One aspect of French culture that has stood out to me while studying abroad here has been the importance placed on long lunches. When I first arrived, it caught me off guard that many businesses around town close for a few hours during the lunch hours of the day. Both food and the benefits of…
Category: France: IAU College
Blog Post #2
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…
Blog #2
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,…
Blog #2
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…
Pre-Departure
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…
Blog Post #1
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…
Blog #1
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…
Blog Prompt #1
In order to achieve the American dream, there is a traditional process one must submit to. This typically entails starting work at age 16, finishing higher education and then securing a stable career where you can work 40+ hours a week until you’re at least 65. The concept of the American dream portrays the idea…
Final Blog Post
Children in France were more involved in society as they were out with their parents very often. For example, many children would accompany their parents when they went grocery shopping or just when they seemed to be walking around town. While this is not very different to many places in America, there are many children…