I want to move to france when i graduate from college.. I need adivice?

Question

For people who are very familiar with france and it's culture i need adivice. ever since i was a little boy i have always wanted to speak french fluently. i am currently a college student in the United State. I am majoring in clinical lab science. i want to move to france when i graduate from college. I want get a job and live there . i took a french in high school and i am also thinking of minoring in it in college, so by the time i am ready to move, i would know enough to survive in the country when i first arrive. Can anyone suggest the best states to stay, that would also help my career. or what i can do to further prepare myself or any adivice that would help. i am very cultured and respectful, and open minded. I can also speak some African languages.Thank you for your help

Answer 1

Your principle difficulty will be in finding employment.

The unemployment rate in France has consistently been over 9% for years and there is no reason to beleive that this will change at any time in the future.

Moreover, as an American you cannot legally work in France without a permit which will not be forthcoming except under unusual circumstances.

The most realistic way to obtain legal employment in France is to first find employment in the USA with a company that has a branch in France. After establishing yourself with that company by spoending some years working in the USA, seek a transfer in some management position in France.

Answer 2

It's very hard for non-French people to get a job like you are looking for.  But that doesn't mean it's impossible.. I spent 7 months  in Normandy teaching ESL. I was paid a salary by the gov't and only worked 8 hours a WEEK!  You may want to look into being a language assistant just to get over there, and then try to get a job or assistantship in your career.  Go to www.assistantsinfrance.com which will not only give you info on being an assistant, but has forums that you can ask questions and find loads of advice.  Bonne chance!

Answer 3

To really understand France and get into the culture, you have to put yourself in their mindset.  I thought I knew everything coming into France.  I am fluent in French but that doesn't mean that my culture didn't follow me over here.  I'll give you a list of things that everyone should know before living in France:

1. Paris is the center, it will always be the center, and the rest of France knows it.

2. French people complain: mainly about work (even though they only work 35H a week) -- the concept of work is not the same at all. You put in your 9-5 and then you are out of there.

3. The French are closed, and sometimes come off as stand-off ish until you are able to form lasting relationships. Then they will invite you into their circle (and you can't get out)

4. When discussing school: the "moyenne" (average) is all that matters and your entire educational career will be base upon it.

5. Culture, Philosopy, Politics and Literature are abstract and far more important than anything else. If you are "bien élevé" then you have read  Voltaire, know everything about the French Revolution, can actively participate in debates about French Politics and defend your own politics.

6. Americans eat hamburgers and fries, are all fat, wear cowboy hats, love Bush, and are rich. --- Unless you can change that mentality (aka, being able to fit in so that they don't know where you are from until you tell them ....it's a one person at a time kind of thing)

7. Money is taboo, living life-drinking wine-spending an afternoon in a café  is not.

8. Private life is private life --- the French can't handle the TMI.

9. Know your subjunctive before you arrive. It is a mark of being well educated and that you are trying your best to fit in.

10. Systeme D

Ok so now that most of that is done, as for getting a job.  If you are really confident in your French skills then you can go anywhere - large cities however are better for the international aspect ( Lyon, Strasbourg, Paris, Marseille). Paris is expensive but the best place to find a job. Marseille is also extremely expensive.  Strasbourg and Lyon are less expensive and still a great place to live. I have lived in Strasbourg for a year - it's an international English/French/German speaking city that gives you the impression of being in the center of Europe.  If you aren't so sure about your French skills, try a semester or 2 at a French University.  It will give you a really feeling for the 'system d' (débrouiller) - meaning that you are on your own, without the warmth of professors like in the States, and you learn how to survive.   Paris will always be the best way to get a job if you want English but it won't be the best way to integrate into the culture.  

Finally, I will tell you, if you can speak English and French fluently as well as another language, and you have an American Degree, and get a French degree, you are set but you have to know what you want.  1st Step: Study abroad 2nd step: get an internship 3rd: eventually make your way back over to France when you finish your diploma.

Hope that helps!!!!!