After a grueling 9-hour flight we finally arrived in France and could tell things were very different. We were soon divided into groups and put on busses for travel to Lisieux. This city was a massive culture shock to me. From stepping off the charter bus that our driver parallel parked to seeing cars half the size of what I am accustomed to, it had it all.
After checking in to our hotel we decided to go out and explore this newfound playground before us. The environment and scenery are one of the things that have stood out the most to me about France. Not every day in the United States do you have a few hundred-year-old churches or a garden in the middle of your city. This study abroad program has allowed me and my fellow students many opportunities to enable us to view and see this change firsthand.
I have learned many things about how to conduct business in France. One example is the three main difficulties you must overcome to enter and become successful in the French market. If you want to work in France, you must speak French – no questions asked. Many buyers in France are not on the social network, making it very hard to be able to approach and talk to them. Many of them will not talk to you unless you are already an established customer. Finally, the cost of distribution is very high in France ? you must plan to stay in the French market for a long time if you are interested.
Consumer behaviors are also greatly changing at the same time. Over the past year, there has been a 32% increase in all products bought online. With a more online presence approaching, one must adapt and market appropriately. So far, I am loving this trip and this country and am excited to continue to update you on the numerous things we are able to do.
