is shaped differently than other plugs.

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It’s rare to have access to any small electrical appliances in the bathroom to do your hair. I’d love to know the reason for this, so I hope my British friends share their thoughts in the comments section. In our new flat, I literally had to buy a Plastic Frame Over Door Mirror from Amazon UK so I could have see what I am doing to my hair with a blow dryer.

#3 USA vs UK- Pay Per Minute

While it’s understood in the USA that long distance calls might cost money, depending on your phone plan, local numbers are always free.

In London I am always confused as to what numbers I can call and not be charged an additional fee per minute. Quite a few numbers, even though they are in London, can be pay per minute if they are companies or businesses. Don’t assume that when you call a company like Delta Airlines that the number is ‘toll-free.’

Make sure if you move to London, you check if the number you are calling is an additional charge or not prior to spending a long time on hold or in a conversation.

#4 USA vs UK- Let it Gooooo! Let it Goooo!

Be prepared to have a refrigerator and freezer which are half the size of what you have in the USA. For London readers, this was my kitchen in the three bedroom townhouse I owned in New York before I sold it and moved to London. Notice the huge shiny refrigerator…

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Americans, if you can picture a medium sized office refrigerator, that is pretty much what you’ll have in London. Also, in smaller flats, you might even have these two appliances separated and in different areas of the kitchen, which brings me to our biggest difference…

#5 USA vs UK- Wash and Wear

Not only will your clothes washer likely be in the kitchen, but it’s really possible you won’t have a drier.

Yes, that is correct. I lived in a fourth floor flat (with no lift) that we were told would have a drier. It didn’t. We also didn’t have a balcony.

Do you know what it’s like waiting days to have dry clothes because they’re air-drying all over your flat? Mr. Sunny was advised he could not have friends in the flat until he entered and did a ‘knicker sweep.’ This means he had to make sure none of my knickers (‘underwear’ for Americans) were hanging up to dry in a visible area before he let in his mates.

Have you ever worn a pair of jeans that air dried? An American expat friend also living in London asked me once, ‘So are you sick of wearing crunchy jeans yet?’

Eeek! That says it all!

Mr. Sunny and I now have the ‘fortune’ of having a flat that has a drier. It isn’t even close to what you use in the USA. At best, it dries my clothes, sheets and towels about 80% after 90 minutes. I still have to hang sheets on furniture for some time before making a bed. Good times.

In America, having a separate washer and drier that are huge is fairly standard.

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READ THIS SLOWLY and CAREFULLY if you are preparing to move to London:
– When you are looking at flats online, take a careful look at the kitchen. If a refrigerator isn’t pictured, it could be either around the corner of the kitchen (yes, I’ve seen that happen) or behind a cabinet door.

Also, don’t confuse a washer with a dishwasher in online ads for flats. In a picture, since you are not accustom to thinking about a clothes washer in a kitchen, you might not realise that’s what you’re seeing in the picture and may assume it’s a dishwasher.

Be sure to inquire about a drier if that’s important to you. You’ll likely get a combination appliance, which means you can’t do a load of laundry as you have a load in a drier.

I share current information about my washer/dryer experience and cons of living in London after eight years in the video below.

USA vs UK- Final Thoughts

While I love living in London, not having these basic life conveniences makes some days very tough. I’ve written about other things Americans will miss in London (like differences in Christmas celebrations) but would love to read what you can add, if you’re an American expat here too. Finally, here is a review of my international shipping company and a discount on your shipping.

Also, if you’re British and can add a reverse comparison, that would be appreciated by us all too!

If you’re planning a visit to London, the Sunny News YouTube channel has regular updates of advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide.

Christmas Differences between the UK and USA

‘Do they celebrate Christmas over there?’ My American grandmother asked me this question once during our weekly phone call.

I think what she meant was, ‘What do they do for Christmas in England?’ or rather, ‘What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA?’

