I'm 19 years old and I'm going to Paris for 2 years, but I'm so nervous. I only know the basics to French. Is it hard to pick up the language there? I've heard they're really mean to Americans but I've always wanted to go so I don't want to let it stop me. Are they all going to be that way toward me? I'm going to be alone the first month and I'd like to meet friends . . But if they're all mean to me it's going to make it difficult . . . .
2006-08-21 17:08:09 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ France ➔ Paris
The French are not mean at all. If you are a nice person, who is considerate of those around you, you'll be fine.
So many people dog the french and it's totally undeserved, sure you'll meet people who are jerks, if you walk around the town you live in you will find the same thing.
Some don'ts for you-
Don't be as loud as most americans are, a lot of americans are really loud.
You're there to learn, don't be right about everything, if you disagree, save it for your friends, you will encounter people who will be critical of the US, you would be better off listening and learning than jumping right in with your opinion. You don't have to take crap, but let up on the "I'm American and we're always right" the rest of the world has valid opinions and we tend to ignore them, you would be better served by listening.
Have a great time, you will learn more than you ever thought possible, it will change your life. You will have a great time.
2006-08-21 17:19:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I lived a month in France when I was 16. I really liked Normandy, but I didn't really like Paris. I found that the majority of the people were EXTREMELY rude. There were some nice people, but very few. The reputation that Paris has for being rude to Americans is well-earned in my opinion. I was nice, I didn't look like a tourist (no tennis shoes, etc), and I even spoke a little French and there were still some things that happened that I thought were outlandishly awful!! I don't want to scare you- I just wanted to let you know my opinion. It will be a tremendous learning experience and you will pick up the language quickly (I went in with basic french and came out almost fluent in just a month). Hopefully your experience will be better than mine:) Safe travels!
2006-08-21 17:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by Princess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all you need to go with a POSITIVE attitude and good things will happen...Focus on smiling, being friendly and looking forward to seeing new places and meeting new people. My 28yr old niece moved to Paris this year(because of her job) and she loves it. Get a CD and book of the French language to help you. You'll need to know the basics to get by. There are so many people there that speak English as well. And so many things to see there. Look at it as a great opportunity to explore and be creative. Takes pictures. Visit museums. Try out little sidewalk cafes. Just be a good person with a good attitude and where ever you are, either in the US or in Paris, you'll have fun and meet interesting people. HAVE FUN! Bon Voyage Mademoiselle!
2006-08-21 17:19:04 · answer #3 · answered by ShellRe' 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh, man, I'm so envious.
You will have good times and bad times, just as you would if you had stayed home. Don't let the bad times discourage you. You're doing something that will change your life for the better, and you're fortunate to be doing it at such a young age.
If you speak some French already, you'll be just about fluent in roughly a year. I spoke relatively little when I started doing immersion trips, and I was having conversations in two weeks. If you listen, and you try speaking French, the French people are perfectly nice to Americans.
2006-08-22 02:32:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
*I would not worry about the French being mean because you are from the US but if you are just get a Canadian shirt or sticker for your backpack. I would get a french tape and learn a bit more french. Most countries you will find a great part of the population speak English so the language barrier probably won't be a problem either. Go and have a good time!
2006-08-21 17:21:41 · answer #5 · answered by bany 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you know the basics you will pick the rest in no time as you will be using it all the time and the best way of learning a language is by using it constantly.
do not let the reputation of french people being mean ruin your stay there, if you behave like a human being and not like an idiot they will have nothing on you.
since you will be alone the best way is to be open and talk to people, street vendors, store clerks etc. the more you practice being open and speaking the language the better you will be.
I wish I was 19 and going to france (more importantly europe) for two years
Good Luck and enjoy
2006-08-21 17:13:13 · answer #6 · answered by lportil 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i went on a 3 week trip to fr 5 years ago when i was 17 w/ a group from school. the french that i encountered were not rude. there is an american college in paris, maybe you could contact someone at the college and they could set you up with a group to make some friends to help you learn the ropes of living in paris. otherwise you could find out where kids your age hang out there and just go and introduce yourself to ppl. from my experience most ppl there know english bc they are req to take several language classes in school so even if you just know the basic of french, just about everyone there will know some basic english also, if not more. and don't be shy about speaking french even if you aren't confident in your abilities. if you try to speak it and show that you want to, it will show them that you respect their culture and are wanting to learn their language.
oh yeah and they dont usually use ice in their drinks, so if you like ice in your drink you have to specifically ask for it.
other than that, i don't really have much advice. i wish it was me going there for 2 years. i eventually want to move there one day, if it is in God's plan for me. Just have fun, make the best of it and stay safe. Good luck!
2006-08-24 09:15:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I am french and I live in Paris since 2 years, but I come from Normandie. I understand what you feel because I will go in Australia for 1 year in January. If you are scare, it will be maybe easy to you in a smaller city than Paris. Lyon, Toulouse or Rennes are very nice. There are a lot of young peope because there are university, and many pubs, concert halls...
If you want advices about France, send me a mail...
Good luck
2006-08-21 22:50:43 · answer #8 · answered by paulina 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't woory, there a lot of foreign people at Paris and u are lucky because u speack english...Try to go in pub where there is a lot foreign people (quartier latin). Try to observ people when u come, u must try to live like a french guy to be well integrated.
We certainly speack with u about Bush and american way of life : try to understand their opinion . U will play an important role because u will certainly change some french's opinion about US.
And try to travael in France it's a very beautifull coutry!!!
And u will see after some wine glasses and cheese u will have a lot of friends...
2006-08-21 20:46:38 · answer #9 · answered by Hélène 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No reason to worry at all ... It may be a culture choc for sure but you'll get along fine and pick up French as you go. No one is mean to Americans in particular unless they make absolutely no effort to speak French, even to say "bonjour" so enjoy it.
2006-08-22 03:03:32 · answer #10 · answered by olivia s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