Culture Shock in France
The hardest adjustment for expats is the clash between romanticised expectations of France and the more mundane realities one encounters. The reticent American or British expat will find it difficult to adapt to French manners. Disagreement is expected, and even encouraged at times, with speakers barking out terse rejoinders. Despite this, no one would find it more surprising than the French to find that they had been accused of rudeness. In fact, French culture has evolved a complex set of conversational rules. It is not by chance that etiquette is a word of French origin.
Expats may find that personal space is seldom respected on the busy lines at rush hour, as the trains are simply overloaded. Expats may struggle to make friends in Paris as the Parisians are not open to foreigners, particularly ones who can't speak the language.
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 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 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 desert as even television will dub over most imported shows. The key ingredient to overcoming any experience of culture shock in France is simply to learn the language.
Expats may find that personal space is seldom respected on the busy lines at rush hour, as the trains are simply overloaded. Expats may struggle to make friends in Paris as the Parisians are not open to foreigners, particularly ones who can't speak the language.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 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 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 desert as even television will dub over most imported shows. The key ingredient to overcoming any experience of culture shock in France is simply to learn the language.
Festivals
The French love their festivals. Here is some footage of the Fete des Lumieres from our local expat Expert Cynthia Caughey Annet of www.american-in-france.comTags
