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I had a cultur shock when I went to Tunisia. We ate very late compared to us in France. They also have parties very different from us, for example the way they have to dance and get dressed.

It was very hot every day sometimes very difficult to bear because I was not used to it.
The food was very different too. For example their food is very spice because they put a lot of spice and chilli.

They also have activities that we haven't have in france like camel on the beaches.

But in all of her I really love their way of life and then their kindness. it was very different from France but I quickly adapted myself to this country.

They have a culture totally different from ours and I really like to learn another culture than ours.Then I noticed that he likes to learn from us too.

For example their food is very spice because they put a lot of spice and chilli.

Sarian Camille

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The first time when i'm  going in China i realize and see temperatures its very very hot and in my home the temperatures its cold.
With all his i am get sick and i had go to see dortor everydays!
The culture its very diffrente with french , the temperature its very hot outside et very cold in a house so its very easy to be sick!
There is also the time at which have get up is much earlier someone get up at five o'clock

Ye Stéphane

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A few years ago when i was young I travelled with my mom, I was very stress to go over there  because it was my first time for me to visit this country.

I remember feeling helpless and frustrated at my inability to understand anything. Everything took extra time to figure out. I felt anxiety about asking directions because I couldn’t understand what the other person was saying. At times I just didn’t want to go out because it took too much effort.

I saw kind of thing so weird like One man was slicing his tongue with a knife.The weather is Nigeria is very hot and i saw people work hardy and homeless  it was for me a sad moment. the food is different as france but the taste is good when you see the food you are shocked because  you think is disgusting  but not

This trip was a great experience, I have apreciate the culture of this beautiful country, the food, the weather,   It's here i learn english and was awesome and now i go sometime in Nigeria to
see my family

Bryan Meremikwu

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A few years ago when i was young I travelled with my mom, I was very stress to go over there  because it was my first time for me to visit this country.

I remember feeling helpless and frustrated at my inability to understand anything. Everything took extra time to figure out. I felt anxiety about asking directions because I couldn’t understand what the other person was saying. At times I just didn’t want to go out because it took too much effort.

I saw kind of thing so weird like One man was slicing his tongue with a knife.The weather is Nigeria is very hot and i saw people work hardy and homeless  it was for me a sad moment. the food is different as france but the taste is good when you see the food you are shocked because  you think is disgusting  but not

This trip was a great experience, I have apreciate the culture of this beautiful country, the food, the weather,  It's here i learn english and was awesome now i go sometime in Nigeria to
see my family

Bryan Meremikwu

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Trip in Mexico

A few years ago, I travelled in mexico with my family, I was very exited to go over there because it was a dream for me to visit this country.

but when I arrived in cancun, the weither wasn’t the same than Paris. We mooved to 24 degree at 33 degree, the heat was unbearable like in Cordoba in spain where my grand parents come from. At this time my only idea was just to go in the water for cool off myself so we went to a beach.

After that, around 6pm it starts raining, I was shocked because I did not know that from June to August it’s the rainy season and all night the rain come for leaving in the morning to let the heat come back contrary from France, Mexico have two seasons and France got four.

Another thing shocked me : The food in mexico is very spicy and tacos are not the same than in France, they are very small and pastas who where named « Chilaquiles » are based on chips.

This trip was a great experience, I have apreciate the culture of this beautiful country, the food, the weather, the scenery... This country was the most beautiful country I ever seen before.

Alyssa JIMENEZ

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two years ago I went to Menorca, I was surprised because its a small Spanish island and there was a little bit of people and tourist but the citizen his kind and very welcoming.

in the biggest city of Menorca the people sleep all afternoon, but the night is very eventful, the bar and night club is very full, all the young people get out in the night to have fun.

the food in Menorca is very delicious because I love salad, cheese and paella this is the same food in Spain. i'am very surprised because the local eat very late at 15pm.

to finish, this travel has been my best country  because it is very beautiful and I met a lot of friends, I love everything the beach, the cities, the food and many other things.

vieira raphael

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two years ago I went to Menorca, I was surprised because its a small Spanish island and there was a little bit of people and tourist but the citizen his kind and very welcoming.

