Discovering a New Country… and a New Way of Life
Every year, thousands of Vietnamese students choose France to pursue their higher education. Internationally recognized universities, a rich cultural heritage, an excellent quality of life, and numerous career opportunities make France one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe.
However, studying abroad is not just about learning a new language or adapting to a different education system. It also means discovering a society with its own customs, social codes, and way of life.
Some differences may seem minor at first, yet they often surprise Vietnamese students during their first weeks in France. Meals, daily schedules, the climate, transportation, social interactions, and everyday habits can be very different from what they are used to in Vietnam.
These differences are neither better nor worse—they simply reflect two rich and complementary cultures.
At L’Atelier An Phu, we prepare Vietnamese students every year for their studies in France through our French courses, TCF, DELF and DALF preparation, while also helping them better understand French culture.
Here are some of the main cultural differences Vietnamese students discover when arriving in France.
1. French People May Seem Reserved… at First
This is probably the first cultural shock mentioned by many students.
In Vietnam, it is natural to smile easily, chat with shopkeepers, or start conversations with strangers.
In France, first impressions may feel more distant.
French people generally separate their private and public lives more clearly. They usually become warm and friendly once a relationship has been established, but they often take more time before becoming familiar.
So don’t be surprised if your neighbor or classmates seem reserved at first—it doesn’t mean they are unfriendly.
2. Saying “Bonjour” Is Almost Mandatory
On the other hand, one social rule is extremely important in France: greeting people.
Whenever you enter a shop, a waiting room, a bakery or a classroom, people expect you to say:
- Hello (Bonjour)
- Good evening (Bonsoir)
- Thank you (Merci)
- Goodbye (Au revoir)
Forgetting these polite expressions may sometimes be perceived as disrespectful, even if that is obviously not your intention.
3. Meals Are Much Longer… and Meal Times Are Different
In France, meals are an important social moment. Unlike Vietnam, where lunch is often eaten quickly, especially during the workday, French people generally spend much more time eating together.
Meal schedules also surprise many Vietnamese students.
Generally speaking:
- Breakfast is eaten between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.
- Lunch is served between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
- Dinner rarely starts before 7:30 p.m., most commonly between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
In many regions, finding an open restaurant between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. can even be difficult because many close between lunch and dinner services.
Meals are also more structured, often including a starter, a main course, cheese, dessert and coffee.
Long conversations around the dining table are an essential part of French culture.
4. La Bise: A Greeting That Often Surprises Foreigners
When greeting relatives, friends or sometimes colleagues, French people often exchange la bise (a kiss on the cheek).
Depending on the region, people may exchange two, three or even four kisses.
For many Vietnamese students, this level of physical proximity can feel surprising during their first days in France.
In professional settings, however, a handshake remains the most common greeting when meeting someone for the first time.
5. Homes Are Much Less Likely to Have Air Conditioning
In Vietnam, air conditioning is almost everywhere.
In France, the opposite is true.
Most apartments and houses do not have air conditioning.
This becomes especially surprising during summer heatwaves, when temperatures can sometimes exceed 35 to 40°C (95 to 104°F).
Older buildings generally stay cooler thanks to their thick stone walls, but several consecutive days of extreme heat can still make homes very uncomfortable.
Instead of air conditioning, French households usually rely on:
- window shutters;
- fans;
- opening windows during the cooler night hours.
6. Shops Close Much Earlier
In Vietnam, shopping late in the evening—or even during the night—is perfectly normal.
In France, however, most shops close between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
On Sundays, many stores are also closed, especially outside major cities.
Learning to organize your shopping in advance quickly becomes part of everyday life.
7. French Administration Requires Lots of Paperwork
French administrative procedures can be confusing for newcomers.
Opening a bank account, renting an apartment or applying for public assistance often requires several documents, including:
- proof of address;
- an identity document;
- a student enrollment certificate;
- proof of insurance;
- and sometimes even a financial guarantor.
Patience quickly becomes one of the most useful qualities to have.
8. Transportation and Driving Are Very Different
For someone used to Vietnam’s scooter-filled streets and dense traffic, simply crossing a road in France can feel very different.
One of the first things visitors notice is the priority given to pedestrians.
At pedestrian crossings, drivers are generally expected to stop and allow people to cross. Failing to do so can result in heavy fines.
Traffic is also much more regulated.
French drivers generally travel at higher speeds, especially on national roads and motorways, where speed limits usually range between 110 and 130 km/h.
At the same time, road users tend to follow traffic regulations much more strictly than in Vietnam.
In major cities, many students rely almost entirely on public transportation and do not need to own a car.
9. Students Become Highly Independent
Studying in France often means living independently for the first time.
Universities expect students to organize their own:
- class schedules;
- research work;
- exam preparation;
- administrative procedures.
This independence also extends to everyday life.
Students quickly learn to manage:
- their budget;
- their accommodation;
- their grocery shopping;
- insurance;
- transportation;
- applications for CAF housing assistance or banking services.
This level of autonomy is considered a normal part of university life in France.
10. Classroom Debate Is Encouraged
In France, asking teachers questions is perfectly normal.
Expressing disagreement with well-supported arguments is generally not considered disrespectful.
