Paris vs London: Cultural Etiquette Tips for Interns

02 Dec Paris vs London: Cultural Etiquette Tips for Interns

When it comes to choosing an internship destination, Paris and London often top the list for international students. They might seem similar at first glance—both global powerhouses rich in culture, history, and opportunity—but they actually couldn’t feel more different once you arrive!

How people greet each other, what “on time” means, how to act during meetings—these small cultural details can make a big difference in how you’re perceived at your internship. Understanding these nuances will help you blend in faster, communicate better, and make a lasting impression on your colleagues.

Whether you’re exploring London internship programs or applying for an internship in Paris for international students, our guide will walk you through the cultural etiquette that will help you thrive in both cities. We’ll discuss greeting customs, dress codes, topics for small talk, and as a bonus: the best industries in each city.

Let’s get started!

Greeting customs: Paris vs. London for international interns

Not to scare you or anything, but first impressions are everything—how you greet someone often sets the tone for the rest of your professional relationship.

In Paris, greetings are more formal and polite. A friendly “bonjour” (good morning) or “bonsoir” (good evening) is a must whenever you arrive at the office or enter a meeting. It’s also customary to greet everyone individually and not just the people you’re close with. Forgetting to say hello or goodbye can come off as impolite, even if you didn’t mean to.

While handshakes are standard in business settings, you might see cheek kisses (called “la bise”) between close colleagues. This is only after you’ve built familiarity, though! Early on, just stick to a brief handshake and eye contact. Titles like monsieur or madame are still appreciated when addressing someone senior—at least until they invite you to use first names.

Meanwhile in London, the vibe is more relaxed. A simple “Hi,” “Hello,” or “Nice to meet you” works perfectly fine in the workplace. Handshakes are also common during introductions, but they’re pretty brief. British workplaces often use first names right away, even with managers.

Where Parisians value formality and etiquette, Londoners prefer friendliness with a touch of professionalism. Think of it this way: Parisians greet to show respect while Londoners greet to show openness.

When in doubt, just be slightly more formal on your first day. It’s much easier to tone down formality later than to recover from being too casual too soon!

Dress code differences between Paris and London workplaces

It might sound cliché, but no matter where you intern, how you dress really does shape how others perceive your professionalism. The expectations in Paris and London both reflect their unique work cultures, so keep reading to see which outfits you should be packing!

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, style is almost second nature in Paris. Locals believe in looking effortlessly put together. Think chic but understated—neutral colors, clean lines, and well-fitted pieces. You’ll rarely see loud prints or flashy accessories in a Parisian office. Even on casual Fridays, many employees still look polished. Shoes and bags matter just as much as the outfit itself, too, so aim for quality and coordination.

In London, the dress code may depend heavily on your industry. Here are some internship industries and what their usual dress code is:

Finance: Conservative suits, polished shoes, and muted tones are standard.

Marketing or Creative Arts: Smart casual attire is acceptable—clean, coordinated, but with room for personality.

Event Planning or Public Relations: Trendy yet professional, especially if client-facing.

The London rule of thumb? Express individuality within reason. They do appreciate subtle self-expression, as long as it doesn’t distract from professionalism.

Here’s a little tip: For your first week, dress one level more formally than you think is expected. Observe what others wear during that time, then adjust from there.

Punctuality expectations in Paris vs. London internships

Time perception says a lot about a culture, and it’s one area where Paris and London quietly differ.

In Paris, punctuality is valued but interpreted with flexibility. Being five minutes late to a meeting might not raise eyebrows, but consistency matters. For example:

• Arriving late without letting someone know is considered rude.
• Punctuality is expected for client meetings or formal presentations.
• Daily office life tends to be a little more relaxed—people value quality conversation over rigid timing.

On the other hand, London runs on the clock. Punctuality is a sign of respect and reliability, and being even five minutes late can make a negative impression. Whether it’s a meeting, the start of a workday, or a social event, Londoners appreciate when you arrive early rather than just on time.

On a related note, given the city’s unpredictable public transport, always plan for delays. Arriving 10 minutes early is your safest bet, especially in more formal industries like finance, business development, or event planning.

Business meeting etiquette in Paris vs. London

It may seem like a small deal, but meetings can look surprisingly different across cultures! How people speak, make decisions, and interpret “professional behavior” can reflect deeper social norms.

Meetings often start with polite small talk in Paris. You can talk about weekend plans, the latest art exhibit, or even the weather. It’s a way to build connections before getting down to business. Hierarchy plays a role, too. Senior members usually lead the conversation.

When you speak, stay concise but courteous. Interrupting or speaking too casually can feel disrespectful, even in an informal meeting.

