I want to move to France. How do I do this?

Question

I've been before...and can get around pretty well. But, I want to live there for a year or so before I really settle down. How do I find a job there(I have only 2 years of college, I'm "trying to find myself") and how do I then get an apartment, etc?

Answer 1

I suggest the Assistantship program organized by the French Embassy. You must apply in December and you find out the following May if you will be placed.

You work in an elementary, middle, or high school teaching English to French students. You work 12 hours a week and earn roughly 750 euros per month after taxes. Some schools offer housing for the assistants; if not, they will often help you find housing. (You receive a packet of information as well, all about health care, housing, etc.) You also get 6 weeks of paid vacation and healthcare. You work from Oct 1-April 30 (longer for elementary school). You can also benefit from social aid (esp. rent help).

I think the program requests 2 semesters of college French.

Because this is government sponsored, you will have no problem getting work papers (which is typically very difficult in France.)

If you have contacts with the French dept at your college, I suggest asking them about this program. It's well known.

Answer 2

You've already gotten some good responses. I would just add that it couldn't hurt to get in touch with your nearest French Consulate (and/or to check their websites) regarding formalities, visas, etc.

http://www.consulfrance-atlanta.org/

http://www.consulfrance-boston.org/

http://www.consulfrance-chicago.org/

http://www.consulfrance-houston.org/

http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org/

http://www.consulfrance-miami.org/

http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/

http://www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org...

http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/s...

Here's a good link for when the visa and formalities situation has been addressed, and even for when you're already in France: http://www.fusac.fr

Answer 3

Have you considered being an "Au Pair" ? (That's a mother's helper)

It solves a lot of problems.

First, its the type of job you can get even without speaking fluent French.

Second, there is a special visa program for girls taking these sorts of jobs. If you're not an EU citizen it may be the only type of job you can legally take and the only way to get a visa alllowing you to stay in France longer than 90 days.

Third, it solves the problem of where to live since au pairs usually live with the family they are working for.