Making connections in lots of different ways
April 9, 2014
Post written by Bethan Roberts. Hello from a very sunny Chambéry! Life as a Language Assistant is going so quickly, and I will be leaving in just three weeks. It has been a very interesting seven months, with lots of new experiences and situations to deal with, and it is fair to say that I …
My curiosity for the world has been heightened even further, if that was even possible
April 8, 2014
Post written by Rosemary Ash. As the first major part of my year abroad draws to a close I can begin to reflect on the experiences I have had and what they may leave for me even after I finish this chapter. They can be seen as comprising of certain connections, the first unquestionably being …
Not moving in with a French person is perhaps my one regret from the whole year
April 7, 2014
It is with mild shame that I concede that the vast majority of my close friends here in Toulouse speak English. I would argue in my defence that this was in part due to my initial accommodation placement, and the fact that I was one of eight students studying Economics or Law with French from …
Reflecting on the connections I’ve made in France
April 5, 2014
Since my last blog, things have been pretty great. The sun is back in force which has made everyone happy (and some people far too excited, I went to the beach a couple of weekends ago!…). Bordeaux is surrounded by beaches and Montalivet was as beautiful as the rest of them. It is a shame …
Treasuring the here and now
April 4, 2014
Post written by Josephine Adams Even though I’m living somewhere where the temperature is surpassing 20 degrees most of the time, only working a few days a week and enjoying the lack of coursework in my life right now, there’s a certain sadness that’s been catching me unawares for the past few weeks. It isn’t …
Customer service…the greatest cultural challenge
February 12, 2014
There have certainly been some interesting cultural shocks I’ve experienced in my 5 months to date in Toulouse. The most striking is probably the complete divergence in mentality between the UK and France when it comes to customer service. This apparently does not exist in France. In all honesty you get the feeling when walking …
I see challenges as opportunities
February 8, 2014
When we travel we often compare everything to our native traditions or the traditions where we live. During my first semester I cannot say I have experienced any cultural challenges as I was communicating with French people and learning for their culture. I have started experiencing cultural challenges when I started working at zChocolat. As …
Kissing culture, personal space and bad driving
February 7, 2014
Post written by Jasmine Philpott. Living in France has been less ‘challenging’ than I anticipated, firstly because it is almost the same as England, and secondly, in most areas where the two differ, France is better. I suppose there have been a few awkward moments where I am reminded that French people are not the …
The French work to live and do not live to work
February 6, 2014
For me, one of the most intriguing issues surrounding the French culture lies in their mannerisms. They are known as the ‘kissing culture’ and I would be lying if I said I haven’t found the way they greet people difficult at times. For example, on several occasions I have found it too intimate when meeting …
Adapting to the culture is just as important as acquiring the language
February 5, 2014
Post written by Katherine Hughes. With only three months left in France, I honestly don’t know where the time’s gone and I’m already beginning to reminisce and get nostalgic over my experiences here. As I reflect, I suppose it is the cultural differences between England and France that have contributed to the most memorable moments …
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