Since I arrived in Liechtenstein for my exchange semester, I have noticed several cultural differences compared to France. Even though the country is small, people have a strong identity and a way of living that feels quite different from what I am used to. During these first weeks, four aspects have particularly caught my attention: punctuality, the habit of greeting strangers, direct communication and the physical distance people keep during conversations.

The first thing that really surprised me is punctuality. In France, arriving five minutes late is not a big deal and it is often seen as acceptable. Here, people come early, sometimes ten minutes before the scheduled time. During my first class, I arrived exactly on time but everyone was already seated and ready to start. I realized that time is perceived differently here. Being early is not only about being organized; it is also a form of respect towards others. It shows commitment and seriousness. In France, we have a more flexible approach to time which reflects our relaxed attitude in social situations. This difference made me realize that my own sense of time is culturally shaped. What I used to see as normal in France might be seen as careless here.

Another thing that surprised me is the way people greet each other. In France, saying hello to strangers in the street would seem strange but here it is completely normal. People smile, nod or say “Hoi” when they pass you. At first, I did not know how to react. I hesitated, wondering if I should respond or just keep walking. With time, I started to appreciate this custom. It creates a sense of friendliness and community. It feels like a small gesture yet it has a big impact on how people connect. I now find myself greeting people naturally and it makes my day brighter. This habit reflects the welcoming and respectful attitude that characterizes life in Liechtenstein.

I also noticed that people here are very direct when they speak. In France, we usually pay attention to how we say things so that we do not sound too blunt. We often prefer to be diplomatic and soften our opinions. Here, people say what they think clearly and straightforwardly. At first, I thought it was a bit cold but I soon understood that it is not rudeness. It is a way of being honest and avoiding misunderstandings. I realized that I tend to hide my opinions sometimes to avoid conflict while here honesty is appreciated and valued. This difference has pushed me to be more confident when I express my thoughts. I am learning that clarity can also be a form of respect.

Finally, I noticed that people keep more physical distance when they talk. In France, we often stand quite close even with people we do not know well. Here, people leave more space between each other. At first, it made me feel that they were distant but I later understood that it is a sign of politeness. Respecting someone’s personal space is a way of showing consideration. It is interesting how something as simple as distance can mean different things depending on the culture.

All these differences made me reflect on my own culture and habits. In France, we are more spontaneous and expressive. We like being close to others both physically and emotionally. In Liechtenstein, people value structure, respect and honesty. I realized that neither approach is better than the other; they just reflect different ways of maintaining harmony in society.

This experience is already teaching me a lot about adaptation. I am learning to arrive earlier, to greet people, to be a bit more direct and to respect people’s personal space. At the same time, I want to keep my French warmth and spontaneity which are part of who I am. Living here is helping me grow not only by discovering a new culture but also by understanding myself better. I am learning that intercultural experiences are not just about observing others but also about questioning your own habits and finding balance between both worlds.