Culture Shock in France
One of the hardest adjustments for expats moving to France is reconciling the clash between the romanticised expectations and the more mundane realities one encounters in actuality. Once expats can start to accept that living and working in France may not necessarily be the most quixotic of circumstance, the key ingredient to overcoming any experience of culture shock in France is simply to learn the language.
Reticent American or British expats may find it difficult to adapt to French manners. Disagreement is expected, and even encouraged at times, with speakers barking out terse rejoinders. In follows that French culture is often characterized as being rude, an evolved and complex set of conversational rules fuelling the stereotype and supporting the high standard of etiquette the nation ascribes to.
Expats may find that personal space is seldom respected on the busy lines at rush hour, as the trains are simply overloaded. Furthermore, the roadways in France can be a hazard and, while illegal, many French residents will simply park where they can, often driving cars up onto pavements.
Expats may struggle to make friends in Paris, as the Parisians are not open to foreigners, particularly ones who can't speak the language.
Expats may find it difficult to adjust to the French diet, where food is sacred. Restaurants produce high quality cuisine and bistros can provide acceptable meals at a low cost. Anyone who comes from a fast-food culture will suffer a lack of variety. Only McDonald's has made significant headway into the French market.
Films are often dubbed into French. Most of the significant Hollywood actors have voice doubles who play their part in all their films. Again, without French, an expat can be left in a popular culture lurch as even television will dub over most imported shows.
Reticent American or British expats may find it difficult to adapt to French manners. Disagreement is expected, and even encouraged at times, with speakers barking out terse rejoinders. In follows that French culture is often characterized as being rude, an evolved and complex set of conversational rules fuelling the stereotype and supporting the high standard of etiquette the nation ascribes to.
Expats may find that personal space is seldom respected on the busy lines at rush hour, as the trains are simply overloaded. Furthermore, the roadways in France can be a hazard and, while illegal, many French residents will simply park where they can, often driving cars up onto pavements.
Expats may struggle to make friends in Paris, as the Parisians are not open to foreigners, particularly ones who can't speak the language.
Expats may find it difficult to adjust to the French diet, where food is sacred. Restaurants produce high quality cuisine and bistros can provide acceptable meals at a low cost. Anyone who comes from a fast-food culture will suffer a lack of variety. Only McDonald's has made significant headway into the French market.
Films are often dubbed into French. Most of the significant Hollywood actors have voice doubles who play their part in all their films. Again, without French, an expat can be left in a popular culture lurch as even television will dub over most imported shows.
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