Things I wish I knew before moving to France from US
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Hindsight is 20/20, so in today's video I'm going over some of the things I wish I knew before moving to from from the US. We don't know what we don't know, so maybe you can learn from my experience and be more prepared for your move abroad to France or elsewhere.
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Salut! I'm Diane, an American who has lived in France since 2012 and the creator of the blog/UA-cam channel Oui In France. My channel's focus is "Everyday French life and beyond." I make videos on French culture topics, France vs. US culture comparisons, food, travel, language, and give you my thoughts about what it's like living in France as an American in the Loire Valley. Thanks for being here and if you enjoy this sort of thing, please share with friends and subscribe!
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#movingabroad #livingabroad #frenchlife
Also married to a French man. Living here has been a challenge-especially in terms of language. My husband had a lot of extra work in the beginning- he had to fill in all documents, arrange all appointments, coordinate with our kids schools etc etc since I just didn’t understand enough. Now I am slowly starting to take some tasks back from him as my skills are growing and this also allows me more opportunities to practice my language. For me another huge difference was safety. France is so safe compared to where I lived previously in SA. I can cycle alone after dark - wild!
Great video. I'm French-American but was born and raised in France. I moved to the US when I was 20 years old on an impulse. I wish I would have done more research on the day to day things and the cost of everything. Really create a plan rather then being basically lost. I struggled financially my first couple of years here. I also had a very hard time with understanding American slang and accents. I used to be homesick a lot the first couple of years. Getting married after 5 months after I moved to the US to someone I only dated for 4 months due to him pressuring me, going through that abusive relationship and then getting divorced after a little over a year. And then starting from scratch while not making much money was hard. But slowly my life got better. I understand the culture better, people understand me better, my accent is less pronounced and I'm getting married in a week and 1 day to a great man. He helps me learn new things here and have fun.
Toujours marié🤔😂😁
@@hervedupont6955 oui
Please break the illiterate American mistake of saying “ I wish I would of” done something. What you mean is “ I wish I would have” done something. The contraction of would have us “would’ve”. It sounds like “ would of” if you say it fast, but one is correct and the other is gutter English.
@@judeirwin2222 Thanks.
Do you prefer life in the USA over France?
I am Romanian. Moved to Germany for a year. Then I moved to America for 24 years and now I want to move to France. I am so tamed living abroad. I find it challenging and exciting. I hate predictable life . I like to be kept on my toes. Everywhere problems will follow you, no doubt about that, but we must enjoy what it is in front of us and cease the moment. I think France is a dream place and I am starting my first French Lesson this week. Who knows, I might have the opportunity to move there.
I'd always dreamed of living in France for a while but with work, marriage, kids and caring for elderly relatives it never happened. Now, in retirement I feel less enthusiastic about it, I am intimidated by all the things you mentioned in your video. But I think we are settling on a compromise. We hope to start spending winters in the south of France next year. Just 3 months, and see how it goes. It is not super warm, but way better than winter in Massachusetts (where it is below zero for days on end.)
Hello,
If you are not ready to accept the cultural differences between the USA and France, to make the effort to adapt to our way of life, our relationship to food, do not come AT ALL. Even three months will be painful.
But if you are willing to admit that the USA, which is certainly a powerful country, is not the best model in many respects then come and you will like it.
Try to follow your dreams... have been 2 years in Rhodes Island and it is the most fantastic souvenirs in my life. When back in France, everything looks tiny (car, house, malls ...) but after a while it was ok to "start again".
If you intend to stay in south of France for winters avoid some cities where the French culture have been vanished (Marseille, Toulouse). Elsewhere, that would be ok and lot warmer ;-)
In fact, it’s probably easier to move to France as a retiree. A long stay visa is easier to get, healthcare contributions are low to non existent, you don’t have to worry about kids and schools, and you have time to enjoy what France has to offer. Follow your dream!
