France Getting to know France and its culture for Pierre! By Tom Brown

Greetings & Courtesies Salut! (Hi), Bonjour! (Good day) When Pierre comes to our home, he is a guest but he will become part of our family. Knowing a few words in French is cool, because the French take a lot of pride in their language. Here’s what to expect: He will give a single light handshake to the men He will give the ladies two or three kisses on the cheeks No Mr. or Mrs., he’ll use our first names He may say, “Ca va?” (How goes it?) and we reply, “Ca vas bien” (It goes well) When saying goodbye, we say “Au revoir” 2 Bonjour. Digital image. Julia Kawaii, n.d. Web..

Exchange Rate/ Currency While Pierre is in the US, he will have to use US dollars rather than European Union “Euros”. The Euro is worth more than a dollar, about $1.12, so he will make money every time he exchanges money. The Euro paper money is pretty and is accepted all over Europe. They also have coins (cents). 3 Currency. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.

Immunization Requirements Pierre had to check that he has US required vaccines. Good news! They are the same requirements for the US, as France: Required: None Recommended: Hepatitis B Rabies vaccination recommended for travelers who may come into contact with bats Routine: MMR DPT 4 Immunization Certificate. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.

HealthCare in France France has public healthcare, run by their Health Ministry. Many countries in Europe have Public Healthcare and France’s is one of the world’s best. They deliver quality, have many doctors and everybody gets it for free…even the poor and unemployed! A US citizen needs overseas health insurance to use in France and Pierre will buy health insurance for international students while here in the US. 5 Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May

Transportation There are more than 30,000 km (18,600 miles) of national roads in France and driving through the French countryside is pretty. But in the cities, most people use public transportation. There are big airports but the best way to get to France from other countries in Europe is the train (the TGV is awesome). There are taxis & busses, but #1 in Paris is the Metro! The metro is one of the best and goes everywhere. Metro Map. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May

Climate France has different seasons just like Baltimore The north is like here but in the south, they have mountains (the French Alps), and also beaches on the southern coast near the Mediterranean. Pierre should be comfortable because it’s not that different than his home. Spring is pretty in France and temperatures are in the 60s & 70s Summer is hot but not as hot and humid as Baltimore! Fall is very rainy – sounds like it stinks! Winter is not too cold in Paris & most snow is only in the mountains 7

Government in France France is a “Republic” and has been since the French Revolution. There is a constitution, and the Executive Branch has a president (Francois Hollande) a Prime Minister (Manuel Valls) and a cabinet. The legislative branch is Parliament – the elected National Assembly and French Senate The judicial branch has national and local courts. France is known for it’s mixed population and open immigration policy. Sometimes there’s tension, like when the magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked for making fun of Prophet Muhammad. Though 12 people were killed, France is still committed to free speech. 8 Logo of France. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.

Internet & Technology France hates censorship and is committed to freedom of opinion, expression and access online. France believes in privacy rights too and a secure online environment. France is also active in the fight against cybercrime and cyber security issues. The French are online and tuned in, so Pierre should be comfortable. About 84% of France’s population is online and over half are active on Social Media. Almost everyone is using a cell or smart phone, (over 64 million) and almost half have mobile social media! 9 We Are Social. Digital image. Blog Du Modérateur. N.p., 21 Jan Web. 12 May 2015.

National Holidays Since Pierre is coming July 1 st, it will be his first time celebrating 4 th of July. In France, the most important is Bastille Day on July 14 th. It celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris that marked the beginning of the French Revolution – it ended the monarchy. It’s huge, with parades, parties and celebrations…it’s their Independence Day! 10 Digital image. Global Warrior. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.

French Etiquette Not everyone wishes they were an American! When Pierre arrives, we must try to use proper etiquette during meals, especially because the French are the “top of the food chain”! Here are some basics: Don’t stuff your face but try everything Do keep your hands on the table and elbows are really OK Do wait for the host to make the toast Do put your napkin in your lap, but only after the hostess does Do tear bread into bite size pieces Do work utensils from outside in Do keep conversation light, warm and fun We will enjoy hosting Pierre who will share his culture with us, as we share ours with him! 11 Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May

Citations The Global Road Warrior. "France: Country Snapshot." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Greetings and Courtesies." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Currency Overview." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Holidays and Festivals." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Subway." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Climate." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May Rochefort, Harriet W. "Dos & DON'Ts." The Franco-American Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May Masson, Kari. "Rules of Table Etiquette in France." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Immunization." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May The Global Road Warrior. "France: Health Care System." The Global Road Warrior. World Trade Press. Web. 12 May "French Political Geography." Infoplease. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, n.d. Web. 12 May "Europe: France." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 12 May "LiveAs It Happened: Charlie Hebdo Attack." As It Happened: Charlie Hebdo Attack. Bbc.com, n.d. Web. 12 May "Freedom and Fundamental Rights on the Internet." France Diplomatie. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May "European Union Internet Usage and Population Stats." European Union Internet Usage and Population Stats. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May "Mobile Phone Users in France | Forecast." Statista. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May