The CILFA winter session is coming to an end. To mark the occasion, the students in Group B1 decided to write an article sharing their impressions of their adopted country: France.
To start with, here are a few stereotypes!
The students in Group B1 share with you their perspectives on France!
I’ve been living in France for six months. When I first arrived, I was very surprised to see that students had access to smartphones at school. However, in my country, their use is completely prohibited. I think this is due to the rapid development of new technologies, which are more common in Europe than in my country.
Calista, Sri Lanka/India
When I arrived in France, I was very surprised by the healthcare system, and especially by how doctors’ offices operate. For example, doctors don’t have medical assistants. To have blood drawn, you have to go to a lab, whereas in Germany, you can have blood drawn right at the doctor’s office. In addition, everyone needs two health insurance cards.
Nathalie, Germany
When I arrived in France, I was really surprised by the meal routine, especially dinner. I knew that cheese and bread were very popular here, but I thought the idea that all French people eat them every day was just a stereotype. In reality, however, cheese is eaten after main meals (especially dinner) with bread. After that, many French people always eat fruit to end dinner on a sweet note.
Anne, Poland/Kenya
Before moving to France, I lived in the United States, where customs and traditions are completely different. When I moved to this region, what surprised me most were the friendliness, politeness, and respect. In my opinion, there is a big difference between the standard of living and quality of life in France compared to Argentina because the economic and political situation has been more stable for years.
Esteban, Argentina
When I arrived in France, I found that everyone was really polite. When I walked down the street, some people would say “bonjour!” to me spontaneously. I think I was a little surprised because it’s not the same in South Africa. It’s a very pleasant custom, and France seems to be a friendly country.
Amber, Africa of the South
When I arrived in France, I was really surprised because of three things:
First of all, when I took the bus in Paris, there was a big dog on board. I was really shocked. In Korea, it’s forbidden to take public transportation with a dog.
Second, the stores close around 8 p.m., whereas, in my country, the stores are usually open every day and 24 hours a day.
Third, there are no buses on Sunday in Annecy whereas there are in my country, there are plenty. One day, I had to walk home on my own on foot…
Narae, South Korea
I’ve been in France for a year. When I first arrived here, I found it to be really different from my country. For example, there were a lot of small buildings, and all the French people loved cheese. Since the French often go on strike, public transportation doesn’t always run. And stores are closed every Sunday.
Yuting, China