@@christianc9894 Que vient faire la puissance 🤔
@@hervedupont6955 Les américains sont connus pour se croire le modèle unique que la planète devrait suivre, parce que c'est le pays le plus puissant du monde et parce que, bêtement, beaucoup d'autres les suivent servilement. Il me semble utile, voire nécessaire, de temps en temps de calmer un peu leur melon en leur rappellent que les cultures et modes de vie des autres pays valent les leurs. En leur temps les Romains ont conquit le monde de leur époque mais ils ont eu l'intelligence de laisser vivre les peuples soumis selon leurs manière de le faire. Ce n'est pas le cas des USA qui tentent à tout prix de nous imposer leur vision du monde, leur cinéma et chanteurs débiles, leur bouffe immonde, leur bigoterie, et j'en passe.
While serving in the US Army I was stationed in another country. It was an interesting experience. Later on I had wonderful opportunities to travel to many European countries and Australia. I spent 2 weeks in France just before the pandemic. Can’t wait to go back.
U r right about everything u say, living abroad made me a more humble, more self aware, more compassionate human being and I never felt more alive!
Thanks for your great videos Diane, and I wish you and Tom all the best.
Greetings from Amsterdam and Buenos Aires.
Diane, I love your videos. Let me tell you, you have a great point about "making friends as an adult is hard" but I might add, not just for those who move abroad. As a single gal (who is very blessed) and loves her home, sometimes it strikes me that, while I have friends in other states (I moved from MICH to NC 19+ years ago), I have discovered making friends IS and HAS BEEN difficult. And I love my home, my neighborhood etc. So all is fine but it is a tricky aspect of adult life.
When I was younger I never dreamt I would have ever been able to travel. Had I known I would have taken a lanquage class in school. I try to go every year to Netherlands, Belgium and France. I would definately move to the Netherlands. I'm 66. Don't fail yourself.
In France, you don't make friends the Mark ZUCKENBERG way, with the click of a mouse.
It's longer, more complex, but they are REAL friends, not ordinary acquaintances, and this friendship continues over the years.
Hello Diane. So happy that you are still posting on UA-cam. Your content is very practical. You’ve been through the wringer this past year but your positivity and resilience constantly shines. All best to you and Tom. Joe DiPrimio
I moved to Hawaii from Australia at 19 years of age… and my only regret? Coming back to Australia 20 years later! Maybe if I hadn’t come back though I would not have traveled as much as I used to pre Covid… and would not have found my love for France… but I am 67 and feeling very stuck in Australia right now… I never regretted moving to Hawaii for love…. I don’t think at 19 love struck and speaking the same language was hard at all…but that was then this is now… gréât vidéo xxxx
I came to France in 2013. I am married to a Frenchman also. We live in a small town and it is lonely for me. Also learning french is still ongoing. I'm trying to get my license and just passed the code, but got to do 15 hours of practice driving and wait until January for an exam date. There's nothing cheap or simple about getting a license here. I miss how easy that was in the USA.
Tell me about it 😂 it takes me 3 tries so just keep going and good luck
Haha, I went the opposite way, I'm French, now living in the US for 22 years, I've lived here for almost as long as I did growing up in France and after watching some of your videos I have to say that your depiction of French culture, habits and customs is most accurate, I do enjoy introducing my local American friends, some of whom have never left the US, to customs and dishes from my native Savoie but also other parts of France, it's people like us who act as a bridge between both countries.
Bonne vidéo Diane ! I'm so happy that you said that learning French does not have an end date.
Thank you! So true about problems popping wherever you might be and remembering not to blame the country you live in. You have a great outlook on life.😊
I have always wanted to move to France. My dream. Now I am going to invest more time looking at videos like this and trying to learn some language. Then life will take me there. I can do it.
My husband and I are planning to retire in Rennes in 2025 (we’d move tomorrow but need to get all of our financial ducks in a row, as it were). We are prepared as much as is possible for the challenges along with the positives. I think we are going into it with our eyes wide open - moving to France doesn’t mean a life of rainbows and sunshine every day (especially with the weather in Brittany, lol). But we believe that, even with challenges, this will still be what we need to live the life we want in retirement.
Wishing you the best of luck with everything!
J'ai ri à la blague sur la Bretagne 😂
C'est une blague récurrente en France de dire qu'il pleut en Bretagne 😂 (ce qui est faux, des fois il neige 😂)
Rainbows require both sunlight and rain at the same time ! :))) Best wishes on your future move, Rennes is a nice place.
