Studying abroad in the city of lights: Cultural immersion

If you're thinking about studying abroad, Paris is the perfect place to go. Known as the city of lights, it has a rich history, vibrant culture and stunning architecture that will inspire you in ways you never imagined. 

From the famous Eiffel Tower to the renowned Louvre Museum, there's so much to see and do in this amazing city. You'll also find a thriving art scene, delicious food and lively nightlife, ensuring you'll always have new experiences to enjoy. 

Whether you're studying French language and culture or pursuing a different degree, studying abroad in Paris will allow you to immerse yourself in a new culture, make lifelong friends and gain valuable skills and experiences that will stay with you for years to come. 

So why wait? Experience the rich French culture while studying abroad in the city of lights! 

Studying abroad? Learn cultural immersion

Cultural immersion means blending into another culture, engaging with the locals and grasping their way of life. Whether you're studying abroad in Paris for a year or just for a short break, there are various tips to enhance your experience and gain a deeper understanding of your host country.

Here are some suggestions to help you fully immerse yourself while studying abroad:

1. Prepare for the experience

First and foremost, it's a good idea to plan your trip before you move to France. Learn about the history and customs, talk to French people you know and ask them questions to get to know the French culture better.

2. Understand French values

The French national motto "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” represents the fundamental principles of French society. Equality and unity hold significant importance. These values are often seen as defining what it means to be 'French'. Many believe that equality and fraternity demonstrate the unity of the French people. The motto originated during the French Revolution of 1789 and became part of the 1958 French constitution.

3. Know the etiquette, courtesy and greetings

French people value politeness, which is shown through early friendliness and formality. Saying "Bonjour" is crucial for politeness in France. Whether entering a shop, a classroom or greeting someone, always remember to say 'Bonjour' to avoid appearing rude. In formal settings, 'Bonjour' is usually followed by a handshake, while in more informal situations, it may be 'les bises' or cheek kisses. These customs have been influenced by the global pandemic and may evolve over time, but they remain traditional ways of greeting in French culture.

4. Recognise communication style

French is a precise language, making it hard not to be straightforward. It encourages precision in communication. However, French communication styles can vary from being direct to implicit. As a student, you might need to ‘read between the lines’. If unsure, it's best to ask questions in any situation.

5. Know the difference between “vous” & “tu” 

Unlike English, French has two ways to say "you," depending on the level of formality and the person you're addressing. "Vous" is formal and reflects hierarchy, which is important in French culture and social interactions. "Tu" is informal and used with friends and family. It's generally best to start a conversation with the formal "vous" when speaking to someone you don't know or your professor, to show respect for politeness and formality.

6. Debate

French people enjoy discussing and debating ideas, social issues and current events—it's a big part of their lifestyle. They see it as an intellectual activity and like to consider different perspectives to build on their overall understanding. Be ready to have lengthy discussions and show respect for the French viewpoint, even if it's different from yours. When you express yourself, be logical and avoid contradicting yourself.

Want to experience cultural immersion in Paris?

If you want to study in the city of lights, then your search ends here. Ecole de Management Applique (EMA) is a well-known institution offering a range of academic degrees, including undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, DBA and PhD programmes in Applied Management. Their focus areas include finance, law, economics and arts. Located in the centre of Paris, EMA provides these programmes in both French and English languages.

Click here for more information.