VICTORIA DUPRE

Clemson’s Language and International Business curriculum requires students in the major to study abroad. This opportunity for immersion allows for students to embrace their target language and culture. Like many other students, I was eager to experience life abroad for a semester. I was excited to be in a different environment and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I planned to travel abroad in the spring of 2021. As we all know, the entire world and life as we knew it was altered the year before. The chance to study abroad was one of the many opportunities that were unable to come to fruition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was hope within the LAIB community that the number of cases would decrease; meaning some travel restrictions could be lifted. That unfortunately was not the case, and, in the Spring of 2021, Clemson banned all university travel. Though this news was disappointing, I was eventually able to travel to France with close family and friends to experience the beauty of French culture. In the summer of 2022, I traveled throughout the Basque region of France and to the nation’s capital. For the majority of the trip, I stayed in Biarritz. I was able to explore the elegant beach town and connect with its residents. I was also able to visit cities like Bayonne and Bordeaux as well as picturesque villages like Sean-Jean Pied de Port and Espelette.

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Holiday Celebration Styles

We planned our excursions along the Basque coast around France’s independence day, Bastille Day. I was thrilled to experience the festivities of another country’s independence day. Like the United States, the central government in France is closed for this holiday, allowing employees to have the day off. It was clear that people in France were spending the holiday with their families and friends. Throughout the country, there were parades celebrating freedom. During the day,  people in Biarritz celebrated the holiday by spending time at the beach or enjoying lunch outside. That night however it seemed as though the entire city traveled to the Grand Plage to watch the firework display. One distinct difference I noticed during the firework show was that all of the spectators were silent. The colorful bursts of flames in the air were watched in awe. After the show concluded, there then was an eruption of clapping and cheering. This was bizarre at first since in America, people are cheering and clapping throughout firework displays. I realized that the appreciation and patriotism felt by the citizens on France was similar to the sentiments felt by Americans. However the way of expressing one's patriotism and respect was different. The French were silently honoring their country and admiring the beauty of the firework show. For American's, we shout and applaud to show our amusement and admiration of such exhibits.

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Art Appreciation

Another aspect of French culture I find overwhelmingly important is the significance of art and expression. Throughout my time studying French, there has been an emphasis on the deep appreciation for fine arts in French culture. As a country, France prides itself on the collection and preservation of artwork. I have fallen in love with works from French artists like Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Edgar Degas. Because of this, I was thrilled to visit museums and see the historical architecture. Throughout France, there are many museums with all types of artwork; categorized by period, type of art, and artist). I was able to visit the La Ciudad del Vino museum in Bordeaux which exhibited the art of wine and presentation. When in Paris, I was able to visit the Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre, and the Musee de Montmartre. It was amazing to see world-renowned pieces of art as well as modern masterpieces. Again, I saw differences in the way the french behave and express themselves in relation to the ways seen in American culture. It was also eye-opening to see the number of people who also wanted to learn about the period of the work and the biography of the artist. People were paying attention to detail, not walking around aimlessly. The pace of life in France is slower, and people are more prone to stop and appreciate the beauty of art in life. Whereas in American culture, life is thought to be fast paced. Stopping to admire, taking a break, and slowing down is seen as wasting time. I was able to recognize these differences and I only scratched the surface of the art museums that are located in the city.

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The significance of a Meal

One characteristic of French culture that interested me, especially when traveling the country, was the cultural values and norms associated with food. Meal preparation and the time spent eating meals in France contrast greatly with norms in the United States. In the United States, there are grocery stores and superstores that provide customers with every imaginable product. The produce on display can sit there for days, after being transported across the world. In contrast, in French culture, there is an emphasis on seasonally locally grown produce and fresh ingredients. Numerous stores specialize in specific products like; produce markets, meat and protein markets (la Boucherie), dairy products (la cremerie), and pantry food items. When shopping for food items in Biarritz, I noticed the freshness of the products. I had some of the best strawberries I have ever eaten from a farmer’s market near our apartment. I made sure to savor the fresh produce in every bite. Originally, I thought having to go to multiple stores for your groceries would be an inconvenience, however, the French perfectly integrate grocery shopping into their everyday schedules. Frequently shopping at markets with fresh products enhances the quality of every meal made. Another aspect of food that is different in France than it is in the US is the importance of enjoying a meal. When visiting France, I understood the value the French put on the art of cooking. Dining in France is all about the experience. The French believe that Meals are not meant to be rushed, a common idea for some in the US. I realized very quickly that servers in cafes and restaurants were not working off a tip. Restaurant staff for the most part worked as a team to please their guests.

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Business Etiquette and Values 

In taking international marketing and management classes, I developed extensive knowledge regarding the importance of understanding cultural similarities and differences when conducting business. Similar to the United States, France is a highly developed country that participates in international trade and modernization. Both countries also have mixed economies, exhibiting aspects of capitalism and socialism. In France, gender does not play a huge role in management or executive decisions. This idea is becoming more common in the United States.

Some of the main cultural differences Between the United States and France arise from contrasting views on power distance. According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model, France has a higher power distance than the US which means that people are more willing to follow orders from work superiors than employees in the US. An additional difference between the countries involves the importance of work concerning personal identity. Like many other cultures in countries throughout Europe,  the French balance work and personal matters more equally than Americans do. French business professionals value vacation days, flexible work hours, and mental breaks during the workday; like extended lunch breaks for example. With that being said, professionalism is incredibly important in French culture. Aspects like Dress code, verbal and non-verbal communication, and staying on task are all highly valued characteristics of French business culture.

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Studying Language and International Business as well as traveling abroad has enlightened me on differing societies and cultures around the world. This knowledge and my experiences abroad have shown me the significance of cross-cultural awareness from both business and personal perspectives. Many countries around the world have French-speaking citizens and Francophone culture. When conducting business, it is crucial to understand the cultural norms and folkways of the “host” country. I also realized the significance of being proficient in a foreign language. The ability to speak is grown to understand the significance of being able to speak the language of the company you are working for or with creates an immediate connection. It also shows professionalism and respect. Personally, Learning the French language and traveling to France has increased my confidence in my abilities. It is not easy to learn, communicate, or understand a foreign language. My time at Clemson in and out of the classroom has deepened my appreciation for culture and my love of travel.