in the biggest city of Menorca the people sleep all afternoon, but the night is very eventful, the bar and night club is very full, all the young people get out in the night to have fun.

the food in Menorca is very delicious because I love salad, cheese and paella this is the same food in Spain. i'am very surprised because the local eat very late at 15pm.

to finish, this travel has been my best country  because it is very beautiful and I met a lot of friends, I love everything the beach, the cities, the food and many other things.

vieira raphael

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A few years ago, I travelled in mexico with my family, I was very exited to go over there because it was a dream for me to visit this country.

but when I arrived in cancun, the weither wasn’t the same than Paris. We mooved to 24 degree at 33 degree, the heat was unbearable like in Cordoba in spain where my grand parents come from. At this time my only idea was just to go in the water for cool off myself so we went to a beach.

After that, around 6pm it starts raining, I was shocked because I did not know that from June to August it’s the rainy season and all night the rain come for leaving in the morning to let the heat come back contrary from France, Mexico have two seasons and France got four.

Another thing shocked me : The food in mexico is very spicy and tacos are not the same than in France, they are very small and pastas who where named « Chilaquiles » are based on chips.

This trip was a great experience, I have apreciate the culture of this beautiful country, the food, the weather, the scenery... This country was the most beautiful country I ever seen before.

Alyssa JIMENEZ

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When I went in Spain I realised there was different cultures between Spain and France.

In Spain the lunch is later than in France because the spanish eat lunch near 2:30 p.m whereas the french eat lunch near twelve o’clock p.m.
The spanish speak faster than the french so it was complicated to follow for me.
Spain is a catholic country that’s why there are more churchs than in France because in France there is one church for city.
In Spain shops close later than in France because in Spain shops close near 9:30 p.m and in France shops close near 8:00 p.m.
Spanish like to go outisde during the night whereas french people prefer stay at home for watch the TV or sleep.

Garaudet Thibault, 1STMG2

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When I frist went in china I'm so rushed .
As soon as I arrived in china I have a culture shock because the culture is more different.

In China a major population speak a Mandarin and i don't understand and speak the mandarin , it's hard for talk with the personn and I must adapt to these differences but the people is awkward when i want speak with them .

The food and religion also is not same . The first religion is the Buddism , in France the not have much .

The clothing styles is more original but I like  the styles difference.

For finish I like m'y trip in china even if is not easy.

Hawa Dembele

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The first time when i’m go to Québec i realize the diffrente temperatures in winter whith Paris. I goin to celebreate Christmas with family who live in Montréal.

The diffrente with paris it’s the temperature in winter. In paris we have 0° or 1° but in Québec it’s was -20° or -30°.  it’s was very difficulte to go for de firste time f you not prepared but with time we find its normal.

For me it’s normal.
mongreville kendra

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When I went to London, in England, I was really surprised by their culture and their weather.
First, because of the food wich is hearty and second because of the time to eat wich are early than in France. Also the weather is very changeable, it can vary in a few minutes.
I remember, one day I was walking in the center of London it was sunny and I went to eat in a typical restaurant of England. But when I came out of the restaurant I was disappointed by the weather because it was raining. At that moment, I understood why everyone in England is constanly wearing a hood. So I walk ten minutes in the rain... The next day, I took an umbrella in my bag wich, moreover, wasn't usefull because it didn't rain.
Matrat Laëtitia

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I'm going to speak about Portugal.
Portugal is a country were the temperature is always exceeding 40 degrees in summer and around 20 in winter, especially in the south but also in the north where there are some mountains.

The ocean is cold in the north, quite warm in the center and in the south (Algarve) the water is about 22 degrees.
It is very amazing to pick the tramway in the capital of the coutntry : Lisbon

regarding the food, they eat a lot of seafood in the south and grilled meat with fries in the north.   The common point between France and Portugal is the whine, portugese people drink whine as soon as there is a meal

The prices are low because the country is in crisis like Greece. So  drinks, foods, hairdresser are less expensive than France but clothes are the same price.

Portugal has a typical dance and musical, they like dance and organize much party. Porugal's tradition is a fado (typical musical) and folklore (traditional dance).
The beach in Portugal is beautiful like nazaré whop the waves can go to 30 meters ! contrary to France,  Portugal has no mountain, so this is change to France.

