French Exchange

Photo I took of the Eiffel Tower. Despite being rainy, it was still stunning as expected. 

If you were to ask me about the best times in my life, I would simply reply with my experience of being an exchange student in France. I was in France as an exchange student for 2 weeks during the January/February of 2013. Going to France was definitely a special experience that I will never forget, in addition to being an eye opener for me. Going to France would be my first time in Europe, as well as leaving home for 2 weeks! Staying with a host family was sure interesting! 

Things you will see in France- 

1. School kids carrying baguettes (long bread sticks) in their backpacks. 
2. Very fashionable men and women. 
3. People are fairly thin compared to Americans.
4. Less diversity as opposed to America. 

Things you will NOT see in France- 

False Stereotypical French man. 

Shocking Things in France for Americans- 

1. The stereotype is true. The french do not shower on a daily basis. My host family probably thought of me as strange for showering every day. Because it is cold in France, they do not see the need to shower daily, as it strips away your body's natural oils.
2. The French wear the same outfits in a row until it gets dirty. This may seem unhygienic to many Americans, but it's part of French culture. Why not wear it until it's ready for laundry? 
3. French men are very trendy. I was shocked by how nicely dressed teenage boys were in the French schools, compared to American teen boys. A typical outfit for a teenage French boy would be jeans, nice shoes, crisp tee/jacket, and a scarf. On the other hand, an American boy's to go outfit would consist of either sneakers or basketball flip flops with socks, basketball shorts, and a hoodie. The French and Europeans in general consider Americans to be "sloppy" when it comes to fashion. 
4. Smoking is fairly common in France. You will smell smoke and see cigarettes randomly on the ground. I was even offered a cigarette on campus. 
5. American TV shows will be translated in French. It's a weird feeling seeing and hearing the TV shows you've grown up with in French. It gets a bit funny too, if you don't understand French.
6. Carrefour is the Costco of France. If you want a shopping cart, you insert a coin and you will get that coin back when you return the cart. 
7. French kids like eating healthy. What? French kids are trained from a young age to understand food, as opposed to American kids. 

School Life in France- 

Though I did not personally attend classes in France, I learned quite a bit from my exchange partner and seeing the classes and school. 

1. Instead of switching classes with different classmates and teachers, the French have one set class of about 30 students. They stay in one classroom and the different subject teachers come to them instead. This gives you a stronger bond/connection with your classmates, considering you are literally with them all day, unlike schools in the US. 
2. The math and science in France is completely more advanced than in America. This is definitely a fact in Asia and many European countries. I even had a German friend telling me that Math was her easiest subject in America, while she struggled with math in Germany. Many Asians from Asia say the same. 
3. French school lunches are actually really good compared to American lunches. A typical French school lunch would consist of a main coarse, milk, drinks, followed by yogurt and fruit, and even dessert if you're up for it! Food is a big part of culture in France so it's heavily emphasized. In addition, food is seen as a polite gesture as well. 
4. Students get 2 hours of lunch and recess combined. Say what? Most American high schools don't even have recess and lunch is shoved in 45 minutes! The French value outside interaction and exercise. During recess, all kids are required to go outside with no excuses. However, this means the French's typical school day is extended, compared to Americans. 
5. Kids take public transportation to school. There are no "school busses". Public transportation is a French kid's second nature, whereas most suburban American kids have never even taken public transport in their lives before.



Photo of the catholic school in Lyon. Looks nothing like schools in the US!

Kids in France- 

1. LOVE AMERICA. Yes, you read that right. The stereotype that the French hate us is totally wrong. French teens love American pop culture and see America as a country they'd like to work and possibly live in. 
2. Love brands such as Abercrombie and Hollister. This is also an Asian thing as well. I was wearing a Hollister jacket with an eagle and this French girl traced the eagle and said "ohhhhh Hollister"! 
3. French boys are typically shorter compared to average teen boys in the US. Maybe they haven't hit their growth spurts yet? 
4. French kids are very willing and generous to help you if you seem lost or confused. 
5. Nutella is basically breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner. The French love that stuff. 

Things you need to buy/try in France- 

1. Carambars- They are a type of French candy that is the best candy ever. They come in fruit or caramel flavors. They are shaped like tootsie rolls. 
2. Baguettes- It tastes great eating it alone. Many French people do so. 
3. Try all the pastry you can- It's all delicious!
4. Chestnut yoghurt. Not sure if this is a typical thing but it's delicious!

Be Alert!- 

1. Keep your bags closed and on you at all times. Don't leave your phone on a rack even if you're browsing through that rack. I lost my iPod in France, most likely because I left it unattended. Still to this day I don't know where it is. 
2. People will pocket pick you in France when you least expect it. Trust no one. 
3. Right when you get off the tour bus and are outside the louvre, mobs of men will come up to you, trying to sell you Eiffel tower key chains. This may scare many Americans, but they're just trying to make money. Do buy the key chains from them, however and bargain! They are much cheaper than the exact key chains you buy in the riffle tower. 

Host Family Life- 

My host family included the mom, dad, 11 year old sister, 4 year old brother, and my partner, a 13 year old boy. They were super nice and welcoming up to the point where I didn't want to leave! My host sister had a birthday party and I got to see what French girls did at sleepovers, which is quite similar to Americans! Though communication will be hard due to language barrier, don't let that stop you from interacting with them! They want to get to know you better too! Do small tasks, such as putting the dishes away, etc. Since my host brother was only 4, it was really easy to talk to him using the simple French I knew. He was so cute. My host mom and partner also adopted a new dog when I was there! The dad was totally against it, but he wouldn't have flipped with me and the grandparents around! I even helped name the dog! How cool is that? That experience really made me feel part of the family! We had lots of movie nights, where we switch the languages between French and English with subtitles. French families are very warm and welcoming. I've even mastered the cheek kissing techniques! 

Tips- 

1. Don't buy things in the Eiffel tower. They are overpriced. Instead, you will find identical items for much cheaper in kiosks all over Paris. 
2. French outlet plugs differ from American ones. You will need to buy an outlet adapter. 
3. Bargaining is a thing for souvenirs. Do it because you won't ever do that in America. 
4. Learn a little bit of French. This will make your trip more smooth, considering most French people don't speak much English. 
5. Don't expect everyone to speak English because that will get you on the annoying tourist list. You are in France, and they speak French there. 
6. You will be kissed on the cheek by people you don't know. You should do the same back. Typically, I do 2 kisses, one on each cheek. I was shocked when given my first cheek kiss, by most host mother but I got used to it! 

Photos of My Trip- 

We were required to wear these hoodies LOL

View of Lyon, France. It's absolutely breathtaking in person!