Culture shock: how it can feel overwhelming to move to a new country, and why everything will be ok!
It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when you begin your adventure in France.
What is culture shock?
The future September 2022 intake is beginning to prepare for their arrival at Rennes School of Business for the start of the next school year. Our future students are beginning to plan for their arrival in France to begin their French cultural adventure in the beautiful city of Rennes.
Rennes School of Business is an extremely international school, with 55%* of its students coming from outside of France. Some of these international students may experience a feeling of “culture shock”’ shortly after they arrive in France, as the initial excitement wears off and they begin to adjust to a new reality. “Culture shock” is defined as a feeling of uncertainty, confusion or anxiety that can be felt when an individual moves to a society that is different from their own.
When you arrive in Rennes and begin strolling through the picturesque streets of the historic centre, marvelling at the marché des lices and sampling the world-renowned French wine, cheese and bread, it is normal to feel a little overwhelmed as you adapt to the food, customs and language of a totally different culture.
A second home in Rennes
The Rennes SB community is made up of over 90 nationalities, many of whom will have experienced their own culture shock when they first arrived in Rennes. With 55%* international students and 95% international Faculty, it is our priority to help every member of our community to discover the best of France during their time with us and to help them see Rennes as a second home.
The teams at Rennes SB are here to help and support you as you settle into France. Aloha Square is the first point of contact for any questions.
The Well’Come student association is there to help international students integrate into Rennes and France. For more information about the Well’Come team and how they can help you when you arrive in France, check out their Facebook page and Instagram account.
If you are feeling anxious, isolated, or simply feel the need to be listened to, a guidance platform is available to you as part of the Feel Good initiative at Rennes SB. You can reach trained experts 24/7 in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish and Chinese) for immediate support, or for a trained guidance counsellor to help you work towards a solution.
Rennes is the perfect destination to grab a few friends and explore as you settle in, try these ways to stay outdoors and active in Brittany or find new places to explore on the Rennes Tourism Office’s website.
Worried about finding an internship?
The Career Centre & Well-being department at Rennes School of Business has team members who are dedicated to giving you specific advice on your job and internship search strategy in France and around the world. Career Centre & Well-being Coach, Marion Guinard, tells us more:
“Within the Career Centre, my role as a career advisor is to guide international students and MSc Students during their search for an internship and/or as they enter the job market through different actions such as the presentation and promotion of career development, the animation of workshops to define their search strategy and ensuring permanent office hours in order to follow their progress.
My role with international students is to support them in order to insert themselves into the French and/or European market, as well as to give them the keys to understanding French socio-professional codes (CV, job boards, network, onboarding) in order to be included in a sustainable and efficient way in this environment.
The Career Centre provides support to all students and is available to answer any questions they may have regarding their professional project.”
So, “On y va!”, it’s time to get out there and make the most of your French experience in Rennes.
We look forward to seeing you on campus!