I think you will like it! Where in Bretagne?
Moved to Europe 17 years ago... no regrets, but it IS hard! Keep sharing honestly
You’re a Godsend for me! I’m just starting out planning to retire in France as a single woman. Thank you for the inspiration! Bisous 💕🌺🇫🇷
Hi Diane! I hope you don't feel too lonely. I'd like to say that life in France is not always easy for native French people either. Your videos are always very interesting and entertaining.
Hi there, I have a really supportive family and friends network at this stage in my life, so I'm lucky in that regard. I'm so happy you enjoy my content. Thank you!
Hi, Diane! You are such an encouragement to people thinking about living abroad, whether for a short or longer time or even permanently. I would have similar advice, and above all, I would say: Just.Do.It! I know there can be all kinds of issues (like money!) that might make it difficult or even seemingly impossible, but don’t hesitate just because you think it might not work out. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, but you have still had life-enriching experience.
What a nice, well-informed and SO accurate depiction of your experience! Point #4 speaks to me so much. I am French, moved to the U.S 18 years ago, and will be moving back to France in 2024.
Will you be able to keep US wage in France?
I am so sorry your dog passed away. I hope you will consider adopting another dog when the time is right. Dogs are such a comfort.
Thanks very much!
Thank you Diane. You are a lovely person.
You're too kind. Thank you.
Bonjour !
Making friends is harder in the North of the Loire. But links tend to be stronger.
I think that the weather is a part of the explanation. In the north, the weather is colder, then you have to meat people at their houses, wich is more difficult. In the south, the life on the "terrasses" is easier, but your new friends last a few days only.
meet*
I completly disagree with you but it really depends what you call friend.
Although I always enjoy your posts, this one truly spoke to me! I'm American, with two children currently living in France. They've both had struggles, but have also learned to love the country. My oldest is eventually moving to the UK, and is hoping for us to follow. Although much different than France, it will still be a huge life change for someone in her sixties! Thank you for, at the bottom of this great post, for saying that all will be well !!
I moved to Canada from the UK 23 years ago, never regretted it for one second. When you move to another country you have to realise that you have to do things the way people do in your new country. It won't be the same at it is in the country you have left behind.
I was lucky that i befriended my neighbour who taught me so much. In my case there wasn't a new language to learn, although i am now learning french, as a single mom i worked so much didn't have time. Thank you for all the good advice you give on your channel.
I wish I had had more confidence in my ability to cope and manage on my own before I moved. If anything goes wrong in life,needs fixing, DIY, I just get on with it and enjoy the challenge. Developing a longterm illness actually helped in a strange way to arrive at that point. I had to develope a mental backbone. I wish everybody was more confident in themselves. The brain is elastic,not a fixed lump.
Just because you moved abroad doesn’t mean you can’t move somewhere else.
I went on vacation to Australia from the UK aged 18, my grandparents said goodbye. In there mindset you went and never came back.
I have now lived in the US for over 25years and planes still go both ways
Of course! People can do what they want for sure.
so sorry you lost your pup. that's a huge loss. hope you get another one. our pups are so precious.
Only thing in my life that I want is to leave my life behind and move to France. Thank you for covering this, I'm sure it has been very good for a lot of people more than can be expressed.
Well said, Diane! Thank you for being you!
So sorry for your loss Diane 💔. I too have recently lost my beautiful dog so I know what you are going through. Sending you lots of love❤
Thank you for sharing your recollection about the good old days with your dog. It is heartening to know that others also recall their dearly departed on an intermittent basis as time goes on.
Say Hi to Tom!
One thing people may not expect is how long it can take to "settle in". How long it can take to get comfortable in the new culture, with the different habits and ways of interacting, with the food, the routines-in addition to the language barrier. Give yourself time to adjust. It can take a couple of years, and that's normal.
The language is a "barrier" only if you don't know it (which of course doesn't help you to settle). It's not forbidden to learn the language before moving abroad. Some might even think this is the common sense thing to do...
As for "a couple of years", this is a very short time to feel at ease in a new country!
@@frontenac5083 It took me nearly 7 years to stop getting homesick and I knew the language. Cultural differences are many and subtle.
