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To be honest, when I heard the term 'studying abroad' I pictured people spending their days drinking wine in Europe. To be even more honest, that’s kind of reality, with school work attached.

Because I read a lot about Europe and France before I left (and have the benefit of being native to Western culture) I didn’t experience a lot of culture shock. However, there are differences and it helps to be prepared. There are a few lessons that I've learned while in France.

Understand the basics.

 Words like school, mister, missus, boy, cat, etc., and the conjugations. At minimum, learn the phrases to be, to have, to live, my/your/his name is, to go, to study, and to speak.

If you're really proactive, add the following:

Get comfortable in not understanding/being understood. Also, remember that no language is superior. Not yours and not theirs. However, you are in their country so theirs sort of takes priority.

Don’t be afraid to tell people that you want to speak in their language. A common assumption is that the French hate speaking English, or that they hate when you speak broken French. This particular stereotype is not true. Rather, they will often switch to English because they understand it. English, as a second language, is a requirement in French schools so, unless you’re fluent, it is simpler for them to speak English rather than decipher your struggling French. But you can still practice the language, even when they respond in English. Yes, you will feel a little stupid. That’s okay.

Watch and learn.

Watch people. I’ve been in France for about a few months now and there are several interesting things I’ve noticed. For instance, the stereotype French people that all have baguettes in their hand, or in their bag, every day… that’s completely true. Looking around any crowd, you’re guaranteed to see at least one (or five, whatever) baguettes peeking over the edges of purses and backpacks. I personally eat the “American sandwich bread” but, hey, old habits die hard.

 Another common assumption is that the French hate speaking English. Or that they hate you for to speak broken French. This particular stereotype…not so true. Of course, I can’t speak for everyone, but the people I’ve come across will easily speak English. English, as a second language, is a requirement in French schools so, unless you’re fluent, it is simpler for them to speak English rather than decipher your struggling French.

The best way to learn is to watch people – notice the things they do and when. Copy when necessary (which is often).

There is no last minute laundry.

There are rarely any clothes dryers. Anywhere. Your jeans will take a few days to dry.

You'll learn the washing machines are much smaller here than in the USA. I have a washing machine in the kitchen downstairs, and most of the students living in student housing have one in their apartment, but I have heard of people using laundromats, though they are few and far between.

PRO TIP: Get a small bag for socks and delicates, otherwise you’ll be falling in the washing machine to grab your last sock.

Take advantage of FREE.

So many places make you pay to use the restroom or toilet paper. It doesn’t cost much, but it adds up over time. Free bathrooms can be difficult to find so, if you see one, just go.

Water comes at a price. Unless you specifically ask for tap, you will often be given bottled water. Some places don’t serve tap water so you have to pay for bottled anyway and you will have to specify “flat” or “sparkling/bubbly” (so add those to your vocabulary).

Learn to like overcast. 

Relish the less cloudy days; they are few and far between. On those days I look up, see the sun, and remember all of a sudden that “oh yeah... the sky IS blue...”

Document everything.

Everything. Keep a journal, vlog, blog, anything to help you remember your time there. It goes by quickly and there are lots of little things that are amusing that you’ll forget later.

Take lots of pictures. Pictures of your room, your bus stop, and all the other daily things you see. It’s nice to look back on places you frequented. And, for goodness sake, upload them to your computer every so often! If you lose your phone or run out of storage, you’ve lost it all.

Pack light.

You don’t need as many shoes and clothes as you think. I brought three pairs of shoes…and still wear the same pair of boots every day. Bring clothes that you wear regularly and a good pair of rain-proof boots. You’ll find you won’t wear that special outfit in Europe if you never wore it in the USA. Also important, you can buy clothes and other things there. 

Be social.

Don’t be afraid to approach random strangers if you need help. I often find a kind-looking lady to ask (in my pitiful French) for directions. Or how to weigh avocados on the supermarket scale. They’ve always been sweet; some going as far as leading me to a destination when they’ve just left from there.

Interested in traveling too? Check out our Office of Study Abroad.