I can't say that I'm an international student, but having gone to a French school in New York from kindergarten up until high school, I haven't had much exposure to American culture. I was considered to be as American as it got when it came to my student body, but I now realize how differently I was brought up from the vast majority of the people in my surroundings.
Coming to UCLA was like entering an entirely different world; a world in which nobody spoke the language I was so used to hearing, and everybody was friendly. I was used to being surrounded by people from all over Europe, but now it's a fun surprise when I hear that somebody is not from the Bay Area.
Although I'm slowly getting used to these things that were unheard of where I grew up, I think it will take me all four years of my college experience, if not more, to pick up on these habits myself. After all, I can't forget everything I've gotten used to over the past eighteen years of my life.
Trust me, I know that some things I do seem completely off too, and people have not hesitated to make that very clear.
That said, here are 8 things which European students can't understand about the American culture, and if you grew up anywhere else, I know you've thought about these before too.
1. Wearing socks with sandals.
Elena Del Favero
This one has to be my favorite. It's especially funny to see guys wear Nike socks with Adidas slides.
Although I do admit that this does not apply to everyone, I was surprised to see how popular of a trend this was among American students.
Though I do get the appeal of going to class in what are essentially slippers, I can't imagine not losing a sandal on one of my many mile-long walks to class.
2. Having lunch at 11 AM and dinner at 5 PM.
GiphyI didn't realize this was true until I witnessed the lines form in front of a dining hall around 10:50 a.m, and even then it took me a while to understand what they were all doing.
Disclaimer: Out of curiosity I did try to shift my meal times to 12pm and 7 pm, but by the time I get to bed I'm ready for dinner number 3!!!
3. Not making physical contact when you say hi to someone.
GiphyThe French like to do the infamous "bise", a kiss on the right then left cheek (or the other way around but that's a different story).
It works in every context: with guys, with girls, it can be formal or informal.
I know Americans don't do this, but it avoids the awkward to-hug-or-not-to-hug dance.
4. Using the term "brunch attire".
GiphyThere is no French word for brunch.
Brunch was never a habit of mine. The first time I was told that the dress code was "brunch attire" I was inexplicably confused.
Even now, 34 "brunch attire" events later, I still don't know what's appropriate because the girl to my right could be wearing a sweatshirt and jeans while the person on my left could be in 4 inch heels and a flowy dress.
Moral of the story: "brunch attire" depends on how much sleep time you sacrificed to get ready for "brunch".
5. Wearing leggings to everything.
Elena Del Favero
I grew up being told that leggings were strictly for working out/athletic purposes, but since I've moved to America, I've yet to go somewhere without seeing a girl wearing leggings.
Whether it be at a dining hall, in class, at Target, at a party, a beach day, or even ~brunch~, someone is bound to be wearing high waisted black leggings, and boot cut ones on special days.
Needless to say this is not one I'm angry about.
6. People being friendly.
GiphyIt's no secret that the French are not the most welcoming or warm people out there, but sometimes I'm having a bad day and I need my negative energy to feel reciprocated.
Granted, this is something I definitely shouldn't be complaining about, but there is a great sense of comfort in knowing that you're not the only one having a shitty day, week, or winter.
I have to admit that the level of concern people feel for strangers around here is touching. I know that tourists do not have an issue asking for directions in the US, but if you even dare to interrupt a French person's busy busy day to ask what subway stop to get off on, trust that they will give you false directions purely for their own satisfaction.
Let's not even mention the concept of being neighborly...
7. Perpetual Snacking
GiphyI was shocked to see how accessible food is around here. At any time of day some dining hall is open, and if it's the middle of the night, you have a wide array of vending machines to choose from in the comfort of your own building.
There's snacking in class, before class, on the way to meals, after dinner; any time, really. I've noticed that it becomes a passive act in some people; something to keep your hands busy while you're doing something else.
In French culture, you stop having an afternoon snack in approximately the 7th grade, then again we also have meals at normal times...
8. Bigger is better.
GiphyThis might be the most shocking thing to any European setting foot in the US. Everything seems unnecessarily large : meals in restaurants always come with multiple sides, there is such a thing as a "family pack", the roads have more lanes, and walking into an IMAX movie theatre is like walking into a new dimension.
It's a form of excess that europeans are too reserved to allow themselves to have, and as much as they complain about how "unnecessary" it might be, they secretly really enjoy it.
Just take any European person to Costco and you can see how floored they will be for yourself (yes, I was a Costco virgin for way too long).
