To be honest with you, I never fit into the French culture, but it didn't stop me to try it. When you want to live the culture, taste the culture and drink the culture, live and drink and eat the same things as Frenchs do. You can apply it to any other country and feel the difference.
Of course, French supermarkets and stores offer the European goods as well but the range of goods will persuade you to try their amazing variations of flavors and tastes. Not to mention wine! I'm a big fan of wine, therefore you can imagine, France was a mekka of wine for me. I tried the large variety of red wines (my favorite).
I live the city. Early in the morning or late at the night...I have seen all its forms. Paris has dozens of secret non-tourist places, hidden gardens and beautiful streets.
So yes, I suppose, I settled pretty quickly. On the other hand, as Paris is quite big city, I was scared of going home alone or take a taxi because even taxi driver could be weird man behind the steering wheel. I kind of always went with someone, my friend or so with a pepper spray in my right palm. Fear is a natural human reaction.
I'm originally from Czech Republic, it reminds me funny moments when I tried to explain to Frenchs that my country is not Czechoslovakia anymore and why.They all loved Prague and there are many direct flights everyday between Paris and Prague. So I have to say, they were happy to hear I'm from the country they visit, often.
The majority of my classmates were international people from South Africa, Israel, Canada, USA, Russia, Serbia, Germany etc. talking about my originality was no problem for me and neither for them.
The exchange program helped me to feel less uncomfortable with different cultures from all over the world. I've met people from war areas such as Syria and they were pretty cool, I've met Muslim people and they are my friends now. Equality of the people is valuable part of my life now.
Of course, French supermarkets and stores offer the European goods as well but the range of goods will persuade you to try their amazing variations of flavors and tastes. Not to mention wine! I'm a big fan of wine, therefore you can imagine, France was a mekka of wine for me. I tried the large variety of red wines (my favorite).
I live the city. Early in the morning or late at the night...I have seen all its forms. Paris has dozens of secret non-tourist places, hidden gardens and beautiful streets.
So yes, I suppose, I settled pretty quickly. On the other hand, as Paris is quite big city, I was scared of going home alone or take a taxi because even taxi driver could be weird man behind the steering wheel. I kind of always went with someone, my friend or so with a pepper spray in my right palm. Fear is a natural human reaction.
I'm originally from Czech Republic, it reminds me funny moments when I tried to explain to Frenchs that my country is not Czechoslovakia anymore and why.They all loved Prague and there are many direct flights everyday between Paris and Prague. So I have to say, they were happy to hear I'm from the country they visit, often.
The majority of my classmates were international people from South Africa, Israel, Canada, USA, Russia, Serbia, Germany etc. talking about my originality was no problem for me and neither for them.
The exchange program helped me to feel less uncomfortable with different cultures from all over the world. I've met people from war areas such as Syria and they were pretty cool, I've met Muslim people and they are my friends now. Equality of the people is valuable part of my life now.