In London, efficiency drives most meetings. There’s usually an agenda, and everyone’s expected to come prepared. A bit of small talk might happen at the start, but people quickly move into discussion points.

The British communication style is quite direct but still polite. For example, when they tell you what needs changing, they’ll often do it with humor or understatement (“This might need a bit of tweaking” usually means “Please redo this completely”).

Networking and conversation topics: What’s safe and what to avoid

Building connections abroad can be one of the most rewarding parts of your internship. It helps you expand your global network, gain cultural insight, and even open doors to future career opportunities.

In Paris, professional networking may feel formal at first. You might meet over coffee or lunch, but relationships take time to deepen. Good conversation topics include:

• French culture, cuisine, or art
• Current events (if neutral)
• Shared professional interests

Avoid overly personal questions or controversial subjects like politics and religion. Demonstrating curiosity about French life, even just by mentioning your recent museum visit or asking for cafe recommendations, helps show genuine appreciation for local culture.

London networking tends to be friendly but brisk. Brits enjoy small talk and humor, though it’s often subtle and dry. Safe conversation starters include:

• The weather (always a reliable icebreaker!)
• Travel plans or weekend activities
• Sports, music, or general pop culture

Topics to steer clear of: politics, money, religion, or anything that could feel intrusive. Londoners value modesty. Confidence is welcome, but bragging is not.

Top industries for interns in Paris and London

Both cities are global centers for innovation and creativity, but they shine in different sectors. Here’s a closer look at the industries where international interns thrive—and how local culture influences each.

Paris

• Fashion internships

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic brands and creative studios like Chanel and Jacquemus. Interns here often assist with:

• Product development and visual merchandising
• Marketing and PR campaigns
• Photoshoots and event coordination

Expect high standards. Attention to detail, style, and presentation are part of daily life. Even internal meetings may feel like mini fashion shows, so observing etiquette and professionalism will help you fit right in.

• Marketing internships

Marketing in Paris naturally leans toward style, originality, and strong visual identity. Brands put a lot of importance on design, storytelling, and creating emotional experiences for their audiences. Interns can expect to help with:

• Market research and campaign ideation
• Social media and community engagement
• Content translation or copywriting

Creativity is highly encouraged, but precision and formality in communication matter just as much. Meetings may feel slower-paced than in other cities, but every detail counts.

• Creative Arts internships

From galleries to art studios, Paris celebrates the arts like no other. Interns in creative fields may find themselves working with artists, curators, or designers on projects that highlight the city’s long-standing artistic heritage. Networking often takes place in cultural settings—exhibitions, gallery openings, design fairs, or cafes tucked around Montmartre.

This creative environment encourages curiosity, observation, and self-expression. Interns quickly learn that inspiration comes from everyday surroundings, and that Paris’s artistic rhythm can shape not only their professional projects but also the way they communicate, collaborate, and think creatively.

London

• Finance internships

London’s financial district is one of the most powerful in the world. Interns here experience fast-paced environments that reward precision, professionalism, and initiative. Common tasks include:

• Assisting in research and financial reporting
• Supporting client relations
• Working on strategy presentations

Punctuality, communication, and presentation skills are vital. You’ll learn to work under pressure—and dress the part!

Event Planning or Public Relations internships

As a hot spot for media and entertainment, London offers endless opportunities in PR and events. Interns often help organize corporate events, campaigns, or launches. You’ll work closely with vendors, clients, and creative teams. The environment is quite dynamic, with quick turnarounds, team collaboration, and high energy.

Politeness and adaptability go a long way here. Always follow up with gratitude—thank-you emails or small gestures make a strong impression in British work culture.

Business Development internships

Business development roles offer hands-on experience with client communication, market research, and partnerships. London’s diverse economy means you might work in tech, consulting, or startups, and to help you succeed, you must be proactive, analytical, and be confident in communicating.

The British appreciate well-structured ideas presented calmly and logically. Build relationships and demonstrate initiative—those can help you stand out!

Let us help you find an internship in Paris or London!

Whether you’re drawn to the artistic flair of Paris or the professional buzz of London, both cities promise personal and career growth that goes beyond your resume. You’ll not only gain international work experience but also learn how to adapt, connect, and thrive in multicultural environments.

With Absolute Internship, you can focus on what matters most—learning and growing—while we take care of the rest. Every program includes:

• A guaranteed internship placement in your preferred industry
• High-end student housing
• Visa and travel insurance support
• Cultural activities and day trips to help you experience the best of the city
• 24/7 onsite support from our dedicated local teams

Ready to take your next step? Apply today for an internship in Paris or London and gain not just experience—but a whole new perspective on the world of work.