As I conclude my time studying abroad in the South of France, one of the most prominent cultural differences I noticed revolved around food. First, there are many different markets and stores that specialize in certain foods. For example, the boulangerie (bakery), fromagerie (cheese store), boucherie (butcher store), etc. Supermarket stores exist and are used,…
Category: France: IAU College
Final Blog
After spending four months in Aix-en-Provence I noticed that free-time is a highly valued part of the French culture. Everyone is given a two-hour lunch break to leave school or work and enjoy a relaxing meal with friends and family, there are frequent two-week holiday vacations, and many shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays…
Blog Post 2
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…
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…