Re: Severe Accent
Most Europeans I have come across maintain their accent. Any change is simply by natural process. And that to me is authentic.
The only issue I have had is speaking too fast. The undergrad kids would chide me good naturedly. And I would slow down.
Accents are exotic. Diverse. Beautiful. Yes it may cause you to stand out. But not as a sore thumb but in a nice way. IMO.