American moving to Paris / Au Pair job?

Question

Im going to move to Paris in a year or two, after saving my money and learning as much french (I already speak basic french / common phrases) as possible. I plan to find a job as a live in au pair to help get used to France and the culture, and still be able to save money while I figure out the rest. Basically Id like links to any sites written by relocated americans or any really explain-it-all sort of guide / blog websites about the same thing. And if any of you have any tips or important things you should know id love to hear it.

Answer 1

That last answer is just not true - take no notice. If you are there to study the language, how can you be fluent straight off? That's ridiculous. The vast majority of French people will be delighted if you make your best effort to speak their language and show yourself to have an open mind to their culture. Bonne chance and have a wonderful time!

Answer 2

American is outsourcing jobs to other country be ready!

Answer 3

Be careful.  A lot of au pairs in France have complained that they were worked really hard, yelled at, and had no free time, not even weekends.  Get your employer (yeah the couple hiring you are your employers, not your pals) to specify the pay, work hours, and specific duties (in writing, preferably).  The idea is not so you can sue them (in France, courts are not like in the US and don't help the plaintiffs);  it's so that you can have an agreement regarding what your working conditions will be (and at the same time let your employers know your expectations). If the couple can provide you with the name/contact info of previous au pairs, that would be great.  You can talk with them to get the scoop.   Absolutely, do not let anyone take your passport and bring some credit cards with you.

Answer 4

Don't listen to NAE she is sooooo wrong and that is because of people like her that we stereotype a Country and his population , my husband is American and didn't spoke a word of French before we moved here and he got jobs with no problem and everybody were always really nice with him because he always tried to learn and never got an attitude when people didn't understood him. Now he speak really good French and he is loving it here.You are going to be fine and WE ARE NOT GOING TO TREAT YOU LIKE SCUM.

Take care

Answer 5

If I were you I would become as fluent in French as possible because otherwise they will treat you like $#!% over there. The French believe the French language is sacred and if you do not speak it fluently over there, you will be treated worse than scum.

Answer 6

Just be sure not to mention George Bush. The French hate him. They get extreeeeemely worked up about politics--it's kind of funny sometimes. Also, make sure you know the word "vache" (cow). You'll probably need to use it at some point.