Most Americans have visions created by Charles Dickens dancing in their heads. They think Christmas celebrations in London involve Brits eating goose and hoping Jacob Marley doesn’t knock on their door.

So, just to keep things real, I asked Mr. Sunny to explain what he thinks Americans do for Christmas. His response, “Watch silly television. Have pancakes and syrup and bacon that isn’t really bacon for breakfast. Eat dinner which is roast turkey with mashed potatoes and country gravy that’s thick like what you get at KFC and corn, like creamed corn.’

He also added, ‘Being American you probably don’t drink too much, like us English.’

Well then.

To learn more about what he means, you’ll want to watch this video on London pubs at Christmas.

Christmas Differences between the UK and USA

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Santa?

First, the Brits refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas.’ It’s a very tough thing for me to remember when I am in a conversation with my English mates. Next, they say ‘Happy Christmas’ instead of Merry Christmas.

Ok then, that’s sorted.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
On Your Mark!

I still can’t figure out when Christmas in starts England. In August, I’ve been approached by staff members in pubs about booking a Christmas party. In October, it’s common for #Christmas to trend on Twitter in London.

Americans are notorious for excessive advertising and gluttony, but we still have an official line for the start of Christmas celebrations. Thank you, Thanksgiving.

In America, once the dinner dishes are cleared at the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to get your Christmas gear on. (Oh yeah, if you’d like my brother-in-law’s recipe for How to Fry a Turkey, read here)

That actually could mean battle gear for beating crowds at malls. Up until recently, Black Friday was only an American shopping phenomenon. It didn’t really exist in England. However, for some reason England had an onslaught of sales and super deals the day after ‘Thanksgiving’ in 2014. I still can’t figure out why.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Decorations

You’ve probably all seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Home Alone.

Most Americans decorate their houses entirely in lights and other festive ornaments. That’s not just a Hollywood portrayal.

In suburban areas of America, great rivalries take place during the holidays to see who can have the most glorious display of Christmas covering their house and yard. It can be quite a competitive atmosphere. And, then there’s some that take the decorating opportunity to raise money for charitable causes. Check out this YouTube video which features the ‘Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Lights Show’

In the suburbs of London, I rarely see houses decorated on a street. Usually 2-3 houses out of both street sides have some lights. The lights seem to be tossed haphazardly around a tree.

What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA

However, if you travel just 20 miles outside of London, you can see Hogwarts in the Snow, which is the Warner Bros Studio Tour (AKA Harry Potter Tour) covered in Christmas decorations.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Television

One of the toughest Christmas differences between the UK and USA for me is television. I just can’t seem to find Christmas specials on TV in London, except for an occasional channel offer. Movies24 runs old Hallmark Christmas movies. But, I need my claymation and old school Christmas shows on constant replay to really get in the spirit.

In America, the titles below (Christmas Classics for Kids, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Fred Claus) are each on a few times a week. I had to buy them in London because they are never on television during the holidays.

Christmas Differences Between the US and UK

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Christmas Crackers

I learned about Christmas crackers the first Christmas I spent in London. Its concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.

A Christmas cracker is a cardboard tube which has a present inside it. The tube is wrapped in colourful, festive paper. There is a banger inside the cracker, two strips of chemically impregnated paper that react with friction so that when the cracker is pulled apart by two people, the cracker makes a bang. This causes a loud snapping noise. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside. Note- since these are ‘explosives’ you can’t put them in your suitcase. So, unless you buy them in the US, you can’t take Christmas Crackers home as souvenirs if you’re visiting from America.

These are some of my favourite themed Christmas Crackers:

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
The Pub

It is tradition to go to your ‘local’ in England on Christmas Day. The times I have been to our local pub on Christmas, it is absolutely packed. People bring their kids and dogs for a few hours to celebrate the holiday. It’s open from about 12-2pm.

What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA

No, the kids and dogs aren’t drinking. Well, the dogs might get a few licks of beer here and there, but please don’t think the Brits are freely giving beer to their little ones. However, entire families are present and it’s joyous. The beer is also flowing pretty steady.

