Thinking of relocating to France and was looking for some advice.?

Question

We're thinking of moving to France to enhance our life a bit and see the world. I was wondering if there is work for Americans wanting to live among the French

Answer 1

Speaking French is a necessity and you should not count on the local ppl speaking English with you.  Many French ppl have studied English, but many are shy about speaking it (or just don't want to.). Living in France is a world of difference from visiting France as a tourist.  The cost of living is very high (you name it, it's more expensive than in the US and you get less for your money-- rent, food,basic clothes, gasoline, etc.).  Be prepared for a completely different culture (it's not unusual for a renter to have to BUY a refrigerator, install his own towel bars, buy a globe for the bare light bulb on the ceiling, pay his own water bill even in an apartment!). Gas and electricity is very expensive.  I am not saying that you shouldn't move there, just keep an open mind and have a high frustration tolerance bc it's a different culture.  Regarding work, you would have to ask other ppl, but my understanding is that it is difficult to get a work permit as an American (unless you have a job lined up with an American firm in France-- then they will have to work out the details for you).

Answer 2

don't know but i suppose you have to get permission.  i don't know if you can work there without a work visa.  at least, that's the way it was the last time i was there.

Answer 3

Hi MScott,

I would recommend checking out some websites geared towards English-speaking expatriates relocating to France, including FUSAC (France USA Contacts) and the Paris Voice. FUSAC is probably your best bet in terms of checking job ads from afar, as well as posting one. Paris Voice is good in terms of letting you know what's going on culturally and socially in Paris, but also provides some practical information for someone in your situation. Best of luck!

http://www.fusac.fr/

http://www.parisvoice.com/

http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy30/fr...

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publica...

http://www.discoverfrance.net/

Answer 4

unless you have tons of money don't come here especially if you're as tanned as in your avatar pic, trust me I live there.

Answer 5

I don't mean to discourge you but Americans aren't allowed to work in France. There have really high unemployment here and because it's so hard to fire anyone, employers are very hesitant to take new people. Because there are so many foreigners who want to come here, and because there are already so many EU countries whose citizens do have the right to work and live here, they do everything to discourge others from coming over.

Plus, French employers are really picky. They don't usually recognize foreign qualifications and are very specific about the French diplomas/degrees required. I joke that you need the cotton-plug-removing certificate to get a job removing cotton plugs from medicine bottles but that's what it's like here.

One reason why the French don't learn foreign languages very well is that non-French have to go through the entire teacher-qualification process to teach in any school that recieves public funds (they have both private and semi-private schools in addition to public). My own French sister-in-law barely speaks English but that's what she did for a living while tons of English speakers here wont be hired because they don't have that specific teaching degree, which requires more French than English. Even native English speakers with full working rights can only work for small private schools, which usually don't pay well.

I originally came as an expat on an extremely restricted visa. If I had been married at the time, my spouse wouldn't have been able to work. This alone kept many people from transferring to Paris.

By contrast, it's very easy to come here to study. Right now the Euro is very strong against the dollar so you will need sufficient funds for you stay.

There are also seasonal jobs that non-EU citizens can do but they're temporary.

My favorite sites are

http://www.expatica.com/actual/toc.asp?s...

sign up for their newsletter

http://americansinfrance.net

Also, check out the expat organizations for the city you're looking into. Most of the expat sites are geared towards Paris, if not, the south of France. Very little on other regions so keep this in mind.