100% agree, after almost 5 years in Australia (from Belgium), I'm still very confused by many things. And even if my English is continuously improving, I'll never have the spectrum of nuances I can naturally use in French 🤷♀️. What's funny though, is that when I speak English, my mind seems to be wired in a slightly different way, more connected to the culture, PLUS, each time I go back to Belgium, the culture shock gets bigger 😂. For example, I became the weirdo who's hugging everyone instead of doing "la bise" 🤣.
Thanks for sharing your experiences--you have such a balanced and fair perspective on things. Hearing you articulate your thoughts about life in France has been super helpful for me, especially when it comes to the harder things about adjusting to life here and being away from home. Makes me feel like I'm not so alone in this! 😌
It is always a challenge when you move somewhere. I joined choirs and had some great experiences and made friends through music. The language barrier can be significant challenge and it is important to continue to learn. Not learning the local language can isolate you. I enjoy your videos. I lived in London and the Cayman Islands. I am from eastern Canada. I made some wonderful friends but I joined activities. I took the chance at times in my life when I needed a change. I left the familiar and safe and tried something different. I did move home when my parents were ageing, but I had to make that work. Much harder than living abroad! Haha!
I'll be doing this too, for LOVE!!!!
THANKS for ALL of your TIPS!!!!
Really good point about things being magnified. Agreed it has to do with support. Really nice video and good tips about being prepared- it’s possible- c’est possible! 🇫🇷🇺🇸
fantastic video. i laughed out loud at the bit about the thrill of getting a coupon! that's me! when I get a "bon d'achat" for 11 cents from my local Utile superette, I am the happiest man on the planet!
That was such a great video! It's so important to keep learning and moving forward in life. There are so many times in life that the greatest personal advancements come when we move out of our comfort zones. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
General culture shock and familiarity with others are two things that my husband really experienced when he moved across the country (US) to marry me. There's quite a difference from the South vs PNW.
After 25 years he has many more memories and history with people on his own and not just through his wife's connections. But he will probably always feel a bit like an "outsider".
As for enjoying the peaceful, regular, and simple pleasures, I definitely find I do that more myself. For me, I think that's coming from age and greater appreciation of such.
Thank you for your videos. They're informative and make me reflect on mine and others' choices. Also, it reminds me to reach out to newcomers.
Such a great video Diane. So relevant. I m french native but spent 33 years in the UK before returning to France 4 years ago. And I can relate to everything you said. Even as a french person 😄 when it comes to friends I only had a couple of people I had kept in touch with. All my friends were in the UK. And yes so hard to make new friends as an adult! And french language....such a shock as I had forgotten so many things. And french is my mother tongue!! And yes I did find myself blaming France for everything at the beginning. But I'm getting there. Slowly 😊😊 thanks for your videos I love watching them!
This is a wonderful video. A very good friend of mine was born in Mexico a native Mexican and German-born father. She now lives in the US. It is so fun to vis😮about politics, healthcare, cultural differences. I have especially felt sympathy for her during COVID because she couldn’t visit for several years. I do know that one thing that helps her a great deal is having a close-knit group of Latinas where they gather from time to time. The Latinas are from Spain, South America, Central America, and Mexico. It seems to help her feel connected.
Cheers to you!😊
Thanks Diane, i moved to another torn 1 hour away 20 years ago. As an "older" woman I found that new friends is hard to get. All my friends are in my old town, yes just one hour, but that is long, to meet need so much planning and times fly, the old "closeness" disapears as well. Here i have my husband and his extended family, people in church, but real close friends no. So I find its not the distance, its us as humans that are not as friendly as we thought.
Lots of wisdom! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Diane, as always. You almost made me cry by the end of it. Moving abroad is such an incredible experience in so many ways and as usual I can relate so much to what you are describing so authentically. My husband is my everything too 😍 after 11 and a half year in Canada. Thank you Diane 🙏🏻
You're very welcome! Glad you could relate ;-))
We left France 3 weeks ago and I am missing it so much 😢🇫🇷 I can’t wait to return in December and try out all the Christmas treats 🎅🏻
I think Christmas will be harder than ever this year because of the inflation of utilities !
Such a fun time to visit! I love all the Christmas markets. Enjoy!