Christmas Differences Between the UK and USA

In this video, I show you the most iconic London Pubs to Visit at Christmas and fill you in on everything you need to know about festive drinking in London. (As if it’s any different from any other day!)

Christmas Differences Between the UK and USA

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
Boxing Day

I still don’t understand Boxing Day. Traditionally, December 26th was a day that servants received presents. Literally, they would receive boxes with presents inside from their employers.

What I do know is that since it’s a Bank Holiday, not much is open. Well, the pubs are open. Oh, and slowly there’s more and more shopping going on here on this ‘Bank Holiday.’

In America, the post-holiday sales kick off on this day.

Christmas- Similarities between the UK and USA:

Despite these differences, there are also some things that are in fact the same on both sides of the pond.
– There are major sales after Christmas. In London, they’re referred to as the ‘January sales’ and last a little bit longer than American retail sales.
– Stores play Christmas music throughout the season. In England, it seems Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ and George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ are rotated around every other song. I’ve never once heard Madonna’s ‘Santa Baby.’ I’m grateful for that.
– All those ‘happy holidays’ tend to drive some of us over the edge. Family arguments are at their peak in both the UK and USA over this stretch of time.
– Ugly sweaters/jumpers exist everywhere.
– We all like to open presents for Christmas.
– The red ‘Starbucks’ cup arrival is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season in the UK and the USA.

I write quite a bit often about Christmas Things to Do in London on my blog.

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If there is a specific topic or question you want covered, you can always request it in the comments section below or in a video’s comments.

things to do in london at christmas

What can you add to these Christmas differences between the UK and USA? What do you think of Mr. Sunny’s guess that there’s more drinking in England for Christmas than in America?

Expat Chat: An Interactive LiveStream Broadcast

What is Expat Chat? Who needs it?

Are you an expat who can share what you’ve learned with people who could be in a similar situation? Can you help them find the best place to settle down? Or perhaps you are living as an expat and have questions about life abroad and can’t wait for the time it takes to receive a response in a forum?

Maybe you are planning for an international move and want to start making connections with people in your upcoming country of residence? Are you in international relationship and have questions about being an expat before you leave your home country?

Forget the Forums! YOU should watch, comment and question in real time during the livestream broadcast Expat Chat on Blab!

expat-chat-livestream-broadcast-blab-sunny-in-london

Expat Chat: What is it?

Because all of these questions and more were mine at some point, I have started a show called ‘Expat Chat’ which will serve to inform, support, connect and maybe entertain our global expat community.

Expat Chat: How does it work?

Each Friday I will publish an expat related post on this blog. Topics will include content like: culture shock, the visa process, living away from family, communication problems due to language differences, doing taxes in a foreign country, holiday traditions, etc.

Sometimes topics will be heavy and other times they’ll just be plain fun!

The weekly blog post will close with a short bio of the guests who will be on the upcoming live-streaming show, ‘Expat Chat on Blab’, to talk about the topic. You’ll have all weekend to read the post, gather ideas, add your comments and questions for the show, share it with your expat friends, and maybe reach out to the guests.

On Monday night, I will do a Periscope pre-show via @Sunny_in_London to get our community excited, gather your questions and update everyone on the topic.

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Next, Expat Chat will air via a livestream broadcast on Blab for 30 minutes.

If you haven’t heard of Periscope or Blab, they are both free. You can watch Blab straight from a laptop.

They both allow involve a livestream broadcast AND allow for viewers to comment in real time. The commenting feature creates a community that can engage and respond in real time. Blab has the additional feature of showing four people at once on the screen ‘Blabbing’ about a topic. American readers, Blab kind of looks a bit like the Brady Bunch!

You can either be a guest or you can watch and participate through comments and questions!

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Expat Chat: Who Benefits

If you’re a show guest, you will have the opportunity to share your blog, business or services through the Friday post and livestream broadcast.

