Language problems are very common. For example, misinterpreting signs or instructions can lead to all kinds of trouble. I knew someone who ended up at the wrong end of town because they misread a bus sign. Another common one is having issues with accommodation. Maybe the place is not as described, like being too cold or having a really noisy neighbor.
One horror story could be about a student on an exchange in France who got lost in a very old and confusing part of Paris while trying to find their host family's home. They didn't have a working phone at the time and no one around seemed to speak English. It was a very scary experience as it was getting dark and they had all their luggage with them.
A common one is miscommunication. For example, the student was told they'd be near a big city for easy access to cultural attractions, but ended up in a rural area hours away from any major place. Another is cultural clashes that turn bad. A student might do something normal in their own culture but it's offensive in the host culture and the host family overreacts without trying to understand. It can lead to a very uncomfortable living situation.
Isolation is a frequent theme. Many French horror stories are set in remote places like old castles, deep forests or small villages cut off from the outside world. This isolation amplifies the horror as the characters have no immediate help. Madness is also a common thread. Characters may gradually lose their sanity due to the horror they experience, as seen in 'The Horla'. And of course, the theme of the past coming back to haunt the present, whether it's an old family secret or a historical wrong.
One common horror story could be having a really bad roommate. For example, a roommate who is extremely messy, leaves dirty dishes everywhere, and never cleans up. Another might be getting lost in a completely unfamiliar city with no one to turn to for help. Also, having difficulties with the language barrier in a crucial situation, like getting sick and not being able to communicate properly with the doctor.
One common element is accommodation problems. Like I said before, bad living conditions can be a real horror. Another is misunderstandings with the host family or local people. Sometimes cultural differences can lead to big arguments or uncomfortable situations.
Data loss is very common. For example, database corruptions can lead to important emails disappearing. Another is security breaches like when hackers get in. Also, misconfigurations during upgrades or installations can cause major disruptions to users' access to their emails.
One common element is bad host families. Some host families might be unkind, over - demanding, or have strange rules. Another is problems at school like bullying or being left out because of being different. Also, misunderstandings due to cultural differences can be a big part. For example, a simple gesture in one culture might be offensive in another, and the exchange student may face problems because of this without realizing it.
One common exchange student horror story is facing extreme homesickness. Being in a new place far from family and friends can be really tough. Some students also encounter problems with their host families. For example, the host family might have very different living habits or be unkind. Another is having difficulties in school. The new curriculum, different teaching methods and language barriers can make it a nightmare to keep up with studies.
A common problem is the cultural clash. For example, some exchange students might have different ideas about personal space. They could be too close physically to the family members which can make the family feel uneasy. Another issue is the communication barrier. If the exchange student doesn't speak the language well, misunderstandings can easily occur. For instance, they might not understand the instructions about using the appliances in the house and end up breaking something.
Mistreatment by humans is also quite common. There are stories of French bulldogs being stolen for breeding purposes in bad conditions. They are sometimes locked up in small, dirty places and not given proper care. Also, there are tales of them being attacked by other larger animals when they are out for a walk, which is really scary as they are not very big or strong to defend themselves.