At the end of my freshman year, I decided to do something I’ve been dreaming of doing since I was a kid: studying abroad in France.
While studying abroad in France has been my dream for as long as I can remember, this decision was a big risk for me. Most people at my university study at Saint Louis University in Madrid, a sister campus to my school in Spain. My application was long and grueling. I even had to drive to Atlanta over winter break to attend an in-person visa appointment. However, I’ve been studying French since I was thirteen, I have a French minor and the opportunity to live in another country is very rare. So, I decided to take a risk and do an exchange program through the University of Oregon State called IE3 Global. For my semester abroad, I’m studying in Lyon, France at l’Université du Lumière 2 at their Centre pour Les Etudes Français (CIEF). So far, it has been both a challenging and rewarding experience.
While I’ve only been in France for a few weeks, I noticed some things that are different from American cultural customs. Here are some tips and tricks I picked up that might help other French students with their transition to living in France.
School is very different here
French schools are extremely different from American schools. First of all, classes are a lot longer, ranging from two to three hours so you will be spending a lot more time in class. However, most professors are good about giving students breaks to walk around, grab a snack and get some water. In my case, I also did not get a huge say in what classes I took, I was just given my schedule and asked to choose an elective. There is a large stigma around skipping class and if you can’t attend, you better have a good reason. In my program, you are only allowed to miss class three times, or else the program director will reach out to you. One of the great parts about studying abroad in France is that most classes do not assign homework. You might have some work outside of class, such as studying for an exam or writing a paper, but professors here do not feel compelled to assign lots of busy work like in the United States.
University culture is also drastically different from the American college experience. Whereas students live and participate in various extracurricular activities on campus, French schools are more focused on academics. There is subsidized student housing near campus but it is very limited. Students still participate in clubs and activities but not to the level that American college students tend to take on. In my program, the school offers two free sports classes for each student and the international exchange program also coordinates trips and activities. There are many opportunities to build community, make friends and try new things.
Branch out. Seriously.
If you’re studying abroad for a semester, like me, five months may seem long, but in reality those months are so short in the grand scheme of things. It is important to branch out and make friends with the people in your class or your study abroad cohort. Studying abroad is also an opportunity to try new things. For example, I sporadically signed up for a theater class and to be an English tutor. Find hobbies and interests. Also, be intentional about making new connections!
For me, my program is international so there are different people from all over the world in my classes. One of my favorite parts of studying abroad is learning about different cultures and meeting new people. This is a unique experience and it is important to make the most of it while you’re here.
FOMO and Imposter Syndrome will be your worst enemy.
Even though you are having this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s very easy to feel FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) when you see pictures of your family and friends back home. These feelings are natural and it is okay to validate them. Find ways to spend time with your loved ones. I’m a big fan of FaceTime and I have even scheduled a few group calls with my friends. If you are struggling with communication abroad, there are many solutions. I personally use an e-sim so I have a French number with unlimited data. However, a lot of people who study abroad use WhatsApp to avoid date rate charges and stay connected.
Alongside FOMO and homesickness, I personally feel a lot of imposter syndrome when studying abroad. I always feel like my French is not good enough and that I am not as good as the other students in my class. I try to remind myself that nobody is perfect and even if I am stuttering through my coffee order at a café, I am always trying my best. Slowly, I’ve learned to not compare myself to others. I also know now not to be so hard on myself when it comes to speaking French. It’s easy to get in your head and while there is not necessarily a tangible solution, but time and practice definitely help a lot. I try to remind myself that this experience is the best thing I can do for my language acquisition.
Cultural Differences
There are plenty of cultural differences that might shock Americans who are studying abroad. First of all, personal space is very different. French people often greet their friends and family members with “bisous,” or kisses, on the cheek. Depending on the region of France you’re in, the number of “bisous” can vary. In my experience, most people will understand if you are not comfortable doing the bisous. A simple wave or handshake can also work.
The environment, health and nutrition are also huge priorities in France. Many French families make a conscious effort to recycle and compost. In public, there are also recycling bins where you have to sort your trash. In addition, many people use public transit to reduce their carbon emissions. There are many public transit options, especially in Lyon. I personally use the train to get to school and other places in the city.
The healthcare system is also very different. The French government will typically reimburse you for any procedures or care you receive while abroad depending on your insurance plan. Pharmacies are independent shops; you cannot get your medication at a grocery store like in the United States.
Lastly, nutrition is also a big focus. At grocery stores, there is a nutrition score, or “nutri-score,” on each product for sale based on the percentage of fat in the product. It makes making healthy decisions a lot easier and more accessible.
Alongside grocery shopping, meal times can often be different. Most families eat dinner a little later in the evening, around 7 or 8 p.m. Dinner usually includes some bread and cheese at the end. For dessert, many families eat fruit or yogurt. Sometimes they will eat a sweet treat, like a cake, tarte or chocolate.
While France is very different from the United States and the process of studying abroad is daunting, my first month in Lyon, France has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I have learned so much not only about France and the French language but also about myself.
I highly recommend studying abroad in France. It’s truly an amazing experience!