If you watch, you can help people through comments during the show and hopefully make some virtual friends who share your experiences. Or, you might have your questions answered through the expat chat. The biggest goal is for all of us to support each other in our global expat community.

Expat Chat: The Pilot

We’ll start our first week with the topic ‘Differences Between Countries that are Real SURPRISES!’. Be sure to read this Friday’s blog post ‘USA vs UK: 5 Life Conveniences You Won’t Have!’ I’ll outline five items that I am shocked they don’t have in London. Monday’s Expat Chat is open to any expat in any country or anyone who is curious about how life is different across the globe.

What American items aren’t available in the UK?

Greetings from the US, my Sunny in London friends! As I spend a little time visiting with my family, I’m also stocking up on the American items that aren’t available in the UK. I’ll have “fingers crossed” as I go through Customs, hoping that these items crammed in my luggage don’t cause them to pass too much judgment on me.

NEON TRAINERS

During my first gym experience at an LA Fitness in London, I really struggled with the different machines and free weight sizes. At one point, a personal trainer introduced himself and asked if he could help.

“Yikes! Is it that obvious I’m not from here? I’m so confused about out how many kilograms equal a pound,” I replied.

Through our conversation, I learned that I hadn’t done anything wrong or odd during my workout, but my bright turquoise sneakers were a flashy sign that I was from America.

Prior to moving across the pond, I was advised to stock up on Adidas (pronounced “Ahhhhhh-dee-dahhhs”, not “A-dee-diss”) because they’re so expensive in London, but I didn’t realize the colours I would buy in America wouldn’t be available in the UK.

Things you cant't buy in the UK

COMET

Yes, I said Comet. On my first trip to Sainsbury’s to purchase basic necessities for my flat, I was not prepared for the lack of product options in the cleaning aisle. NOT ONE was familiar to me. I faced names like “Cillit Bang” and “Fairy Washing Up Liquid.” No Soft Scrub, Lysol or Pledge.

So, if I could bring just one item that is cheap, serves many functions and will transport fairly easily, I choose a can of Comet.

Fairy Liquid Advert

And by the way, I really enjoy that “Fairy” liquid for doing dishes, but can’t seem to get the actual fairy to arrive and do them for me. Londoners, any ideas?

Things you can't buy in the UK

VELVEETA

There’s quite a list of food ingredients we eat in the US that are banned in the UK.

You probably don’t have to do any research to guess why Velveeta “cheese” ranks high as a forbidden commodity. For my Sunny in London British friends, I can explain it as an imitation cheese that ranks somewhere between an oil and a solid substance, hence the reason it doesn’t need to be refrigerated until opened. HA! Appetising innit? Should I bring some for you?

Even though it pales in comparison to the delicious fresh cheese selections in Europe, I still miss it sometimes.

Things you can't buy in the UK

A BIG COFFEE TO GO

Perhaps the item I miss every day is a large coffee. Like Big Gulp size, if you know what I mean!

I’ve tried Costa, Pret and Caffé Nero, plus dozens of independent coffee shops. Still, I come up empty handed. Well, one of them is empty. Londoners, where I can buy a single serving of coffee that needs two hands to carry and is big enough to have its own post code?

That’s my list of items for this trip. (Be assured I’ll drink the coffee, not pack it!)

I didn’t include the scented candles which aren’t available in London because I already have a whole post devoted to that and made my pilgrimage to Bath and Body Works for their post-holiday sale yesterday. Now, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to fit these items in to my luggage.

Bath-Body-Works-Holiday-Candle-Sale

Expats, what items did I miss that you bring from your home country?

How Americans Celebrate 4th of July in London

Curious what to do if you’re an American who wants to celebrate 4th of July in London? It’s not as awkward as you might think. In fact, it’s been my experience that the Brits love the holiday too. But, when I first moved to London, I wasn’t really sure exactly what would be the protocol for the day Americans celebrate their Independence.

