Category: France: IAU College

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…

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…

Since living in France I have noticed the difference in value placed on time, especially when it comes to work. One of the first weekends here, my host mom told me that we need to plan out our meals ahead of time because everything will be closed on Sunday. This is still a fact I…

Something interesting that I have noticed about the French culture is actually how the public school system is set up, particularly when it comes to their breaks. In France, students in primary and maternity school have classes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Interestingly, on Wednesdays they have a half day, or, depending on the school,…

After being in France for over a month, I have learned that while there are similarities between France and America, there are many differences that are not seen easily that make a difference in the level of trying to fit into the culture. While I have noticed a lot of differences, one major one that…

I feel that a huge aspect of U.S. culture is simply saying hello or smiling to people you see on the street, in a coffee shop, or in a gym. Many people assume that if you do not smile or say hello, that you are a rude person, or in a bad mood. I personally…

For better or for worse, living for the future instead of in the present is a prominent way of living in American culture. Often we choose or are encouraged to make sacrifices in our present realities to ensure future security. Sometimes this strategy is productive. For example, applying restraint or discipline in areas such as…

When I think about aspects of the Culture in the United States, there are a lot of aspects that stick out. To name one in particular, individualism is a key trait Americans are known to have. This means Americans tend to be more concerned with the individual(s) than the community. This is a very well-known…