I am planning a long trip to France. WHere?

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ChocoBN

What was said above about how difficult it is to get a work permit and a job is true. Read this: http://french.about.com/library/bl-liveworkinfrance.htm

As someone else said, your only option is to go through some sort of exchange program. However if you are not enrolled in a US university it is easier said than done and very expensive. What you can look into is a volunteer position in France: http://www.ivpsf.org/programs_france.html

Do not intend to make any money in France, go there to enjoy a very unique culture and wonderful way of life. You'll love it. Good luck!

lingua06437

Your best bet is through an exchange program. I'm going to assume you are still in school? Contact your study abroud office. Check out if they have exchange programs. If they don't have something that you like, contact study abroad offices from other schools and find out what they have. See if they have any work exchange programs. See about studying abroud.

Two good things in your favor are that you are under 26 and a student. The EU gives discounts to people in your category.

You do seem a little inexperienced in these matters. A structured program where the logistics are all worked out beforehand might be more in order for you.

France has many beautiful cities. Check out Paris, Rouen, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse, Avignon, Strasbourg, Lille or Lyon. Do you want a big city, or the country? Research the cities and pick one. It is true that a lot of people speak English in Paris, but that does not mean that everyone does. However, Paris is more expensive so you would save money be living in provinces. But by all means you must spend some days in Paris - it is unforgettable.

Try to have as much French under your belt as possible before you go. Take classes, listen to tutorials, listen to French music. Go to itunes and sign up for French pod casts. Listen to movies in French for a bit - just change the settings on your dvd player. Google search Alliance Francaise. They are all over the world and there are a few chapters in every State. See if one is near you and join it so that you can participate and get some practice that way too.

Good luck!

Kbabe

I lived in france 4 a year when i was 12- 13. when i was there, i lived in Aix en provonce. it was a really pretty place, about 30min. from the beach, and there's beautiful senery there, and lots of stuff to do). also, there was about 1/7 people i met who also spoke english as well as french, so i picked up french quick! For jobs there, you could work at one of the restraunts, or they also have lots of art stores, (and there's "Carfore" (not sure about spelling on carfore) which is like the american wal-mart and grocery store combined, and when i was there, they were hiring english speakers (probably for the tourists) have a great trip, good luck= (Bon chance)!

Mike

Visite la Paris pendant Le Tour de France en July.
C'est fantastique!

You can't visit France without tasting a day or two in Paris.
Then you should visit some of the coutryside south or Bordeaux, which is wine country. Maybe Giverny to see Monet's garden house. Keep in mind, 2hrs either direction and you're in UNE AUTRE PAY, another country. Take a hike in LES Alpes Swisse. Whatever you do, the experience will be great, albeit the French are quite snobby and frown upon LES AMERICANS. So long as you sincerely try to speak their language, they will be encouraging.
Bon Chance!

The Euro stinks right now, so it's TRES CHER!! -very expensive.

mareeclara

While you might meet people who only speak French....do not miss Paris...it is lovely and has lots to see and do.

A friend and I stayed in Central France near the town of Figiac and found this whole area amazing...it has a few names for the area around like Quercy, Lot/dordournge river valleys....we hired a car and drove around to some amazing towns and villages like Rocamadour, St Cirq lapopie, autoire. Its like the whole place is scattered with fairytale villages....and truely worth a look.

Rillifane

To begin with, you cannot just go to France and get a job as it appears you are an American and therefore have no right to work in France.

Even if you somehow conjured up a work permit the rate of inemployment is almost twice what it is in America and the job opportunities for someone who is not fluent in French are miniscule.

EDIT:

1) You are wrong. A work permit will be all but impossible to get.

2) The unemployment rate in America is about 5%. In France is about 8.7%. Unemployment among the young ranges up to 20%.

Grizz

go to paris ppl will speak to u both french and english
it's better to understanded well in Paris then go somewhere at france

Sillia

Rouen in Normandy (It's where I live ;) )
And others beautiful cities like Reims, Bordeaux, strasbourg etc...

Joseph R

anywhere beautiful

GossipGirl

Stay in paris, at the grande. Experience paris like it is in the movies, get a cappucino...read a book in a small cafe..thats how you get involved in the cultural experience.

electricgitar

you should go to

versai

the luvre

Paris

Monets house

musee d' la mouse- wrrong spelling

also paris is amazing- pay NO ATTENTION TO THE WARNINGS!

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