When examining the collision of cultures within Americanah, it is important to take into consideration that race and culture are not the only factors that play into social interaction. As readers compare the experiences of Ifemelu and Obinze, in America and the United Kingdom, it is important to remember that gender can play an important role in their interactions. And so by combining race and making a gender differentiation one can examine the similarities and differences between immigrants to America and the United Kingdom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first major similarity between their experiences abroad is evident right away as both Ifemelu and Obinze find help from people they once knew and both begin their foreign experiences are very sparse. Both struggle to find work due to their lack of citizenship. Ifemelu is legally in America, but she is not legally allowed to work because she is on a student visa. Obinze is in the UK illegally after his first six months there. However, both acquire documentation from another person and this is another difference in their experience. Ifemelu was able to find work and earn money without the use of her fictitious name and social security number. Obinze could barely get a legitimate job even with a fake SN number. This could imply that there are more illegal or “under the table” employment opportunities in America for illegal immigrants. Ifemelu really hit the lottery in terms of working “under the table”. Her job paid her enough money that she could move out of her apartment with roommates who didn't understand her, and she could start sending more money home to her parents. Obinze, on the other hand, was forced to give forty percent of his earnings to the man who gave him his false work identity. Ifemelu was also lucky enough to have a rich and successful man fall in love with her. Ifemelu's life in America was drastically improved by her romantic relationship with her long-time boyfriend Curt. Financial stability and the doors that opened through Ifemelu's relationship with Curt. Having strong relationships is one of the reasons why Ifemelu has been much more successful in the United States than Obinze was in England. Ifemelu had Curt who found her a job and took her on weekend trips to Europe. Ifemelu had Dike and her aunt Uju. Ifemelu also had Kinika in Baltimore to help her. Although Obinze had his cousin Nicholas, Nicholas did not really understand his difficulties. Obinze has struggled to find a legal way to stay in the UK. Every time someone helped Obinze, it came at a cost. When Obinze obtained a false identity he was forced to give up 40% of his income in order to work. Even when Eminike gave money to Obinze, it was at the expense of his dignity and pride. Obinze received little charity. This is true in both accounts, although the prices paid by Ifemelu are more subtle. Ifemelu finds a job under the table but continues to work. Whatever she got from her relationship with Curt, it was at the expense of the loneliness she felt when she was with him. And the sex work she performed for the tennis coach came at the expense of her peace of mind and her relationship with Obinze. Ultimately, the strongest similarities between their experiences are highlighted through interactions with friends of friends. When we see the natives of the lands they live in we see a generalized and gross misunderstanding of Nigerian culture. People outside of the countries surrounding Africa simply don't.