Future in Paris?

Question

I've decided that after graduating, I want to live in Paris for a while. Does anyone have any information for me about all the legal stuff, finding a flat, finding a job, etc. Also, I might wish to continue my education there - any good schools?

Also, I want to know why you like Paris. I'm really excited about this and plan to figure it all out.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Unless you want to teach English to French executives (and without teaching qualifications or significant life experience you won't even get that), then don't come. You won't get a job doing anything else, there aren't any. Basically, without having gone through the French education sysytem, you're unemployable in "normal" jobs (in offices, etc). You can write and paint somewhere less expensive, (although you are unlikely to find anywhere as uniquely depressing to inspire you as Paris will be if you have no money).

Also, French university is of a very low standard, all the good students go to specialist private "schools" (of engineering, business, etc) which have very stiff selection criteria and require a year or two of "prep" school after the baccalaureate exam to enter.

The housing situation in Paris is critical, so it's also one of the most expensive places in mainland Europe to live (although it still looks cheap to someone coming from England, wages are also much lower, so the cost of living is still quite high in proportion to salaries).

I don't like Paris, it's nice enough to visit when you're a tourist, but living here SUCKS unless you have the money to enjoy things.

Answer 2

Well I certainly sympathize with your desire but your greatest difficulty will be in finding employment. What citizenship do you have?

If you are a citizen of an EU country then you have a legal right to live and work in France. However, unemployment in France is currently 9.4% and that official number may understate actual unemployment.

If you are an American you do not have a right to live and work in France without the permission of the French government.

Given that the new  Sarkozy administration was elected, to an extent, on an anti-immigration platform, you may find that the government is even less receptive to foreigners coming to France to seek work.

Answer 3

From my travels and interaction with French culture, I concur with the above posters.   Its a much more challenging country for outsiders than the US.   Many compare it to a country club.  

While london is more expensive and has a housing shortage, I would speculate finding employment and general acceptance would be much easier than paris.  

but if your passionate about paris, I'm sure someone around here can give you more positive and helpful advice.  maybe we are just too negative.

Edit:  this is probably pretty obvious.  but I find my old professors to be very helpful when I have questions regarding my travels through europe.  even if you don't know them well, they are all passionate about their international experiences and more than willing to help (or if your just graduating from high school, ask some of your older friends if they have contacts with professors with experience in Paris).

the problem with the posters so far, including myself, is that it doesn't appear we have the same passion for france as you do or as many others.  As a result, we are all saying, "its not worth it".  

and by far, the best part of paris has to be la defense.  just kidding.   I do disagree with the above poster that one has to be rich to enjoy Paris.  Paris has more engaging public spaces than New York and London.

Edit part II:

in response to the above poster, I'll give you that London beats Paris in the quality of parks.  And I guess that's a big component of a city's public space.  Also, I'll concede that some of the suburbs have truly horrid architecture.  very depressing stuff.   Most of it was built in a hurry after World War II.

its all subjective.  But I liked the whole layout of paris better, with wide, strait boulevards offering panoramic views of city.  In contrast, London's a maze.  Paris just struck me as much more of a spectacular city.  much more accessible.  more visually stunning.    But I'll admit I've never lived in either city for a long period of time.  maybe my perception would change if I did.

Answer 4

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