1. Cultural competency: A Crash Course
Versailles Orientation 2018
NDB and WGA

2. Two particularities of our program
Familles d’acceuil = Is the French term for “host family” AND “foster family”
You are not a guest, but a “foster” child. They want to know where you are what you’re doing, when you’ll be home.
Classes and absences. These are professeurs particuliers in every since of the word (« private » and « particular »). Unless you are truly sick, you cannot miss class. The teachers think of themselves as giving you special lessons and essential knowledge. They will take it personally if you are not there.

3. Two rules to thrive
1st rule : The French are all about respect. Respect for people, respect for tradition, respect for space, respect for food.
2nd rule: Think of yourself as a cultural spy. You want to fit in and understand them in their natural habitat. You don’t want them to throw merde at you.

4. With a partner discuss what you know already about these different subjects. Compare the United States with France. If you’re not sure, that’s okay!
1.) La vie en famille
Talking politics
Dressing while at home
Personal spaces (bedroom, bathroom)
Using resources (water, electricity, gas)
Vouvoyer vs tutoyer (first names vs. last names)
2.) la vie en ville
Bonjour / hi
“the customer is always right” / <<le client est roi.>>
Bank card vs cash
What we wear in public
Eating and drinking (water!) in public.
Browsing
Correcting a foreigner’s grammar or accent
Public toilets
3.) Oh là là
Eye-contact
Smiling
La bise
Inviting a wo/man into your personal space.
Accepting an invitation to meet a wo/man in his/her space.
Making French friends

5. Personal spaces (bedroom, bathroom)
The French talk politics at dinner and will ask you about the US. They can be blunt and expect (and appreciate) some gentle sparring. Engaging in conversation is a sign of respect.
1.) La vie en famille
Talking politics
Dressing while at home
Personal spaces (bedroom, bathroom)
Using resources (water, electricity, gas)
Vouvoyer vs tutoyer (first names vs. last names)
The French do not do “lounge” wear. You should dress in the house as you would in the city.
Bedrooms are private spaces. Only enter spaces you have been specifically invited into (including the kitchen). Doors remain shut.
The French are frugal, and utilities are expensive. They tend to take “military” showers and always turn off lights when exiting rooms.
Families use “tu” with each other. You should use ”vous” with the mother and father, unless invited to do otherwise. “tu” with the children and teenagers.

6. “the customer is always right” / <<le client est roi.>>
Always say “bonjour” when entering a store.
A business is an extension of the personal space. You are entering their domain.
2.) la ville en ville
Bonjour / hi
“the customer is always right” / <<le client est roi.>>
bank card vs cash
What we wear in public
Eating and drinking (water!) in public.
Correcting a foreigner’s grammar or accent
Browsing
Public toilets
Small shops and restaurants do not like bank cards, especially for small purchases. Restaurants do not split checks.
Dress like the locals : neutral colors, usually dark blues and black. No leggings / leisure wear (unless you’re working out). No flipflops. Avoid baseball caps. These all scream, “I’m American!”
Don’t
The French think they are doing you a favor by correcting your accent or grammar. It’s meant to be helpful. Take it in stride.
Je me renseigne / oh…je ne sais pas encore. Je peux regarder un peu?
Few and far between. No toilet paper. Often co-ed

7. Inviting a wo/man into your personal space.
4.) Oh là là
Eye-contact
Smiling
La bise
Inviting a wo/man into your personal space.
Accepting an invitation to meet a wo/man in his/her space.
Making friends
Eye contact is a type of flirtation, as is smiling. You will be approached if the person is interested.
Absolutely required at a party, meeting of friends, both entering and leaving. Probably with host family in the morning.
Entering or inviting a wo/man into your personal space, especially one-on-one, will be understood as a sexual advance. Make sure your intentions are clear when interacting with potential love interests/ friends.
Because of the social codes, French people sometimes come off as cold or distant. It takes a little work to make friends, but can be done usually over an activity. Et si on allait chercher un café un de ces quatre?