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I'm a Scot who has lived in the US. Here are 5 misconceptions my American friends had about Scotland before they met me.

Mikhaila FrielMar 11, 2022, 12:41 IST

Mikhaila Friel in New York City.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I was born and raised in Scotland, a small country in the UK.
In 2016, I spent four months on an exchange semester at a university in Pennsylvania, US.

I've spent most of my life in Scotland, but in 2016, I spent four months living in Pennsylvania.

Mikhaila Friel in the USA.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Some people didn't realize Scotland is its own country, while others didn't know it's part of the UK.

A map showing Scotland in the UK.Google Maps

Some people only knew about the Scottish stereotypes.

Some people assumed it would be difficult to adapt to American culture.

Mikhaila Friel and her friends at Millersville.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Similarly, others didn't realize that we follow American pop culture.

Lady Gaga.John Phillips/Getty

One person complimented me for my good English, likely not realizing that I was from the UK.

Mikhaila Friel in Millersville, Pennsylvania.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

18 photos that show how motherhood has changed in the royal family