I'm an American teen going to France alone this summer, any advice?

Question

Hey, I'm visiting France (Normandie) alone this summer for a month to study at a French Learning Program and I'm totally nervous. I'm mainly concerned about doing something wrong and being labeled another "rude American." I want to fit in as much as possible and offend as little people as possible. I understand to try to speak French when you can (I already speak a little) and not to gawk at the sites or anything...but what else? I've heard a lot about not dressing like an American (tourist) is a good thing--but what does this mean exactly? I shouldn't wear any mini skirts??? What SHOULD I wear? What's in fashion for teens in France? Also, just any advice or suggestions about behavior in general would be so great and anything else I should know-I really want to do this trip right. Thanks guys.

Oh extra note: I'll be staying with a French family as well. Advice? Suggestions?

Answer 1

Good for you! You will have a great time, and your French will be so much better when you get back. As far as trying to fit, it seems like you know the basics. The French really don't bare a lot of skin for the most part. This is why staying away from shorts and miniskirts will help detract unwanted attention from you. You will notice that even in the summer, many people will be wearing light jackets. And trust me, it is not cold enough for a jacket, it is just style. Wear what you feel most comfortable in. Most French teens have an ecclectic fashion sense. One thing I have noticed is that they don't tend to wear many tennis shoes/sneakers/running shoes. Bonne chance!

Answer 2

Don't be nervous, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Just remember that in the US you probably have the highest standards of customer service in the world (in terms of shops and restaurants, cafes). Waiters in Europe and particularly France expect to receive respect. This is where the whole US tourist in France problems arises: An american tourist makes a special request for something that isn't on the menu, or for something to be prepared slightly differently (just as they do back home, where the friendly waiter is happy to accept their request), in France they don't like this though, it comes over as being disrespectful, as if the menu was not good. The French waiter then gets annoyed, and is less friendly to the american tourist.

My advice in one sentence: Just order something from the damn menu! :-)

Answer 3

The french are not as bad as people make them out to be. i just came back from paris and loved it. a couple of tips if you've never been there before:

Learn small phrases like thanks, where is..., do you know what time..., excuse me, could you repeat that please.

Never walk around as if you have no idea where you are, like looking up alot or trying to find steet signs, walking around with a map.

Where a small backpack only when needed.

Know where not to go, rough areas. Don't be afraid to ask the family you staying with.

French aren't a very chatty culture and talk only when essential. Avoid chatting up or you'll just get a cold shoulder.

French are good dresser and very fashion based culture. Summer is not as hummid as america but just as hot. Try linen pants with matching jacket and shirt. I'm not a girl so i don't know.

Avoid staring and giving in to beggars.


Hope your not put off and hope it'll be a great experience.

Answer 4

Normandie is near the water so be prepared for cold and very windy weather. Also, don't wear tennis shoes 'cause they're also a sign of being an American. Nothing with an American flag on it. And stay away from fast-food places 'cause Americans tend to gravitate toward them. You might want to keep some extra tissue on you for the bathroom because some are pretty bad--depending on where you are.

Answer 5

I'm going to France this summer as well, for 2 weeks. I'm 18, never flown on a plane or been out of the USA. Oh, and I'm going alone too. I don't know a word of French. I'm staying with my aunt and uncle, but still, I'm sooo scared! What if I get lost at an airport, since I've never been in one? I'm glad you asked this question, because I've learned a lot! Good luck, and I'm in the same boat as you!

Answer 6

I stayed in CHartres France for three weeks when I was thirteen. I stayed with a family and I was always very very nice to them. The family was horrible, the girl my age was very rude and called me fat. But, I was not fat. anwyays the father made me kiss him every night. He was really creepy and everyone else in the family was rude too. I believe you aren't supposed to wear tank tops. They frown on that. Most teens over there where the same outfit for two weeks. They also where lots of neutrals with one bright piece. Like jeans, a black tee, and really cute shoes or a bright belt. The teens over there are generally more fashion forward then teens here. Anyways, good luck, don't over think it and HAVE FUN! Normandie is sooo cool.

Answer 7

Learn conversational French!!
Dress like they do!
Start reading the newspapers and study the town maps, use google earth to see the neighborhood youll be in
watch french tv
Bring a Aiptek Digital Camcorder they are both cameras and small videos

Answer 8

They kinda dress american, but a little more dressy. Like they will wear nice shoes with jeans. It is not their custom to smile at strangers, so don't think that they are rude, they only smile to friends and family. Americans smile just to be polite.
Try new cultural experinces.
The first floor is really tha second floor, by american standards. THEIR first floor is called a lobby or ground floor. Try not to get confused with this.
I'm going to france and Italy also. I'm going with EF tours, but your going alone.
Europe is safer for like hitch hikers and all.

Answer 9

Hi! just being concerned about not wanting to look American is a point for you! he he
Try finding out about french culture, like presidents, important dates, names and what they eat in the region, the kind of wine they have.. wait you a minor.. not wine...bread, or cheese!!..

Stay out of fast food places.. avoid Starbucks or McDonald's,

Try to be absorbed in France...breathe a new experience!!!
french people hate stereotypes-- so just be yourself! and you'll be OK! be nice.. ask questions about their way of life! -
--enjoy it is a really cool experience!
fashion wise-- they secretly want to be American.. but are much more elegant at least in Paris..

GOOD LUCK!! take lots of pictures, don't be embarrassed about looking like a tourist! they probably know you are a tourist anyways!

Answer 10

Basically, there's nothing you can do, if they know you're American then they think you're low class. Even if you speak French (and they can detect an American accent) then you're still low class over there.