Thinking about moving to France?

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xalynn

1) Well, a large city would be options such as Paris and Lyon, where there is a substantial number of American expats living in already, so it may be easier if you want to start building some basic social groups etc, because meeting and knowing people properly in France may be tricky if you don't already know someone. Strasbourg is another lovely city as an option, and it's bordering Germany so you can go in and out for some weekend trips if you so wish.

2) It is not going to be easy. There are work visa requirements, and French bureaucracy is also notorious for the mountains of paperworks required. In addition, you will also need to be registered as resident, but that requires you to already have visa of some sort to live there. This is true for just about any foreigners who wants to move there, not just Americans. Finding accommodation to rent is not easy as many agencies will require you to have at least 3 months of payslips (and this applies even for the French). There may also be culture shock, as the work ethics between the French and the American are different. Socialising may not come easy, as I mentioned earlier, if you don't already know someone there in the first place.

c) Cost of living, well, it depends on which city you go. Paris in general would be more expensive compared to other French cities. If you choose to live at the suburbs, the accommodation may be cheaper but you'll face commuting time plus transportation costs. It's a balancing act.

d) No, unemployment is on the rise, and the further south you go in France, the harder it is to get a job. For this reason, I wouldn't advise you to move to the south, even if the weather is sunnier and warmer than the northern parts of the country.

e) Years ago, I read a book called Friends or Foe by Polly Platt and it's quite a good book in helping American expats understand French cultures and the way French do things. However, if you want something lighter and humourous to read while understanding some of the culture all the same, check out Stephen Clark's A Year in the Merde.

Bonne chance!

katya

Just moving like that will be very very difficult. I suggest trying to get transfered by an American employer with offices in France (who will then sponsor and pay for your work visa and permit) or you could also try the Language Assistantship Program where you teach 12 hours of English per week to French kids (you choose the age) and are paid 750 euros (after tax) per month. The site is www.frenchculture.org

ChocoBN

- This depends on what you like. Different cities have different atmospheres. Paris is the largest city and the most exciting but it can feel a little oppressive when you live there year round. Some other cities are close to the beach, to the mountains, have nicer climate or a friendlier atmosphere so I really can't choose for you. You'd have to visit first and see where you feel most comfortable.

- Fairly hard because you would need a visa to be allowed to live and work in France. Go to the French embassy website and you'll see all the visas available and their requirements.

- Cost of living. Depends what you are comparing with. France is clearly more expensive than the Mid-West but far cheaper than the West Coast and the North East (New York, Boston...). Depends also on the French city and how far/close to the city center you live.

- No, unemployment is high.

Rosebonbonsmile

I hope they don'T attack you there.

Dee B

The only problem with that plan is that French people live there.

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