As 4th of July in London got closer last year, I asked Mr. Sunny (a lifelong Londoner) what British people thought of the holiday. His response, ‘We love it. It’s the day we got rid of you people.’

Typical Mr. Sunny humour.

I was shocked at work when I was wished a ‘Happy July 4th’ from Brits throughout the day. I really didn’t know what to say. This year, tons of invitations hit my Sunny email for 4th of July in London parties. I chose to hit Trader Vic’s, an American company, because it had been on my list of places to try.

I also thought it would be fun to hear from other American bloggers to see what they think of 4th of July in London.

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Meet Sarah, an American blogger in London:

Her blog is The Wanderblogger. You can also find Sarah flexing her mighty photography muscles on Instagram. And, this is what she has to say…

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been an expat in London for over two years now. My husband, teenage daughter, and I moved here from Nashville, Tennessee, (the greatest city in America!) where we had a small farm outside the city. We plan to be in London for a couple more years and then…who knows! I (occasionally) write about our travels and life in London on my blog, so if you want, come say hi! Or hey! Or ‘ello gov’na! Whatever you find regionally appropriate. 🙂

wanderblogger-4th-of-july-in-london

I’ve got to hand it to London, though. Regardless of the fact that this day historically turned out much more favorably for us than our British counterparts, you will not be hard-pressed to find small festivals and parties throughout the city bringing a bit of the American Independence Day spirit across the pond. Still, I believe there’s an even better way to celebrate, which leads me to Sunny’s next question…

QUESTION: Do you have any advice for other Americans in the UK celebrating July 4th?

Recreate it yourself. Invite your friends, American or not, and throw a party in your own back garden, granted that you have enough room of course.

It’s always bloody hot outside in London in July so that, at the very least, should make you feel right at home. Whatever you’re used to doing to celebrate the holiday, do it here. (Except maybe the fireworks. You could probably get into a bit of trouble for that…)

If you’re surrounding yourself with friends, good tunes, and fantastic food, it’ll be much easier to forget you’re not at home on our nation’s birthday. Just don’t forget the reason you’re celebrating in the first place ! 🙂

Meet American Blogger in London, Kelly:

Kelly-flat-eleven-4th-of-July-in-LondonI’m Kelly, a PR exec by day organizing events, liaising with fellow bloggers and the press. In my spare time, I’m a lifestyle blogger of Flat Eleven, writing, taking photos and attached to my phone on social media. You can generally find me with a coffee (or wine) in hand and adventuring around London.

QUESTION: How do you feel about celebrating July 4th in the UK?

In theory, celebrating the fourth of July in the UK should feel a bit strange as an American. But for some reason, I get the vibe that everyone in London loves to celebrate our great American holiday. Of course, it’s more likely that everyone loves a theme party and an excuse to drink and host a BBQ… nevertheless it’s almost like celebrating at home. Almost.

QUESTION: Has anything funny or awkward ever happened here regarding July 4th and your American nationality?

It’s the usual banter of ‘We let you have your independence” or a personal favorite of mine that my husband says is “What language do you speak?” (He actually really enjoys the fourth of July by the way, he married an American after all!)

QUESTION: What plans do/did you have for July 4th this year?

We’re planning to keep it casual, beers, BBQ and red, white and blue. Probably Instagramming too much and Tweeting about #AmericaTheBeautiful.

QUESTION: What advice do you have for other Americans in the UK celebrating July 4th?

Get into the spirit of it! We all love an excuse to celebrate and it’s our day. Play the host and throw a July 4th party for your friends, family, whoever. And give everyone back home a call too, it’s a day when you could feel a little bit homesick or missing out on your usual activities. So be sure to get out in London and have a great time. If you’re looking for American support, as bloggers we’re all very happy to help and point you in the right direction via social, etc. And we lucked out that it’s on the weekend this year! Happy Fourth in London!

Meet American Blogger in London, Shobha:

I’m an American expat living in London with my English husband and 2 kids. I blog about affordable luxury and family travel at Just Go Places I’ve also recently started a podcast providing inspiration and tips for interesting family travel options. You can also find me on Twitter.

