Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Nice, France

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Nice

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

Not formally, but I read a book on cultural differences.

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Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.

Tripiamo

Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.
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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

Yes, I studied French before moving, but living in the country is the best way to improve language skills.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

Not really - more about learning the bureaucratic system.

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

Not very, having traveled to France many times and knowing the culture pretty well.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

The irritation to anger phase came from having to go the Prefecture yearly to renew my visa, an unorganized process that I never adjusted to!

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

Increased awareness of others, as I live in a multi-cultural city.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Quality of life, taking time to enjoy simple things like a cup of coffee at a cafe, lunch, etc.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Dealing with the archaic bureaucracy

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

Not that I can remember off hand. May be something posted on my blog, 24/7 in France.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

Do your homework before you travel!