How much effect does culture have on an individual?

I have been thinking about this lately, now that I have moved from Canada to France, how much difference the culture one is raised in can have on one’s identity and personality.

I have come across many instances where I don’t know how to take what someone has said or done to me, because I am constantly wondering if that is their culture, or if they are intentionally being rude, offensive, kind, as is the norm in their culture. I haven’t yet learnt to read their intentions- if they are coloured by their upbringing, or if they even subscribe that much to it.

Also, do you think there are certain personality types that are more susceptible to being considered a stereotype of their culture, and do you think either gender is more susceptible?