I am an American living in France next year. How can I make French friends? (I speak French)?

Question

any ideas? or ways to get beyond the politics? I'm a student studying in Toulouse.

Answer 1

Since you'll be around students most of the time, don't be too surprised that many of them will be reluctant to welcome you into their circle.  They've probably known each other many years and have a strong friendship.  It doesn't mean they are unfriendly, just content with the relationships they have.

Some will be more outgoing and willing to spend time hanging out or doing other stuff.  Focus on these people and you'll have a positive experience.

If you want to avoid talking politics, try current events or even talk about growing up in the states.  That's sure to get you a captive audience.  Growing up American vs. growing up French are fundamentally different and will be quite educational.

Avoid acting like an Ugly American by doing the following:

-Speak French as much as possible and ask for help to improve your skills.

-Be open to other cultures and ideas.

-Take an active interest in French culture.

-Avoid being loud when out in public (usually a problem when drinking)

-Don't insult people based on their nationality.

Answer 2

Talk about issues that are relavent at the time. Politics, unfortunately, is a big topic for some, especially students. You can ask about the latest fashions, favorte cuisine, places to hang out, night spots, etc. The way you make friends with Americans is pretty much the same for the French.

Answer 3

I am an American/Welshman living in France. The best way to make friends here is to take your time and let them come to you. you will find the French are very friendly it takes time but is much more genuine than you find in the US.

In my opinion the French get a bad rap, they are wonderful people and most of them really like Americans, just don't be the loud know it all,mine is bigger than yours type.

They don't 'do' politics as we do,and they,like us are led by the nose by the Left Wing media.It is a subject best left alone until you really know someone.

Be courteous,and remember you are a guest in the country and you will make many genuine and long-term friends.

Answer 4

It's so hard to make friends in France when you come from United States. But all french are not stupid, you know.

You can send me a mail and i could show you.

See you !

A nice french...

Answer 5

french generally dont like American politics, so be carefull  your conversation with people.

Answer 6

the two first who answered are so stupid, shame on you xD

well since you're american it's true that if you don't come to them, maybe they won't do the same ^^ just try to talk a bit with the people around you, make a few friends and then everyone will be curious (it happens if you're american ^^)

well for the politics, i suggest that if you're reallt engaged in politics don't argue with everyone, coz we dont really wanna speak about that, or have strong ideas now ^_^

speak AS MUCH AS YOU CAN french, dont let the ppl around you think that they cant be friend with you and understand you. If you have problems, just ask your friends, do not just go see a teacher and make friends with the teacher and not speak to the students (it happens ^^")

well i said all of that but generally french student begin to be used to english ppl coming to study in france so u'll be welcome anyway ^_^

hope it helped u anyway ^^

bye~ and good luck =)

Answer 7

You won't.  The French are to snotty.

Answer 8

In many ways, making friends in a French school is not really that different than making friends in a new school in the US.  Some of the French students will talk with you.  Others will just stick to their friends that they have known since primary school.  Be aware that there is a love hate relationship between France and the US.  They love US culture (especially Hollywood movies), but they are very proud of France (and the US is not France). Older ppl still remember D-Day and America's role in D-Day, but most of the younger ppl probably don't think about it often. Sometimes, you can strike up a conversation  with ppl sitting next to you in class and many of the French students will be happy to let you look at their notes during lectures.  You can also try to meet English speaking students from the U.K., Canada, Australia, and of course the US.  When speaking with French students, try to speak French with them, even if they know some English.  Take care of yourself, stick to your principles and standards of personal conduct and please do not take up smoking.  Those French cigarettes will do some serious damage to your health!  Have fun and believe in yourself.  There is nothing more attractive than a confident and smart American woman.

Answer 9

Hi there!

Im french,i think you shouldn't talk about politics so much in order to avoid loud conversations lol Some young people, or students, don't talk too much about politics, at least less than in other countries.  Well,anyway, exchange programme students and study abroad students are generally welcomed nicely, at least from my experience, being a french student, i made some friends from overseas ( Poland, Russia, even China ) but i didn't have the opportunity to meet americans in France. To me it wouldn't make any difference!

If you want to integrate properly, just go for it the way you would in the US, for example, by joining a sport club or an association ( there are heaps of them in Toulouse ). Don't hesitate to give your email, cell phone number or address to the people who seem to appreciate you, and ask theirs. Therefore, if they go out or do things ( cinema, pubs, tours or whatever ), you'll be able to keep in touch! You can also suggest things, like going for a pool, a movie, playing soccer if the weather is fine,etc )  I have to admit it will take you time and efforts to really integrate, but it's not impossible and if you're just being yourself it should be alright !

You can also try and find some friendship websites to get in touch with people before coming, i know www.miss34.com , there are a few people coming from Toulouse as well.

Good luck, and i wish you'll have a great experience in France! Enjoy your stay!

N.B . If i lived close to Toulouse i would be pleased to meet you  but i'm in the Alps very close to the swiss frontier, i guess it's a bit far away lol

Answer 10

normalement tu devrais pas avoir de problème pour te faire des amis ... Nous les Français on adore les Américains et leurs petit accent !!!!

et les français ne sont pas tous méchants comme tous le monde a l'air de le dire !!!

bonne chance !!

Answer 11

Make a lot of French Fries!!!

Answer 12

You'll need to make more of an effort to go towards them.  I find that especially true in student circles, unless some people who already knew each other from before are gathered together, people tend to stick to themselves.

You must know that you won't find the friendly "Hi, I'm....,I'm from...., Nice to meet you, and you, what are you studying....., where are you from...." as you find in American society.  As nervous and anxious as you might feel in some of the situations around strangers, especially students gathering for registration, information, and things of that nature, just know that they are even far more nervous and anxious than you! I promise!  Although they might act cool and nonchalant in most situations, they are really trying to hide just how nervous they really are.

The French in general, especially students, are not used to being out going and chatty, you know starting up a conversation while in line and things like that unless there is a problem (taking too long, etc.) then they talk to complain.

The French don't like to show that they don't know something and when they do, they usually don't share.  People will stand around in their own ignorance, shrug their shoulders, and make "I don't know" face expressions rather than ask and others who are informed will see people like that knowing what they need, yet they won't go and tell a person that "it's over there" or "you should..."

Don't worry if people look at your stangely when you make the effort to speak and be friendly with them.  They're not used to it!!!  Just keep your confidence high because what they are really thinking while looking at you is "She/He is really brave to come up to me like that....I couldn't have done it"

Toulouse has an extremely large student population, the fastest growing in France for the past 10 years.  So, it rare to find people in Toulouse who are really from Toulouse.

You'll make friends if you:

   let them know that you don't think that the US is the center of the univers,

   you ask questions on how to pronounce things correctly...,

   you tell them to correct your French mistaked whenever you make any (they aren't daring enough to do it unless you tell them),

   you show interest in their food,

  you invite friends you know well enough to your home for a dinner that you prepare from scratch

  show interest in their French and mixed cultures (many people are of mixed heritage in France)

You'll do fine.  Enjoy Toulouse and the surrounding region and don't hesitate to ask any questions.

JJ

Answer 13

well i think its not a problem at all...i am french and i was an exchange student in america...peoples were very nice.i did host a girl before and at school everybody was always with her askin questions, they were very interested about the american culture , how did she live in america....i think if you speak a lil bit with students of your school it can be easy...well a lot of people love americans here ....dont be negative about our cliche ...obviously everybody is not perfect and nice but some are very ....good luck ;)