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Photo courtesy of justgoplacesblog.com

I love taking a picnic and listening to the classical concert at Kenwood in Hampstead Heath on July 4th weekend. They have been doing these concerts for years. At the end of the concert, there is always a fireworks display as well. It’s a lovely if low-key way to celebrate July 4th in London.

This year though we’ll be spending July 4th in Iceland thanks to Icelandair’s fabulous offer of a free stopover in Iceland on your way from London to a number of US airports.

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4th of July in London: Final Thoughts

Are you an American expat in London? How did you spend Independence Day? Are you British and have some thoughts on American Independence Day?

* A big thank you to Sarah, Kelly, and Shobha for contributing to the holiday fun on the blog!

What American food is not available in the UK?

STOP! Before you make that move to the UK, you need to ask yourself, ‘What American food is not available in the UK?’

Yes, Sunny friends, it is true, there are some food items that you will find yourself trying to smuggle across the border. And, I think you’ll be very surprised to find out what they are.

On my recent trip to the States, I spent some time in a local grocery store to photograph, purchase and eat some of these American treats.

American Food not Available in UK #5- Movie Candy!

American Food Not Available in UK

Ok, so yeah they have candy at the cinema in the UK. But these are the top candies you’ll find in a good ‘ol American movie theater that you can’t get in the UK…

American Food Not Available in UKAmerican Food not Available in UK #4- Hey Kool Aid!

There isn’t an American kid around that hasn’t yelled “Hey Kool Aid!” hoping this would happen:

I tried it in the grocery aisle while staring at this shelf. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as lucky as the kids in that commercial.

American Food Not Available in UK

American Food not Available in UK #3- Sugar for Brekkie!

American Food Not Available in UK
American Food Not Available in UK
American Food Not Available in UK
American Food Not Available in UK

The morning battle that takes place every time Mr. Sunny and I go out for breakfast is never-ending. He just can’t understand how Americans eat things like doughnuts in the morning. Here in the UK, they prefer a full cooked breakfast with eggs, bacon (not American bacon though) and baked beans. Any sweet cereals they do have are also subject to strict food regulations that restrict sugar levels, meaning their cereals are much less sweet than ours. We, on the other hand, have an entire industry built on a jacked up breakfast. Take a look…

If you want this type of American treat you’re in for more than a sugar shock. It’s safe to say that you’ll need to have it via a special delivery, and the prices will give you a sticker shock!

American Food not Available in UK #2- Peanut Butter

Ok, so peanut butter is obviously available in the UK, but not at the magnitude an American expects. We have reduced fat, chunky, organic…

American Food Not Available in UK
American Food Not Available in UK
American Food Not Available in UK

And this little mixer upper…

Doesn’t that just look like a jar of ooey gooey LOVE?

And, I’m sure you could predict this next American ‘gem.’

American Food Not Available in UK

Hey, it’s made with ‘whole grain’ so it’s gotta be healthy, right?

American Food not Available in UK #1- My Best Bud

One of my favourite memories of my dad is the day he tried a new beer on a boat outing last summer. He loved it!

Budweiser

Leave it to the Americans to mix vegetables and beer. This American liquid sunshine mixes a classic American-style lager and Clamato Tomato juice.

Final Thoughts:

American Food Not Available in UK

One thing is a guarantee. Whether you’re in the UK or US, you can always count on grabbing one of these to fill your grocery cart…

Yep. It looks like tabloid magazines are clearly an international love.

So, Sunny friends, what do you think? Any of you include this contraband in your luggage when packing for the UK? Brits, what are your thoughts on the Chelada beer?

