French Culture?

1. You can expect to hear 'bonjour' and 'bienvenue' a lot, and as you're probably already considered a member of the family, you'll get hugged and kissed on both cheeks. It's likely that Mum and Dad of the family will use 'tu' as opposed to 'vous' to speak to you, and it wouldn't hurt to have them clarify when you should use 'vous' - using it inappropriately is considered very rude, especially if you are supposed to have learned some French. And I wouldn't worry that even broaching this subject is a taboo - on the contrary, people will actually tell you how they'd like you to address them, and many will be happy to explain things to you. They will understand where you're coming from - after all, they learn English and other languages too.

2. Bring and wear clothes that suit you and you're comfortable wearing. Do bring one or two things that would be suitable for more formal occasions, but be prepared for a crash course in style - I've seen French girls take a simple jeans and t-shirt combo and give it great pizzaz with a nice scarf or piece of jewellery. If you're going in the summer, think cotton and linen.

3. Families may have different customs, and their friends may also have different customs. I suggest you google and read up about French etiquette generally, but also bear in mind that if you are going to a larger city, you will also come into contact with people whose families are from Morocco, Tunisia, The Ivory Coast and other (former) French colonies. Some of those kids will actually be quite comfortable speaking English because for them French is already the second language (they may speak Arabic at home with their families, for example). Generally, however, it's good to remember that French in general are formal by default, they won't be all 'hi, how are you?' until they know you a little bit.

4. You are going to France. If you are going to Paris, you'd get by on little French, but it might be very different if you're not. You need to learn a few basic phrases in French. Useful ones to start with are:

Hello/goodbye Sir/Madam (when entering or leaving a shop or business, it's polite)

Do you speak English?

Please

Thank you (Good manners will help you a lot!)

May I use your toilet, please? ('Toilet' is not considered rude over here, and calling it a 'bathroom' can confuse people.)

The food is delicious (guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The French are BIG into good food.)

I would like a drink of water, please.

And a tip from an experienced languages teacher: Don't worry about the grammar too much. Your focus in on communication. Yes, in the first few days there'll be confusion, a lot of arm-waving and pointing (you AND them!), some misunderstandings and embarrassment, as well as a lot of laughter (you can laugh with them, don't worry). But once they see you are trying to speak the language, they will help you, so keep a notebook and write down new phrases as you come across them, and spend a little time with one of the parents to help you say them correctly. In my experience, parents can be great teachers, I learned so much German from the mother of the family I stayed with the first time I went to Germany, and I'm fairly sure that many French Mums will be the same.

And you will have a great time. You're so lucky, I'd love to be going to France again ... I won't be for a long time.

1 In France hugging is very strong, it's done only with very dear friends and mostly in intense circumstances . The cheeks kisses is not even considered, that's the thing everybody does without any peculiar idea . So yes, do kiss cheeks, even when your host will make you meet her friends . There's no special meaning doing this in France .

2 Dress as you like . Americans have thousands false ideas about the French . If you were able to watch recent French films you'd know . People dress as they want, and nobody cares, except in exceptional formal occasions . Just, as you're a teen, you'll want to dress as the fashion of now says, and you'll see what does please you and probably buy some clothes . But the French in general don't give a s... about your dressing .

3 There are no general rules . Do as this family tells you about shoes, and at least try every food ( not trying would be rude ) but if you don't like say it . People understand everybody can't like anything . Just stay nice and they will be nice .

4 If you can't speak French ( which is a handicap since your host friend is able to speak English) of course speak English . French people, as anywhere in the world, understand that strangers can't speak the local lingo . The only rude thing, very American, is behaving as if French people should understand English . Say you're sorry but you don't speak French so is it possible to go on in the only dialect you know ? And everything will be fine . Although a lot of French know a bit of English ( just a bit for the majority ) I hope for you that you'll try to make some progress in French . The opposite would be rather dumb, and you won't be able to share many experiences with other folks if you remain stuck inside your handicap .

1. How should I expect to be greeted "Keep calm and say «Bonjour»"; is it appropriate to hug? the friend yes, the parents no. Will they do that kiss on the cheek thing? Improbable for the parents can be the other girl

2. How should I dress? Jeans and T shirt, you'll get the haute couture at the shopping in Paris.

3. Are there any customs/behaviors I should be aware of? Like do you wear shoes in the house? If you are not shown slippers keep your shoes. Is it rude to decline food? YES! remember the French love force-feeding the geese.

4. Would it be rude trying to speak to people in English? Absolutely rude: average French people will abuse you with their obscene English; but they don't accept you don't know their language.

"I speak absolutely no French" that's a problem, but as English is a sort of mixing of French an German you can easily settle the thing.