5 Mistakes Students Make While Studying in France
1. Forgetting to Explore and Discover France
France is roughly the size of Texas and one of the richest, most culturally diverse countries in the world. With cheap flights and an expansive train system, students based in France may feel compelled to travel to as many European countries as they can. It's so affordable, so why not have dinner in Italy and breakfast in Hungary?
While travel throughout Europe is a great idea, don't focus so much on hitting every European highlight. Instead, focus on France. Look closely at your host country and realize that you can do almost anything and everything. From bustling cosmopolitan cities to the tiniest charming village, you'll find something memorable, exciting, or at the very least, delicious...
Still need some encouraging?? Here's a whole bucket list of hidden gems to spark some wanderlust during your study abroad in France
2. Only Hanging Out with Americans
Chances are you'll be studying abroad with some pretty awesome people. Abroad experiences attract people who enjoy being out of their comfort zones and love finding adventure. Sure it's nice to be with other Americans and discuss the similarities and differences between your home and host cultures, but avoid the temptation to hang out exclusively with Americans (or, with folks from wherever you call home, if it's not America).
Your new French friends will prove to be excellent guides to your new home and friends from around the world will provide a sofa to sleep on when you go visit them!
Being an exchange student is an amazing (and fleeting) opportunity to make friends with not only other French students, but people from around the world. Your new French friends will prove to be excellent guides to your new home and friends from around the world will provide a sofa to sleep on when you go visit them! This is a chance to create lifelong relationships and your time in France will be richer for it.
3. Thinking the French are Rude
We've all heard it before - the French are rude and snobby. Every tourist seems to have a story about a rude waiter or a shop clerk who ignored them. Sure, there are some rude people in France, but there are rude people everywhere. On the whole, once you understand some basic French etiquette, you will have a hard time finding more generous people than the French.
Notice that the French tend to not smile as much or as often as Americans, so don't take it personally.
For example, when you enter and leave a store, make eye contact with the clerk and offer a greeting and a thank you. Refrain from talking too loudly. Greet a person before asking for help. Remember that you need to ask for the check at the end of your meal, and don't get annoyed when it takes them a little while to bring it. Notice that the French tend to not smile as much or as often as Americans, so don't take it personally. And of course, practice your French. Even if you're not proficient, they will appreciate your attempts, and possibly even let you know that "le" should be a "la".
4. Paying Full Price
The French love students, almost as much as they love showing off their country and their culture. This means they make experiencing France as affordable as possible. As a student you can get discounts on any and everything, from grocery stores and museums to travel.
For example, there are often substantial discounts on train tickets through SNCF if you are 12-25 years old (such as the Jeune 18-27 railcard). There are even discounts for bus tickets and bike rentals. If you're looking for even cheaper options, consider carpooling. The popular website, Covoiturage makes finding rides across France easy and affordable. A trip from Paris to Lyon, about 60 Euros on the train, can be half as much if you catch a ride with someone through covoiturage.
As you travel and explore, remember that art and history museums and other sites of interest usually have discounts for students. If a particular museum doesn't have enough of a discount, visit them when they're free - nationwide, museums are free every first Sunday of the month. Cinemas and theaters will offer student prices or a loyalty card at a substantial discount. And don't forget about those *must* try foods in France! Many restaurants (especially informal ones) will have student prices or a special menu for students. And remember, even if a special student price isn't advertised, it never hurts to ask, as chances are good they will offer some sort of discount (and you get to practice your French)!
Also, don't forget to check out our 72 killer resources for studying abroad in France!
5. Over Packing
Seriously, do. not. over. pack. When you're prepping for study abroad, you're going to be tempted to bring all your hair products, your 57 favorite shirts, and enough deodorant for six years, but resist! If you pack too much, you'll regret it - and not just because the Paris Metro system is a dark labyrinth of