The portuguese people are very old and like talking with his neighbour, is culture shock for me because they say "Hello" to all people who see. This is a shock for me but i get use.

In conclusion,  I going to portugal each year and all landscapes are beautiful.

Nicolas Da Silva

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An enriching culture experience in Dominican Republic : 

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An enriching culture experience in Dominican Republic : 

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This summer I went to the Dominican Republic for 2 weeks. This experience helped me understand that each culture is different. At the beginning I was lost and shocked in this country. Here are the reasons :

First of all, I discovered a new language : spanish. This spanish was very different from what I heard in Spain. Indeed, this spanish was spoken by Dominicans who have a specific accent.

Then, the weather is not seen the same way than in France. In instance when I was in the Dominican Republic it was a very hot for me but dominicans said that it was cold.

People in Dominican Republic are very chilled where as in Paris I feel that everyone is stressed. Moreover, Paris is very croweded and polluted in comparison to Dominican Republic where the landscapes are beautiful and I really enjoyed the beach.

The architecture in Paris and Dominican Republic are not the same. In Dominican Republic houses are made of only wood wheras in Paris houses seen more solid. Dominicans seems poorer than Frensh people.

This also gave me the opportunity to better understand my own culture and habits.
I learned about our differences little by little with our everyday activities .
To conclude, it was not a culture shock but a discovery.

Tania Gallo

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The first time I went to Mali, there was a difference of flagrant landscape in Mali, it is hotter than in France it was already a clash of cultures.

In terms of food dishes are not the same languages ​​compared in France or there is only one in Mali there are several types of languages ​​such as soninke or bambara

Being small I did not understand the language of my country but he was very kind to me and took care of me being small it was a real experience that I really liked

In Mali there are villages that are formed by several huts compared to the French villages which are more modern

Seeing something that you do not see often is good for yourself.
Traveling to learn


Aaron Bombo

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A few years ago, I was in South Korea with family. It's was my first time in this country so I was really press to visit it.

A day, I decided to meet my Korean penpal (I knew her, thanks to an application and we became right now friends). We arranged a time and place to meet.

So once arrived, I was going to give a kiss on her cheek; she found me weird because she explained to me: in Korea they only say "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) to greet each other and that it's generally the people in a relationship who kiss each other on the cheek. I was surprised and a little embarrassed at the time, it's for this I told her in France, it's normal to kiss each other on the cheek to say "hello". We found this strange but rewarding. We were able to see then as soon as on our meeting, that they had differences between our two cultures.

I found it interesting to meet someone who does not have the same culture as me because I could learn from her culture and she from mine. And next time, I'll be if I want to greet a Korean I will only say "annyeonghaseyo" (hello).

Claudia Maurice

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When I was eleven years old, I traveled in Greece for a stage of swimming with my club. I had a culture shook upon my arrival about the language because the people spoke Greek. The heat was extreme, it was difficult but fortunately I swam every day.

The food was a little bit different compared to the France, it looks like the food of Italy and Turkey. Most dishes were made with olive oil. The prices were really low because the country was in crisis.

The landscape was wonderful, I saw the famous white houses and the color of the sea was surprising, it shocked me. I visited the Acropolis of Athens, it was gigantic and really amazing.

This trip was for me a great experience, if I can I would like to return in Greece, I enjoyed the different culture, food, weather and landscape. It’s something that we will never have here in France.

Eva Winderickx

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Do you want some coke?

When I first went to the USA, I was very happy because I was thinking of the good food in the USA, especially fast food.

One day, with my family, I went to a Mac Donald's restaurant. The guy who took my order asked me what I wanted to eat. So I said a Big Mac. Then he asked me : "Do you want some chips and a coke ?". I said : "No, I want chips and a Coca-Cola ". He looked at me and and repeated his sentence. I did not understand that in the  USA we say Coke for Coca-Cola, so I looked at him with a weird face. Then he said to me : "Hurry up ! Otherwise I do not take your order !". So I said : "Okay, I take water".

After that I saw on a board, on the wall, in the restaurent that it was written "Coke" next to a bottle of Coca-Cola. Then I understood.

