Friendship in france ?

Question

iam an egyptian currently doing my BA at my final year and i was in paris two weeks ago . i went to paris two weeks ago for holiday to my relatives and i went to a business school called hec paris beacause i was hoping to do a master degree there after i finish my BA in egypt . but when i was stiitng at a cafe i met a girl whi is half french and half mexican and an english guy who are studying in paris and both of them have been in paris for a year and they kept telling me on how difficult it is to make friends in paris . is that true ?? and that the french make barriers bettween themselves and the term friendship does'nt exist in france . is that true ?? . i dont want to be alienated when i go to france will i have trouble making friends ? please help

thank you

Answer 1

I have heard that it is difficult to become friends with a Frenchman, but once you do you will be friends for the rest of your lives.

When you do go to France, your best bet for friends will be people who are foreigners like you.  There are tons of us here in Paris, all clamoring for social contact.  You will not be alone.

Other than that, have a positive attitude, try to learn the local customs and some language, and try, try, try.  Never give up.

Answer 2

There is SOME truth to what they say but you should not allow this to discourage you.

The French are a somewhat more formal and reserved people than others. The easy familiarity which is practiced in many places, especially in America, is not much appreciated by the French. The custom of immediate hospitality which is common among Arabs is not a French custom.

This is not to suggest that you cannot make friends in France but only that it is a longer process than in some other places.

If you are polite and not too forward but take your time to establish a relationship you will find that the French may not form fast friendships but do form lasting ones.

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Answer 3

i think it can be difficult sometimes but you actually CAN make friends in France. you just have to talk a little bit of french in order to be able to communicate. and one thing is sure once you have their friendship it's for a longtime and they are here for you no matter what.

Answer 4

what do you mean, "the term friendship doesn't exist in france" ??

Answer 5

You'll have an easier time if you speak French, or at least try.

Answer 6

I think the French can be hard to get to know, but as in all things this is not true of all of them.  Most of them got o university in their home town or city which means they keep the friends they have and aren't looking for lots of new ones. Don't let it put you off, in Paris, just as any other university city, their will be many foreign students and you will have the opportunity to make friends from all over the world.

Answer 7

I spend a lot of time in France and I NEVER have trouble meeting people and making new friends.  Even if you don't speak French, at least try to say a phrase or two in bistros and cafes, etc.  You'll be amazed at how quickly the French patrons will help you!  Making friends ANYWHERE has as much to do with your attitude as that of the locals.  Smile a lot, say hello, frequent the places the locals go.  You will make friends!