Beyond practical matters, preparing mentally and culturally enhances your experience:
Understanding French Values
- Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: More than a motto
- Secularism (laïcité) in public life
- Work-life balance priorities
- Intellectual discourse appreciation
Social Norms to Know
- Greeting etiquette (la bise varies by region)
- Meal times and dining culture
- Dress codes (more formal than many countries)
- Privacy and personal space concepts
Building Cultural Bridges
- Learn about French history and current events
- Understand your own cultural biases
- Prepare to be an ambassador for your culture
- Develop curiosity about regional differences