First Impressions

I have arrived at Rouen five days ago and have been slowly adjusting to the changes in atmosphere. I landed in Paris’ Charles De Gaulle Airport on Monday and ventured to Rouen Business School via the train system with a friend that I had met at the airport. While the University had organized taxis to take us to the city from the airport, the trip would have been quite costly. Instead, I opted to embark on a journey by taking three trains to Rouen, and as a result was quickly given the opportunity to witness the French railway system. Despite constantly worrying that I will be lost, I made it safely to the meeting place at Rouen Business School almost five hours after landing at the airport in Paris.

There are many residence options at Rouen Business School, and they are selected on a first-come-first-served basis via the school’s online system. The residence that I was given in Ango building is comprised of all International Students studying at Rouen Business School. Choosing to reside in Ango was an excellent choice as I have been given the opportunity to meet many great individuals in a similar situation as me from around the globe.  I was assigned the 9m² room, which is private with the exception that I share my washroom and shower with one individual. While I hope to share more exciting photographs in the upcoming semester, I know that I will be pestered by my parents to share the view of my room. Below are a few photos that I have taken a few minutes ago:

Above is quick snapshot of my bed. Some of the residences are provided with a pillow and linens for your bed, but not this is not the case of all residence buildings.

Above is the sink that I have in my room.  The door on the right leads to the shared bathroom and shower that I share with one other room. Ango also has the option of a 16m² room with a private bathroom.

My room also has a hotplate and a mini fridge. Not all residences have hotplates in their rooms; some have communal kitchens instead.

Above is a picture of my desk and chair. My desk also has two shelves underneath that I use to store school supplies and food.

After unpacking and settling into my room, I went into explore the city with some fellow exchange students. One of the first differences between France and Canada that I had noticed was the mass prevalence of smoking in France. While I do have some friends and classmates in Canada that smoke cigarettes, the habit appears to be substantially larger in France. The Tobacco Atlas from the World Health Organization confirms this observation. While 19% of adults smoke in Canada, the habit is almost twice as prevalent in France (36.6%).

Additionally, it is good to be aware and open to cultural differences while traveling abroad. Prior to departing to France, I had researched some cultural differences that occur in France. Cheek kissing, a greeting similar to our handshakes or hugs is a common practice in France. While I did read up on this cultural convention, I must admit that the first time that this had occurred to me I was caught by surprise. I was approached by a friend and while I thought she was approaching me to give me a hug I was instead given two kisses on the cheek. It is wise to remember that there are different rituals in different countries; one should not scorn or frown upon other individuals who act differently.

I do hope to travel somewhere within the next week, and share some pictures in my next blog as well.  Thanks for reading!