What Shocked Me When I Moved From France To The U.S.
We experience culture shock when we encounter things that are different from what we are used to. Whether it is the aesthetics of the cities or the way the people eat, we are sure to encounter differences when we discover a foreign country.
The work mentality in France, for example, nowadays, is to work less to live better, while in the US, it is to work more to earn more. I would like to share with you what I have discovered to be the big differences between the U.S. and France.
Student life
During my college years, I had the experience of studying in France and in the United States. In both cases, I was living with friends. And in both situations, everyone I knew was a hard worker but also a partier, so the day was busy, and the evening was often quite lively.
In France, I was dedicated to cooking for the whole group except on weekends. My other roommates did the housework, like washing dishes or vacuuming. The housing was in a not very stable state, if not deplorable (remember, this was the first time everybody was experiencing living far from their parents.) Our way of living together often times lacked organization, but nevertheless, we all gathered at the same time in the evening at the table.
15 minutes before the meal was served at the table, I would warn my roommates by text, and they would arrive on time. We didn’t have many special stories to share, but the tradition of us all eating together at the same time continued until the end of the school year.
In the U.S., I still cooked, but only for myself, and everyone did their own thing when any mealtime came. My American roommate was happy to try French food, but there was a certain distance due to cultural differences. Thinking that I was putting in so much effort, maybe he felt guilty.
It is true that during my time studying abroad, I spent less time in the kitchen because of the busier homework workload compared to school life in France, but it is certain that I took much more time for cooking than my roommate did. The only time I saw him in the kitchen was in the morning with his toast and in the evening taking a microwavable meal out from its packaging. Anyway, I had just as much fun, I had unforgettable moments in both countries, but I still remember the contrast.
Long lunch breaks
The big difference is that the French take time to eat, much more than Americans. Lunch breaks, for example, are very important in France.
Employees and schoolchildren usually spend an hour or more taking time to eat. Whether it is in a company, at school, or at home, we spend at least half an hour at the table. And the rest of the time, we talk, we have a coffee, and we socialize. This time spent does not defend the stereotype that the French are slackers, but it is one of the French habits that allow us to stay healthy. So the habit is cherished! Everyone takes the time to eat, whether you are a child, a student, or an adult. And by talking in between, by waiting for others to pass from appetizers to the main dish to the dessert, we naturally eat less.
Which culture do I prefer?
There is even scientific research that proves that we get fuller faster by eating more slowly and that it is healthier to take the time to eat [1]. There is a whole physical benefit, but for me, I spend time eating just to enjoy the meal.
After that, I have to admit that, for me, an hour-and-a-half lunch break is not necessary. Especially since it is not because the French spend more time at the table that they are more sociable and interesting. In the U.S., I remember that instead of spending time at the table, I was more often with my American friend at the gym, riding the same bus, and the conversation was definitely more entertaining. I was able to cherish the time with him away from the table. And I guess that’s what Americans do too.
For example, in the U.S., on average, people work from 9 am to 5 pm, while in France, employees are at work from 8 am to 5:30 pm. If I had the choice, I would have chosen to work in the U.S. and spend more time with my family rather than with colleagues discussing the news.
However, I want to find a balance. I don’t think I can implement the American culture by not taking the time to eat. I could never see myself eating at the office while working, munching at a microwavable meal while looking at my computer screen. I could never see myself eating while walking to save time. But I also can’t see myself taking such a long break at the table or with coffee instead of spending time with my family. I’m always in a dilemma of trying to balance cultures. What about you? What is your mentality regarding mealtime?
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