Please share this post on your social networks if you enjoyed it. If you’re visiting London for the the first time, read the ‘Guide to London for Americans‘ Or you can subscribe to emails. I’m happy to help Americans find their way here faster, so share this post or that one if you have friends travelling here soon. My YouTube channel is full of visiting London advice too…

American and British Christmas Movies

What is your favourite thing to do during the holiday season? If you’re like me, one of the annual holiday activities you love is watching Christmas movies at home. I was crushed when I first moved to London because I couldn’t see all my childhood favourites on television regularly. However, this also led me to discover some specifically British Christmas movies.

Classic and New British Christmas Movies

A Christmas Carol

The most obvious title that you think of when listing British Christmas movies is A Christmas Carol. There’s an 80’s version with George C. Scott, a musical with Kelsey Grammer, the Muppet Christmas Carol and even Disney has jumped on the opportunity to make money from that most famous miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

Of course, this classic British movie (obviously based on the Charles Dickens novella) has inspired many parodies. Some of these are Scrooged with Bill Murray and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past featuring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner.

My family’s favourite is the 1970 Scrooge starring Albert Finney, thank you very much! Each year when I’m in Florida for the holidays, I sit down to watch it with my mom. Through most of the beginning I giggle about the hideous ‘special effects’ that were probably really terrifying when it was produced. However, the songs are really catchy and I usually sing them for a few days after we watch it together.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This is actually classified as an American film. However, it’s based on a popular British novelist’s book. And that is Roald Doal. If you aren’t familiar with his work, it also includes: James and the Giant Peach, the BFG and Matilda.

I’ve chosen to list it in the classic British Christmas movies category because it is one of the most popular items to watch on television on Christmas Day in the UK. That is- once the Queen’s Speech has been broadcast.

To be honest, it’s not one I would watch. I’ve seen both the one with Gene Wilder and the remake with Johnny Depp. Neither represent images I want to associate with the holidays. Each is a little creepy, in my opinion. But- you’re free to add your in the comments below!

Love Actually

How could I not include one of the most iconic romance films ever made? Love Actually features an unforgettable cast of stars and narrative that hits all those holiday feels we crave.

With the amount of long awaited airport reunions many of us are experiencing after the Covid impact that delayed our travel- this classic British Christmas movie will be even more moving this year! Don’t you agree?

The Holiday

Yeah, you got me again if you are searching IMDB to catch me on a technicality. However, if you’ve seen the film and researched it at all, you know filming took place in Surrey, England.

That counts doesn’t it?

I find this one has me watching every time I am flipping through the channels and need a tiny reason to stay on the couch. There are a LOT of issues with the editing that make me cringe, but I still love it. The concept on the surface is fun, but the narrative is very unrealistic. Some of the scenes just aren’t physically possible due to the georgraphy.

But romantic comedies aren’t supposed to really represent real life, right?

Get Santa

This is without a doubt my favourite British Christmas movie on this list. Mr Sunny and I discovered it the year the year after it was released. We love it!

The film is about a father and son who team up to save Christmas once they discover Santa Claus sleeping in their garage after crashing his sleigh and finding himself on the run from the police. If there was only one British Christmas movie on this list that I said, “You must watch it!’- it’s Get Santa. And yes, that was the link to it on Amazon.

Trust me, it has just enough suspense to keep you entertained and the ending is quite jolly too.

Last Christmas

This is a curious one. As a huge Game of Thrones fan, I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this film when it hit the cinemas in 2019. However, when it arrived with mediocre at best reviews, I decided not to drag Mr Sunny to it and instead waited for it to show up on Sky rentals.

In fact, one of the last major Christmas events I attended in 2019 to film for my Sunny News YouTube channel was the Covent Garden Christmas Light Switch On. Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson were the featured stars who turned the lights on and it was quite a festive night. Little did we all know what was on the way in London.

Based on the George Michael song, which actually is my all time favourite Christmas song, the film was a flop initially.

Mr Sunny and I caught it in winter of 2020 when we were on lockdown and had already binged everything on Netflix. Twice!

It’s actually quite dreadful initially. Once you reach the end, the film does become very heart-warming. If you’ve seen it- pun intended!

