As the heart (ooh la la) of Europe, France really needs no introduction.
The motherland of baguettes, macarons and mimes is already world famous, but there is more to France than just mouth watering pastries and striped shirts.
By understanding more about our French students’ lives back home, it will help you gain insight into their culture and background and prepare you for a successful hosting experience.
Let’s start by learning about what’s typical in French communication, home life, education
and food, as described by our programme participants.
Educational system
In France, the secondary school day begins around 8:30 am, includes a two-hour lunch break and lasts until 5 pm.
Students begin learning their first foreign language around age nine, though some students begin even earlier.
In France, students cannot choose their subjects as there are few options.
English is the most common foreign language and it is required that all students study it.
French students may play sports in school, but only two to three hours per week.
They are not allowed to choose the sport.
Should they want to practice more or select a specific sport, they join a club outside of school.
The final grading system in secondary schools is simply “pass” or “fail.”
Communication style
The French tend to be reserved and private.
Politeness is valued and using the French term for “please” is commonplace.
Though when a person disagrees with what you are saying, they most likely will tell you right away.
This is normal and not perceived as rude.
When greeting, women generally touch cheeks and “kiss the air.”
Men only kiss the cheeks of close friends or relatives.
The French language is slow to evolve, as it is considered sacred and cherished.
Hugging may be considered more intimate than kissing in France.
Food habits
Lunch is generally eaten around 1 pm, and dinner is not before 8 pm.
Families generally eat dinner together and enjoy sharing a meal.
Gastronomy is an important part of French cultural heritage.
Many families gather on Sundays to share a big lunch together.
The French tend to resist foreign fast food because they see it as unhealthy.
They also have concerns about France’s decreasing farming industry.
French people enjoy eating bread with each meal.
Desserts are also a staple in French food culture and it is unusual for people to finish lunch or dinner without a sweet treat.
Home life
French families generally have two or three children.
Grandparents play an important role in French families; they often care for grandchildren while the parents are working.
Football and rugby are popular sports in France.
The annual Tour de France cycling race and the French Open tennis tournament are popular national events.
The country is known for having an excellent public transportation system.
Most people use the underground subway and tramways.
The French value their appearance and place a high degree of attention on their attire.