Reflection Blog Post #1
1. What has been the most rewarding experience, so far, of your France Study Abroad?
After traveling for hours on planes and trains, I arrived in Strasbourg. I walked through the glass dome train station and headed to what would be my residence for about a month. Not knowing where I was going or what I should or shouldn’t do, I meandered through the streets before it got dark. Most restaurants were closed, people minded their own business, and the town was almost quiet. Little did I know the next day, I would experience the city come to life. I realized quite soon that learning at least a few phrases or casual language would have been the most helpful! At first, the moment of “this is really a whole-different-culture” hit me like a brick! So, to say the least, I think getting my bearings about the city and becoming confident in the very little I can speak in French has skyrocketed the experience of study abroad. Knowing little of the language forced me to accept how much I don’t know and allowed me to quietly observe the culture around me. Integrating into a new culture is not just about the croissants and baguettes, although wonderful and delicious; it’s about recognizing the differences, similarities, and the beauty of life through another lens. I’ve gotten to see myself, my friends, and even my professors interact with the French culture. In return, I’ve learned to take the opportunity to acquire cultural skills. Our professor spoke of Study Abroad as a challenging but rewarding experience; even after the first week and a half, I can deem that to be true!
1. What are 3 things have you have noticed about the way business is done in France?
Although we have not walked into corporate offices too much this week and half, we have walked into numerous restaurants, shops, and more. The French work hard; they do everything with diligence while also enjoying life. I’ve noticed they work for a living, but they do not overwork themselves. Their job is their passion, and they are content with the life they have. This is something extremely riveting coming from a culture that builds upon builds and wants the next best thing always. For example, we will sit in a restaurant never to be rushed. The waiter or waitress expects the customers to stay for hours. Dinner is completely different from the United States! The French master work-life and time awareness in their every day. Secondly, I’ve noticed the French do not necessarily advertise their business loudly. I could be wrong on this one! But I’ve noticed they welcome you by a lovely, “Bonjour!”, but it never exceeds the boundary of their doors. I say this because I feel as though America lives and thrives on persuasion, loud, and obvious advertising with billboards and sign throwers as an example. Lastly, I think the reason they bustle during the day is because there are an abundant number of holidays! The French give their workers plenty of time to rest. With that slow lifestyle, business relationships may take a longer time than in another country.
1. What has been the biggest surprise you have had so far in France. Was there something that you thought you knew, that is completely different than what you expected?
I’m not sure if I had expectations! I truly did not know much about immersing into another culture, so I took it as it came. But for some examples, the outfits and style of the French is laid-back, casual, and dark. I don’t see many bright colors or frivolous clothing. That was surprising to me because when I thought of France, I thought of fashion and glamor. I had heard that French culture is almost cold and uninviting, but to be honest that is for people who are not aware and who don’t care to learn the culture. I’ve met some wonderful people who want to help me learn the language! At the same time, I didn’t know how much America was disliked! Many conversations have occurred where a person finds out I am American and with distain, they roll their eyes or scoff. Fair enough! But, it does strengthen my belief that there will always be stigmas against a certain country, but when you meet the people within the country that is where bias may change.