So now I watch it nearly every time I see it in the television schedule. Let me know if you think Emilia Clarke can sing in the film. I’m voting no, but I do find the scenes when she does float a tune to be endearing to the narrative.

American Christmas Films

I hope you aren’t let down by the quick list at the end. But aren’t you already familiar with the plethora of American Christmas films available?

Highlights include:

  • It’s a Wonderful Life
  • Miracle on 34th Street
  • A Christmas Story
  • Home Alone
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • Die Hard
  • Elf
  • Santa Clause
  • Bad Santa
  • Fred Claus (my personal favourite)

Which of the above would you say is your favourite? Which films aren’t on the list that you are shocked I didn’t include?

Final Thoughts:

Something that has really surfaced as an entire genre of American Christmas movies in the past decade is the Hallmark Channel Christmas films. Netflix has tried competing with this canon of cheesy, predictable plots that showcase washed up 90’s television stars, but it hasn’t succeeded.

I’m guilty as charged when it comes to choosing them for holiday entertainment. Why? They are mindless and good spirited. Plus, as a person with media industry experience (how I met MR Sunny at NBC News London Bureau is on my About Me page) it cracks me up that this formulaic narrative with scripts predictable down to the minute has seized such an accessible demographic. Their marketing strategy at Hallmark is pure genius.

If you don’t know what I mean, you can catch Movies24 on Sky to see past Hallmark Christmas movies. Sadly this year, they haven’t featured any of the new ones that are airing in the USA. It’s actually really puzzling because they are debuting 41 of them in the 2021 holiday season!

However, I do think you can use Amazon Prime to watch a lot of the Hallmark Christmas movies. Have any of you tried it? My plan is just to binge them when I am in Florida in December- and then again for their ‘Christmas in July’ run.

At least it’s safe to say I don’t have to worry about any internet spoilers. They’re all the same!

American-vs-British-Christmas-Movies-UK-USA-2

Differences Between American vs British Grocery Stores

When it comes to differences between American vs British things, you’ll find tons of everyday life occurrences listed. You wouldn’t think that a country that originated from the other would be separated by so many things. While generally, grocery stores have a lot in common when you compare the US and UK, for example, the layout is often the same.

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

American vs British Grocery Stores:

As an American living in London, I learned quickly that somethings just had different names in my new home. For example, I now use a Spiral Slicer to make courgette spaghetti a few times a week. Any guesses what that is, Americans? The word for zucchini in England is ‘courgette.’

There are also some products that you next to impossible to obtain cheaply or at all in London. For example, American expats will really drool over this picture…

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

You simply can not find this many options of peanut butter in a UK grocery store.

Through time it is getting better. I’ve noticed that the Hispanic section of an international aisle of the UK grocery stores is becoming larger. This is what you’ll typically find in a Publix in Florida. It’s far bigger than anything I’ve seen yet in London.

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

Something that really surprises Americans living in London when they do their first big shopping trip to a supermarket is what happens at the checkout section. Yes, you have self-checkout options on both sides of the pond. But in England, you won’t see this…

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

That’s right. There are no people bagging your groceries. I get that Publix baggers are an exception and not the norm in every grocery store in America. However, in England, you are all on your own. It really causes anxiety when you’re trying to pay for your items with a currency that looks like Monopoly money to you initially and bagging your stuff all at the same time. Ok- it’s not third world problems and I appreciate that life could be worse. But, it is a big difference when you’re comparing the two different places.

And, I’ve never, ever seen a British person drink cold tea. I’m not saying that it hasn’t happened. BUT- this shot from Publix in Florida would probably horrify most UK citizens…

differences-between-american-vs-british-grocery-stores-usa-uk

For more American vs British grocery store differences, take a tour with me through both supermarkets in this YouTube video.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more differences between the UK and USA, plus advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about visiting London.

If you have lived in both America and England, or another country, please leave your ideas about differences in grocery stores or other things in the comments below. The Sunny YouTube community is pretty lively, so feel free to start a discussion there too. 😉

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