Go France! The French are very strict on politeness

  • Career Center
  • Le 10 août 2022

Audencia's Career Center and Alumni teams are delighted to to bring you “Go France!”, the guide to working in France.

Following the success of the first guide in 2019, this new updated edition revisits advice from HR professionals, input from intercultural experts and shares yet more experiences of working in France for internationals. Alumni say they choose France for its corporate culture and impact-driven working environment but also for its croissants!

“Go France!” is a valuable resource for students staying in France after their studies at Audencia.
 


This week, discover what Cynthia Amoakon from the Ivory Coast has to say.

About Cynthia:

 

  • GRADUATED FROM: MSC SCPM PROGRAMME IN 2017
  • FROM: THE IVORY COAST
  • CURRENT POSITION: SUPPLY CHAIN ENGINEERING PROJECTS LEADER AT RENAULT IN PARIS
  • NATIVE LANGUAGE: FRENCH
  • DAILY WORKING LANGUAGES: FRENCH AND ENGLISH
  • FRENCH LEVEL: EXPERT (C2)
  • LIVING IN FRANCE: SINCE 2014

Cynthia's key message: “The French are very strict on politeness (e.g. Saying ‘Bonjour’ and not ‘Excuse me please’ to start a conversation with a stranger)."


My biggest challenge
In English-speaking cultures, things are said in a concise and direct manner. In French culture, you must be more expressive and detailed to communicate properly.

Myths and realities

  • MYTH That you can get a job without understanding or speaking a minimum of French.
  • REALITY You can definitely achieve a good work/life balance in France.


My advice & top tips

  • Networking is important so mingle with French people.
  • Don’t just stick with people from your country or community.
  • Learn French and get all the work experience you can in your country.
  • Be proactive and organised as administration (paperwork) is onerous in France.


Quirky & cultural
In France there is more equality of opportunity between French and international students (e.g. access to benefits such as CAF housing allowance). French people can speak good English.

And finally
Get involved in student activities and in fairs and forums organised by your city or school.




 
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