A Conversation with NPR’s France Correspondent Eleanor Beardsley

Being an American in Paris is no easy task. For those of us who grew up across the pond, adjusting to the culture can be quite the challenge. Some days, it feels as though as though you are constantly one faux pas away from some inexcusable cultural mistake. Those days, it’s best to rely on the support of the extensive American expat community present in the city.

Eleanor Beardsley is one impressive member of the American expat community here in Paris. As the NPR ( National Public Radio) correspondent for France, most Americans have the opportunity to be captivated by her stories on their local public radio station. Her stories cover everything from the shortage of baguettes in Paris during the month of August to the fall the of Tunisian dictator during the Arab Spring.

( I highly suggest listening to one of her articles, Read this one, titled “Parisians on Hunt for Baguettes as Bakers get the Nod to Take Vacation”. It perfectly sheds light on two essential aspects of French culture: the need for baguettes and cigarettes.)

Each Thursday, my center holds cultural events that help us learn more about the city and the culture we are immersed in, always followed by a goûter of wine, bread and cheese. It is très à la française, This week, Eleanor came to talk about her experiences as a correspondent.  Immediately, her charming South Carolina twang began to relax the room full of culture-shocked, America-deprived 20 somethings. This women, she was the best of both worlds- someone with an established and remarkable career with over 10 years of experience living in France who we’d also feel comfortable grabbing a cup of tea and sitting down to gossip all things français. We talked journalism, but we also delved into the intricacies of being an American in the City of Lights.

She gave off the impression off being effortlessly integrated into French life while also being unabashedly American. The most poignant piece of advice for a room full of novices was her response to my roommate, who is having a particularly tough week of culture shock. All week, Hayley has struggled with many cultural differences. These differences, while they may at first seem insignificant, do take a toll after spending an extended period of time in a different country. She complains, “Why can’t I just smile to someone in the ruewithout them thinking I am hitting on them? I’m just being human!” and “Why don’t people bother to slide over when they walk towards you on the sidewalk? How come they just run into you instead, like you don’t exist?”.

Eleanor’s response: “We have every right to be here. Don’t let them convince you otherwise”.

Cheers to another day of being here, learning to be effortlessly integrated and unabashedly American.