Since my arrival, I have experienced numerous differences within the culture and ways of life here. It is interesting to observe the infinite aspects that are so fundamental to the day to day customs in Paris, as they differ greatly from the lifestyle I am used to back in America.
Take, for instance, the concept of transportation. In Paris, everyone takes the metro or rides their bike to work. All ages, genders, races, and people of all social classes utilize the public transportation system. As an American, I believe the public transportation system in place here is very easy to use and quite reliable compared to what we have in America. Most metros arrive in less than 5 minutes, and if you prefer to use a different mode of transport, there are buses and trains at your disposal (in addition to sidewalks and bike lanes for those who have access to a bike). Those who don’t utilize the metro system use their bike as a mode of transport to and from work. It is common to see people, especially middle-aged adults, riding their bikes during the day to go from place to place, which is not something you see often in the States. Additionally, there are sidewalks on every single street, thus, Paris is a very walkable city. Overall, you can efficiently get to where you need to go in this area, and that is something that America lacks, even in its cities. You can see that transportation is absolutely a top priority, not only in France, but all over Europe.
Another notable aspect of French culture that I have observed is the many resources available to students. You can practically get into every museum for free if you are under 26 and a student. In addition, a budget consisting of a set amount of money per year is available to every student in order to purchase books for their studies and leisure. Furthermore, there are multiple cafeterias dispersed around the city that provide lunches for merely a euro (with student ID). While there are absolutely discounts and benefits available to students in America, they are nowhere near as extensive.
There is also a large appreciation for personal time, as relaxation is taken into account for and built into the daily French life. Each day, you are given an hour of downtime to repose when you can have lunch and chat with your coworkers. You are not permitted to work during this hour, as you are encouraged to escape whatever it was you were working on and resume your efforts when the hour is up. Oftentimes, people will go for a walk or sit in a cafe to enjoy an afternoon coffee and observe the activity around them. People watching is a common activity here, and it is something that I myself have begun to partake in during my hour of free time. However, I sometimes make the mistake of smiling at strangers when I observe the people who surround me. In France, it is bizarre to smile at someone you do not know, which is something I am not used to. It is not necessarily about how friendly the person is, it is just not part of the cultural norm to smile at random people, which is a custom I struggle to adhere to.
Circling back to the topic of coffee, something I do miss in America is cold coffee. It has been a struggle to find any iced coffee here, despite how often coffee itself is consumed each day. I often have a coffee after every meal, but it is usually served hot in a small, espresso-sized cup. That being said, I do love the portion sizes given in France. Everything amounts to just the right quantity, and I never feel too full after a meal. Although the meals here usually last longer than what we’re used to in America, the extra time not only allows for better digestion, but also a greater appreciation for what’s in front of us with both the food itself and the social aspect of sharing the experience of eating together.
By immersing myself in a culture that is still somewhat unfamiliar to me, I have found a greater appreciation for both the values that we share and the differences between French and American views. Being in a foreign environment grants me new perspectives and a new idea of what customs are most important within this society.
