One of the most distinct differences that has stuck out to me while living in France is the public transportation system in comparison to the United States. I am studying in Aix-en-Provence which is a small town, compared to big cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, etc. Despite living in a smaller town, there is still…
Category: France: IAU College
Blog Post #2
After being in Aix-en-Provence for two months I have noticed that everywhere you go you must greet the people you are interacting with before starting a conversation or continuing on with your day. My French professor told me that if you do not say hello and goodbye to retail employees, waiters, coworkers, and teachers that…
Blog 1 – Pre Departure
One major aspect of U.S. culture is the notion that everyone should accommodate to our specific needs. In most countries it is common to learn English beginning at a very young age, so most people can speak at least two languages. In the United States most children learn Spanish from a young age, but the…
Final Blog
I absolutely adored my time abroad in Aix-en-Provence. I look back on this experience with a light heart, and will forever be grateful for my time there. One thing that I really noticed that I liked about French culture was the importance of self-care and treating yourself and friends. For example, I noticed that it…
Blog 1 – Pre-Departure
When I think about the United States, I believe a notable part of American culture is friendliness. By friendliness I mean being welcoming, talkative, helpful, and smiling to strangers around you. Americans typically engage in small talk and converse with strangers in most settings; this may happen while waiting in line, at the airport, at…
Post #3
Experience 1: Fashion and Cultural Perceptions Q1 Describe: During my semester in France, I noticed a trend in the fashion. I was warned by my french friend and on sites to dress better than I do in the states. They said not to dress in sweats, sweatpants, leggings, workout clothes etc. however I saw many…
Blog post #3
During my time abroad in Aix en Provance, France I observed through the lived experience with my hosts, through conversations with my peers, and in my public interactions that young adults in their mid-to-late twenties often live with their parents or in a family home. In addition to the more obvious motives for this lifestyle,…
letters to America
Direct communication is a strongly held value in French culture. One day while I was on the bus with a few friends on our way to class, a woman started up a conversation with us. She just asked us where we were from etc. and the quick conversation naturally faded. But then all of a…
IAU France : Aix-en-Provence
During my time in the south of France, I noticed many cultural differences, but one that stood out to me revolves around mealtime customs and social interactions. French culture places a significant emphasis on the enjoyment of food and the social aspects of meals. I observed a slower pace during meals, with people savoring each…
Blog #2
One thing that I have learned during my time abroad in France is that the many stereotypes surrounding France are quite wrong. Coming into France, I was quite worried I was going to be dealing with quote on quote rude people, especially if I could not speak French very well. So far, I have been…