Indeed, I learnt that in the USA people say "Coke" for "Coca-Cola"

Aurélie, From France

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In some regions of Algeria, water is not available everywhere. In fact, when I went to my grandfather’s village during the holidays, I was very thirsty because of the temperature, and when I asked where I could have a drink, my uncle told me to go to the water fountain which was 1 km away from the village!

It was difficult but
funny. I wasn’t expecting this, I thought water was accessible everywhere. So, after gathering water with my cousins, drinking was just indescribable, it was great because I had to make an effort  to have something  to drink. But two days later I was a little sick because this water is not as treated as ours in France and my body wasn’t ready.

This taught me that water is more important
than we think, we are lucky to live in a such rich country and to have accessible (and drinkable) water which is THE most important need for a human.

Riles

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A link to a post written by an Afghan student in the USA (click on the link below).

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From food to fashion to everyday customs many take for granted, Rahela Mohammad Akbar reacts to the shock that comes from living in a different culture.
(Note: A version of this article originally appeared on the Afghan Women's Writing Project website)
I have to say I did not know the meaning of "culture shock" before I came to the U.S, but now I do because I am truly living in a different culture. As an international student coming from a religious and conservative country like Afghanistan to a liberal and democrat country like the U.S definitely shocked my nerves and appetite for a while.
Bikinis at the Beach
At the beginning of my journey to the U.S., mostly general superficial matters grabbed my attention, such as clothing, the ways people spoke, and people's hairstyles and fashions. For the first time, I was shocked seeing women wearing bikinis in public near the beach. I was not embarrassed watching women in their bikinis because we have women's public bath houses in my country. But I was embarrassed looking at and talking to the men who were with them, who could and had a live view of 99 percent of women's naked body. I also think that I might have shocked them as well because I was fully dressed up with my scarf on, walking along the beach.
Mastering Utensils
I still cannot eat rice with a fork properly. For me, eating rice with a fork is frustrating because I hate to see the grains escape from my fork when I am hungry. It is interesting how forks and knives are important in most of the meals in the U.S.; however, I only used a knife for peeling and cutting fruits in Afghanistan.
Manners and Blowing Your Nose
It is polite when sometimes Americans say, "Excuse me!" after yawning or sneezing, but what about when they blow their nose? That was the most funny (and probably most disgusting) culture shock I've ever had in the U.S. In my culture it is impolite and disrespectful to blow your nose in front of others. This is not the case in the U.S. Sometimes, it made me laugh when people would blow their nose in public, and remind me of the jokes I heard from my friends when I was child.
Sun Tans & Tattoos
Skin care was another interesting culture shock. Afghans escape from the sun so to not get tanned, but some Americans love to be tanned by the bright sun, even knowing about skin cancer. Tattoos are common in the U.S., but seeing whole body tattoos was shocking to me. What if the design gets boring to them next year? Or what if a man's wife does not like it?
An Appetite for Reading
Americans like books and enjoy reading books, magazines, newspapers, and other published articles. We can find people reading a book during the day, at night, in the bus or waiting room in the hospital. It was shocking for me to know we can even find books and magazines in many American bathrooms.
Pets as Valued as Humans
Pets, especially dogs, are dear in this country - sometimes dearer and closer than family members. I did not know how hard it is to take care of them, bath them, feed or even play with them! Yes, in the U.S they have vaccinations for their pets; however, we just started the vaccination process for the children in our country and almost half of the people had not ever had a vaccine in their life. This is shocking for me to know in some countries animals are valuable like humans.

Sometimes being in different cultures helps us to know the values and deficiencies of our own culture. People teach us their own living style and we teach them the way we like to live. No one has to follow the others, but the point is to appreciate human beings existence and its uniqueness.

Rahela Mohammad Akbar is a junior at Saint Michael's College, majoring in biology. She has been in the US for five years, and is originally from Herat, Afghanistan.

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голос америки

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From food to fashion to everyday customs many take for granted, Rahela Mohammad Akbar reacts to the shock that comes from living in a different culture. (Note: A version of this article originally appeared on the Afghan Women's Writing Project website) I have to say I did not know the meaning of "culture shock" before I came to the U.S, but now I do because I am truly living in a different culture.