On the contrary, universities value:
- critical thinking;
- independent reflection;
- the ability to build logical arguments.
For many Vietnamese students, this freedom of expression can be surprising at first.
11. Bread Is Everywhere… Rice Much Less So
Bread plays a central role in French cuisine. The famous baguette often accompanies breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rice is, of course, widely available in supermarkets, but it is not eaten at every meal as it commonly is in Vietnam.
Fortunately, most major French cities have Asian supermarkets where Vietnamese ingredients are easy to find.
12. Experiencing Four Distinct Seasons
For many students coming from southern Vietnam, experiencing four distinct seasons is one of the biggest cultural surprises.
- During winter, temperatures can fall below 0°C (32°F), and even reach -10°C (14°F) in some mountainous regions.
- In summer, temperatures regularly exceed 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), and may occasionally approach 40°C (104°F).
- Spring and autumn are milder but often unpredictable.
Another surprising aspect is how much temperatures can change during a single day.
It is not unusual to leave home wearing a jacket in the morning, have lunch in a T-shirt, and need a coat again in the evening.
Winter days are also much shorter, while during summer the sun may remain out until nearly 10:00 p.m. in some parts of France.
13. Naps Are Almost Non-Existent
In Vietnam, taking a short nap after lunch is very common, even in some workplaces.
In France, however, this habit is much less common.
Most employees return to work immediately after their lunch break.
Sleeping at work would generally be considered unprofessional.
Students usually spend their lunch break eating at the university cafeteria, studying in the library or meeting friends.
14. Working Hours Are Different
French employees generally work fewer hours per week than Vietnamese workers. The legal working week is 35 hours, although some professions work longer.
The working day usually starts between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Lunch breaks often last one hour, or even longer. Most people finish work between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Employees are also entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation every year, something that often surprises international students.
15. France Places Great Importance on Preserving Its Heritage
Vietnam is developing extremely quickly.
New buildings appear every year and cities are constantly changing. France, on the other hand, places much greater emphasis on preserving its historic heritage.
Many streets, churches, public buildings and houses are several centuries old. Construction and renovation projects are often strictly regulated in order to preserve the original architecture.
This explains why many French cities appear almost frozen in time.
16. Sorting Waste Is Part of Everyday Life
Waste sorting is deeply embedded in everyday life in France.
Depending on the city, several different bins are used to separate:
- recyclable packaging;
- glass;
- paper;
- food waste;
- general household waste.
Rules may vary from one municipality to another, but everyone is encouraged to follow them.
International students quickly become familiar with recycling as part of daily life.
17. Plastic Bags Have Almost Disappeared
Disposable plastic bags have almost completely disappeared from French supermarkets.
Customers usually bring:
- a reusable shopping bag;
- a tote bag;
- or purchase a recyclable bag at the checkout.
This policy aims to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
For many Vietnamese students, this is one of the first noticeable differences after arriving in France.
18. Household Appliances Are Different
Many Vietnamese students quickly notice that French homes are equipped differently.
Washing machines heat their own water, allowing clothes to be washed at 30, 40 or 60°C, whereas washing machines in Vietnam generally use only cold water. Ovens and microwave ovens are also found in most kitchens, as they are part of everyday cooking habits.
Another major difference is that dishwashers are very common in French households, while they remain relatively uncommon in Vietnam. On the other hand, although heating systems are essential during winter, air conditioning is still far from standard, even when temperatures exceed 30 or 35°C in summer.
19. Quietness Is Considered Good Manners
Many Vietnamese people are surprised by how much importance French people place on keeping noise to a minimum.
Whether on public transport, in restaurants, public offices or even among friends, speaking very loudly or playing music at a high volume is generally considered impolite.
This respect for quietness also applies to apartment buildings, where neighbors expect everyone to limit noise, especially during the evening and at night.
Very loud parties are less common than in Vietnam, and many cities have regulations regarding noise pollution.
For most French people, respecting other people’s peace and quiet is simply part of good manners.
20. Drinks and Eating Habits
Many Vietnamese students are surprised by French drinking habits.
In France, drinks are generally much less sweet than in Vietnam. Iced tea, coffee, fruit juices and drinkable yogurts usually contain less sugar, and many French people simply drink water during meals.
Another major difference is that tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in France. It is therefore very common to fill a jug directly from the tap instead of buying bottled water.
Finally, wine plays an important role in French culture and is relatively affordable. Good bottles can often be purchased for only a few euros in supermarkets, which surprises many Vietnamese students who tend to associate wine with luxury products.
Conclusion
Experiencing cultural differences is an essential part of studying abroad.
The contrasts between Vietnam and France may sometimes be surprising, but they also provide a wonderful opportunity to discover a different way of living, working and communicating.
With curiosity and an open mind, most students adapt quickly and eventually come to appreciate these new habits.
Many even return home with unforgettable memories and valuable life experiences.
At L’Atelier An Phu, we support Vietnamese students every year as they prepare for their studies in France through our TCF, DELF, DALF preparation courses and French classes designed for higher education.
Beyond language learning, we also help our students better understand French culture so they can begin their new life in France with confidence and peace of mind.
Are you preparing to study in France? Contact L’Atelier An Phu and let us help you build your study project under the best possible conditions.
