The cultural differences between France and Estonia: a fascinating journey through mentalities.
Hi everyone, it’s Esteban here with a new blog! Today, we’re going to dive into a fascinating topic: the cultural differences between France and Estonia. Maybe you’re already familiar with Estonia, or maybe not at all. Either way, I’ll give you a little introduction to this country before we get into the heart of the matter.
Estonia is this small country located in the northeast of Europe, nestled by the Baltic Sea, just a few kilometers away from Finland (okay, you do need to cross the sea to get there) and bordering Latvia. In recent decades, this country has become a model of modernization after the fall of the communist regime. Today, Estonia is one of the most advanced countries in terms of digital technology, making it a particularly attractive destination. Personally, I had the chance to spend two weeks there for work, and I can tell you it’s a great place to live: safe, modern, and full of surprises.
Tallinn, la capitale, est un vrai bijou, mêlant histoire et modernité. Les habitants, qu’on appelle les Estoniens, sont à l’image de leur pays : à la fois enracinés dans leur culture et ouverts sur l’avenir. Mais si tu envisages de faire un stage à l’étranger en Estonie, tu te poses sûrement la question : quelles sont les différences culturelles avec la France ? Est-ce que c’est un endroit où je pourrais m’épanouir ? Spoiler alert : il y a des différences, et pour certaines personnes, elles peuvent être déstabilisantes. Pour d’autres, c’est justement ce qui rend l’expérience unique et enrichissante.
The cultural differences between France and Estonia: the expression of emotions.
Before I talk to you about more concrete differences, it’s important to highlight a first notable difference: the attitude of Estonians. They may seem a bit cold at first. In fact, Estonia is strongly influenced by Scandinavian culture, where people are often more reserved. Estonians show fewer emotions, and this can give the impression that they are distant or not very welcoming. But don’t get me wrong: once the ice is broken, you’ll discover authentic and kind-hearted people. Their reserve is not a sign of disinterest; it’s simply a different way of approaching social relationships.
In France, we tend to be more expressive, showing our emotions without hesitation. We enjoy talking, exchanging, and quickly mingling with others. In Estonia, it’s a bit different. Conversations are more measured, more thoughtful. Estonians prefer silence over unnecessary chatter, and they don’t have the same need to fill the gaps in a conversation. At first, this might seem strange or even uncomfortable. But over time, you’ll come to appreciate this calmness, this way of interacting that, although different, has its own charm.
Cultural differences between France and Estonia: A rigorous work culture
Now that we’ve covered the differences in temperament between France and Estonia, let’s talk a bit about life in the workplace, another area where the contrasts are striking.
In France, even though work is important, it’s not always viewed as the absolute priority. A lot of value is placed on the work-life balance, and coffee breaks or informal discussions are an integral part of our workday. In Estonia, however, the situation is a bit different. Work is taken very seriously, and the work culture is deeply embedded in society. Estonian legislation also imposes slightly more working hours than in France, which reflects the importance placed on labor.
One example that particularly struck me during my stay in Tallinn was the impressive efficiency of public works. During the two weeks I spent there, I witnessed a tramline being transformed almost day by day. Every night, teams worked tirelessly, and each morning, a new stop was renovated and functional. In France, such works could easily take several months, with each stop under construction for weeks. This speed of execution in Estonia reflects a mentality influenced by neighboring Scandinavian countries, where efficiency and seriousness in work are essential values.
The cultural differences between France and Estonia: an impressive openness.
Another point of difference: the level of language proficiency. In Estonia, the official language is Estonian, and many Estonians also speak Russian, a legacy of history and geographical proximity. But what is truly impressive is the level of English spoken by Estonians, especially among younger generations and even those in their thirties and forties. I rarely encountered any difficulty in being understood, whether in a professional or informal setting. English is widely spoken, and it’s a major advantage for anyone considering working or interning in Estonia. For a Baltic country, it’s really a luxury to navigate daily life without the language barrier.
The cultural differences between France and Estonia: Things to know.
To further enrich the cultural differences, I’d like to share some personal observations I’ve made during my trip that stand out, particularly among the French people living in Estonia.
- Frankness and a no-nonsense attitude: One of the first things I noticed was the tendency of Estonians to get straight to the point in their conversations. Unlike in France, where exchanges can be more expressive and full of nuances, in Estonia, conciseness is favored. Estonians believe that emotions and unnecessary chatter are superfluous in a serious conversation, and this can feel very direct for those of us used to a more expansive communication style.
- Silence is valued: In Estonia, silence holds a special significance. Estonians do not interrupt others and wait their turn to speak. They only express themselves when they have something meaningful to share. This respect for silence can be surprising for those used to more dynamic and noisy exchanges, like in France.
- Sincerity: I also noticed that sincerity is very important in Estonia. Unlike certain practices in France, where polite phrases can be more superficial, Estonians value honest and direct interactions. A question like “How are you?” is seen as a genuine inquiry into someone’s well-being, rather than just a formality.
- Their personal space: Estonians highly value their personal space. Unlike in France, where public displays of affection such as kisses or hugs are common, in Estonia, a handshake is usually sufficient. This respect for personal space might require some adjustment for those used to more physical interactions.
- Curiosity: Finally, I discovered that Estonians have a remarkable general curiosity. Despite the small size of the country and their complex history, they are very open to the world and constantly seek to improve. This proactive attitude and their thirst for learning not only enrich their culture but also mine, pushing me to adopt a more diligent and thoughtful approach.
Cultural differences between France and Estonia: gestures to know
In Estonia, gestures and non-verbal cues are often more reserved. Here are some key points to keep in mind to avoid misunderstandings:In Estonia, gestures and non-verbal cues are often more reserved. Here are some key points to keep in mind to avoid misunderstandings:
In Estonia
Avoid public displays of affection
Kissing or hugging in public is not common. A handshake is preferable.Moderate your gestures
Estonians prefer subtle and measured gestures. Avoid large movements and overly expansive gestures.Respect silence
Prefer conciseness to unnecessary chatter. Estonians appreciate direct and to-the-point exchanges.
In France
Évite le « bras d’honneur » et pointer du doigt
Ces gestes sont considérés comme impolis. Utilise des gestes ouverts et respectueux.Expressive gestures are common
The French enjoy animated exchanges and demonstrations of enthusiasm.- Avoid eating or drinking while walking
Cultural Differences Between France and Estonia: Why Choose Estonia for an Internship Abroad?
So, is Estonia a good destination for your internship abroad? If you’re looking for a safe, innovative environment and are ready to adapt to a slightly different way of life, then yes, absolutely. Cultural differences might seem like a challenge, but they are also an opportunity to grow, discover a new way of life, and broaden your horizons.
In summary, whether it’s in terms of work or communication, Estonia offers a framework that can be very different from that of France, but this is also what makes the experience so enriching. These cultural differences, far from being obstacles, are gateways to a new way of seeing the world and an opportunity to broaden your skills and vision. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in an environment where work is valued and communication is straightforward, Estonia might just be the perfect place for you.
Here you go, I hope these thoughts give you a better idea of the cultural differences between France and Estonia. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences if you’ve had the chance to discover this fascinating country. See you soon for a new blog, and in the meantime, keep exploring the world! If you’re interested, I recommend checking out the best unusual visits in Tallinn.
And if you want to go abroad to do your internship abroad, don’t hesitate to test your English right here, to get in touch with us, someone from the team will quickly get back to you. Or if you have other questions, check out our FAQ 🙂