Cultural integration seminar: a window on French Culture

INTRODUCTION

• WHAT IS “CULTURE “? : Developing awareness of cultural differences
• Exploring the participant’s first impressions when dealing with French people

CONTRASTING CULTURAL VALUES

Exploring the participant’s cultural differences (based on the research of Trompenaars and Hofsted as well as on a variety of questionnaires and exercices)

THE ROOTS OF FRENCH CULTURE

• School system : Team spirit, individualism
• The “French arrogance”
• Children : the “French way” of raising a child
• Friendship
• The couple
• Women in French society

LIVING IN FRANCE

• Communication patterns, listening habits, audience expectations
• The personal space, French homes
• Punctuality, etiquette : tu/vous, use of the first name, dress code, humour
• Manners, topics of conversation
• Guideline for invitations and entertaining
• Practical information : the medical system, visiting the doctor, paying bills

CONCLUSION

• Invigorating attributes of the Côte d’Azur
• Where to go
• What to see
• Answering some practical questions