Cross-Cultural Learning & Integration

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” – James Michener

The average tourist passing through Paris could probably quickly see the sights, ignore the customs, and offend the French people without even realizing it. However, if you want to live here for an extended period of time and try to fit into the culture, it helps to learn to adapt to new ideas and ways of thinking.

·         France is a country of manners and etiquette. Upon entering any store or small shop you need to say “Bonjour Madame/Monsieur.” This is a sign of respect and not doing this is like a slap in the face.

·         When I eat at cafes or restaurants I can’t help but notice the particular table manners the French have. It’s polite to always keep your hands above the table and not in your lap. I have yet to see a Frenchman eat a hamburger with their hands. The French insist on using a knife and a fork when they eat a hamburger, and they do the same for fries! When you eat bread at dinner, the bread rests on the table, not on your plate. Also when dining out, never expect to have a drink served with ice. 

·         The first few times I took the metro I was amazed at how quiet it was. On the metro the French keep to themselves, avoid eye contact, and don’t talk. The metro is a haven for gypsy pickpockets, so to protect yourself you should always hold your bag tightly in front of you. If you want to stand out as an American and make yourself a target, all you have to do is act loud, talkative, and giggly and believe, me you’ll be noticed.

·         One way to help yourself fit into the French culture is to adjust your fashion style. To avoid the American tourist look, don’t wear white athletic shoes or shorts. In Paris you can never go wrong wearing black, no matter what time of year it is. An easy way to look très chic is by simply adding a scarf to your outfit; scarves are very French.

·         Even shopping for groceries in France is a different experience. Don't plan on grocery shopping on a Sunday, because almost all of them are closed; I know of only one that remains open on Sundays. There are NO baggers at French grocery stores, so be prepared to bag all of your groceries at the check-out.

·         Going to a public bathroom is different as well. Don’t be surprised if there is a fee to use the restroom. I don’t think that I’ve ever had to pay more than fifty cents. Some would say that’s ridiculous, but when you gotta go, you gotta go. Besides, the bathrooms that charge are usually maintained by a nice attendant and are very clean. If we had that in the U.S. we would not only be creating jobs, but we would also have pristine public restrooms. Also, when it comes to bathrooms, don’t expect to find paper towels after you wash your hands. It’s a rare occasion to see them; most of the time there are only hand-drying machines.

·         Unlike the parks in the U.S., in most of the parks in Paris it is NOT okay to walk on or sit on the grass; you must use the chairs and benches.The only two places I know of where you can sit on the grass are the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower and Parc Montsouris in the 14^th arrondissement.

·         In general, the French are more relaxed and enjoy a slower pace, taking time to enjoy the little pleasures in life. Americans are always in such a hurry, just take a look at a McDonald’s drive thru. One of my professors was shocked to hear that it is extremely common in America to eat in your car. She thought that sounded absurd, and when you think about it from a French point of view, it really does sound rather strange. In France the people take their time, enjoying long lunches in the afternoon. When they sit down for dinner in a restaurant, they don't rush through the meal, because once you get your table, it’s considered yours for the night. The service reflects this idea. Don’t be in a hurry; it can sometimes take more than 30 minutes to get your check.

So if you want avoid the label of the annoying, ignorant, arrogant American….follow the tips above, and remember that old saying, “When in Rome , do as the Romans do.” Hey, I'm going to Rome TOMORROW! My Spring Break starts today, so I won't be blogging for a while....Au revoir!