Knowing the main cultural customs before going to France will help you fit in with the French and enrich your study abroad experience. Cultural preparation is one of the most important steps for studying abroad. You will transition better and faster into your new French life when you know about the cultural differences and customs. Let’s take a look at 6 main French cultural aspects you need to know:
French culture is formal, not cold. French culture has a reputation for being cold. In reality, it’s just formal. For example, interacting with strangers is a no-no in France. It’s considered rude to bother a stranger on the street. The belief is that you would be bothering that person for your own benefit. This is an example of it’s not cold, it’s formal. If you get lost, use a Metro station map or go into a store to ask for help. Even though interaction between strangers is something to avoid, common courtesy is still a must. Customs like holding the door for the person behind you is appreciated and expected. One American courtesy custom that doesn’t work in France is acknowledging a stranger’s sneeze; just don’t say anything.
Greetings are essential. Whenever you go into a store, restaurant, market or public place, greetings are necessary. If it’s daytime say Bonjour, if it’s nighttime say Bonsoir. After your purchase/meal is complete, don’t forget to say merci (thank you). Entering a store and not saying anything is impolite in France. Meeting up with some French friends? Don’t go in for a hug! What is given instead is les bises or the planting of a kiss on either side of the cheek. This is a standard greeting for all ages. It’s usually between two women, a man to woman, or a man to man if they are close friends or family.
Dine, not eat. The French are famous for their culinary skills so it’s no surprise that dining is a big deal. Enjoying a meal is a huge part of French culture. Grabbing lunch on the go will deny you a quintessential part of French culture. So sit down and enjoy!
Turn down the volume. The French are not loud speakers. Americans by nature are a boisterous, loud people. This is a trait that will make you stick out and be a target to panhandlers or people who try to take advantage of tourists. For your time in France, turn down your speaking volume to avoid attracting unwanted attention or make someone think you are yelling at them. You’ll also need to lessen your use of hand gestures. It’s just not very French.
Look the part. French people are fashionable, but simple dressers. They tend to shy away from really bold prints, bright colors, and strong fashion trends. You will need to tweak your wardrobe to France’s fashion standards to fit in during your study abroad. When it comes to beauty, the French are also simple chic. Most French women do not wear make-up or color their hair a dramatic color. If you have a trendy fashion / beauty style, you’ll need to tone it down for your study abroad.
Knowing a little French goes a long way. The average French person doesn’t speak English. People working in touristy areas will know more English than the average person but not at a fluent level. Speaking a little French will be appreciated by the people you speak to and will go a long way in your interactions in France. Don’t be surprised if someone responds to you in English! They may just be trying to help or want to practice their English. The most important thing to know is that French is a language with formalities. Using the wrong “you” form could offend someone. If they are older than you/ your professor, or you do not know them- use “vous”. If they are a child or your classmate- use “tu”.
Cultural immersion is the very backbone of a study abroad. Knowing key facts about the culture before going abroad will help you to ease into the new culture must faster and easier.
Bonne chance!
-Andrea
Author bio:
Andrea Bouchaud
Founder of Twenty in Paris- The Ultimate Paris Study Abroad Resource
twentyinparis.net
Having studied abroad in Paris for a year, Andrea Bouchaud understands that living in the City of Light isn’t always easy. Her hands on experience with French culture and language immersion as an American student inspired her to write 2 books- Twenty in Paris: A Young American Perspective of Studying Abroad in Paris (2013) and The Paris Diaries: The Study Abroad Experience Uncensored (2014) both on Amazon’s Kindle Store. Connect with Andrea at twentyinparis.net
