Guide to Meeting People on Your Study Abroad

Post written by Ambassador Abroad, Olovia, who participated in our High School Abroad Program in France for a Academic Semester!

One of the best aspects of participating in a high school abroad program is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. However, it can be hard to find and make those friendships. Since being in Toulouse, France, for about a month, I’ve met so many cool and different people, but it hasn’t always been easy to make connections.

What It's Like to Meet People in France vs. the U.S.

There’s a stereotype that French people are rude or unwelcoming, but honestly, that’s not true! People here are actually very kind; it’s just that they tend to be more direct or honest, which can be a bit jarring at first as a foreign exchange student. So, when you meet someone new, try to approach the interaction with an open mind. It’s not meant to be rude; it’s just a cultural difference.

In the U.S., we’re used to chatting with strangers more freely. In France, people tend to stick to their circle and are less likely to initiate conversations with strangers. But that’s totally okay! Sometimes, you just have to make the first move. Step out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself as an exchange student, and chances are they’ll be happy to talk to you.

One thing that was definitely new for me was “la bise”. In France, to greet people, you lean and touch cheeks- and make a kissy noise. In Toulouse, it's two kisses, one on each cheek; however, it can change depending on where you are. You might do it with your host family or even your friends. I know it feels super intimidating at first, but it gets easier the longer you’re here.

Another thing I’m still getting used to is the way respect is shown in everyday conversations. When meeting your host family or other adults, it’s polite to start with vous (the formal "you"). They’ll let you know if or when you can switch to tu (the informal "you"). With people your age, though, you never use vous, it's always tu.

How To Meet New People?

In France, you're usually in classes with the same group of students all year—sometimes the class is split in half for certain subjects. It is a good idea to introduce yourself to the people in your class because you’ll see them every day. And they can help you with homework or settling in.

Another thing I recommend is connecting with any other exchange students at your school. It really helps to introduce each other to the people you meet. Besides CIEE exchange students, there may be others from different programs. For example, at my school, there’s also a German exchange student, and it’s been easy to become friends!

French schools may have some clubs, although they're usually not as big or as common as in the U.S. My school has a music club and a Model United Nations (MUN) club. It’s definitely a good idea to sign up for clubs—especially MUN, which is in English. It’s a great way to meet people who also speak English and to form bonds.

On Wednesdays, there's also the option to stay after school for sports, which is another great way to meet people. Also, there are local activities organized in your town. And of course, you’ll always have your host family and the other exchange students around to support you!

Conclusion

All in all, studying abroad is a life-changing experience through the people you meet and the things you see. Definitely check out the CIEE study abroad options, whether you're thinking about studying during the year or a summer program.