One stereotype of the French is that they are standoffish and rude. I can attest to that, especially with the French students at SKEMA. Despite this, I learned from our lesson about stereotypes and clichés that they probably do want to chat, but they are just generally not as bold. In America, I feel like it is more common to go up to a stranger and strike up a conversation to befriend someone. I am still getting used to having to initiate the conversation because it is nerve-racking in a new country where the native language is not my first language.
Furthermore, I also think it is more difficult to make friends at SKEMA simply because of the language barrier. There have been numerous occasions where I am talking to a European student and I cannot carry the conversation on because there is lack of comprehension on both ends. It is frustrating because I genuinely want to get to know the students, but it proves difficult most of the time. I do not necessarily think that making friends in France is difficult, but it would definitely help if I was fluent in French in order to communicate better.
It may be because of the age of majority and my personal age, but the social life in France is very different from the United States. I am only 20, so if I want to hangout with friends I usually go over someone’s house or we drive aimlessly somewhere. But here, the students either suggest a cafe for a coffee or the bar for a drink, with the latter being more common. I would say I am indifferent with which I prefer, but I have enjoyed the more casual environment when grabbing a drink with friends. It is nice that the French students treat drinking more as a social event rather than an excuse to get obliterated because it allows for a better flow of conversation.
There are many differences between the two, but I am excited to bring back some of the French social culture back to the United States. After being here for about two months now, I can definitely see myself adapting more and more to how kids my age behave and socialize.
Comments