Excellent points!
Glad you enjoyed it
We're currently conducting the super slow wind-up of our life here in the UK in order to move to France. We're not good at having to wait but after 20+ years here it's not a quick exit! Loved your insights! Imagine making that move with 5 kids and 4 pets! That's what we're up against, but we're all up for it and excited for the known and unknown adventures ahead. My favourite point from your video was that you wish you knew it was the best decision you ever made. We've moved many times, and have never regretted it - even when we hit reverse! We've been in one area for 12 years now and feel that the need to grow has become pressing - more pressing than the need for comfort!
Very well said.
I wish I was 30 years younger and I could « jump in »❤❤❤ Now I’m living vicariously thru your vlogs and others! Ur wisdom is wonderful to ponder and reflect on❤❤
I’m retired and currently live in Southern California. I dream of living part of the year in Mexico and part of the year in Europe. Enjoying your videos!
I agree with point number 1
Hey Diane. I am turning 50 next year and planning to move to France to pursue a Masters Degree. I have my heart set on Toulouse but following your videos over the last couple of months got me thinking about your region. You really help me feel more confident about this move, though still quite a few months out, its very interesting to learn about all the peculiarities about France. Thanks and keep up the great job.
Hi Denise, one of the big draws for the south is the weather. I am completely biased in favor of the Loire Valley but truth be told, winters are mild and just clouds and lots of rain, no snow. Toulouse has less rain, so just something to consider. But you can't go wrong anywhere really. ;-) There are pros and cons everywhere, so just continue to research and I'm sure you'll end up somewhere you love.
Thanks again and so glad you enjoy my channel!
@@OuiInFrance Merci
Hi Diane 👋 Great Video Greetings from California. P.S thank you for answering my question about if french natives knew English. Diplomats are very skilled in learning new languages.
You're very welcome!
Go for it! Just remember, like the old saying goes, “wherever you go, there you are”. :)
Thanks for being you.
😀
Easier to make friends via a social activity. Like dancing for example. I love to salsa dance and if I were to move to France that's the first activity I'd check out. Also, my career as a Historic Classic Car fimmaker offers avenues to seek out friends. So I would suggest explore activities you like or even want to learn more about...
Yup, totally agree! Join a gym, a volunteer group, a church, a meetup group, anything!
Diane, so happy to have found your videos. I am 66 and for the first time in 46 years I am free to travel as I please. I am widowed, kids are grown and granddaughters in college. In roughly 8 months I will be selling my home and going to France for a one year adventure. Who knows, I might love it enough to stay. So looking forward to this one year adventure! What is your advice on learning the language, meaning online programs versus in person tutoring? Would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi Terry, welcome! My best advice would be to start learning French now, as much and as often as you can. I'd buy books and listen to podcasts in addition to structured self-study and if the budget/inclination is there, a tutor in person. Put a focus on speaking/oral comprehension. I think a lot of people underestimate how daunting it can be to get up to speed with French, including me. I moved here with an intermediate level but didn't have much experience talking to actual French people in front of me and it took several years before I felt confident. It's even more important if you're living outside of Paris.
Good luck with everything ;-)
OMG I agree 100% with everything you said! Specially making friends and language.. and hating France and life problems 😅 Some days I just want to give up..but than..it goes away 😅
Anyways...J'adore tes videos, une très belle decouverte! 😊
Bon dimanche!
I'm french and it's hard for me to make friends as well, what you said is right, as an adult it's hard and i feel like it get harder with years. Like you said most are just friends with the people they knew for ever at school or when they were students, but if you're not into those circles it's hard.
Just Hang on....Stay Strong. Merde Happens!!!! Everything in life has its pros & cons. N'arrêtez Jamais.
I lived in France after college, with the goal of learning French. I liked it very much but it was often lonely. I would sometimes make friends with other foreigners. I said at that time I would have stayed in France if I could have worked there. I often felt hurt by the way many French people (in Paris) seemed overly critical.
We have made the decision to move to France. I'm excited and really nervous. Trying to learn the language, I have health issues that will to be dealt with right away... so much to think about!
Sending you good vibes for what's ahead! You've got this ;-))))
learned i don't like travel if it's not in my bones to do so. someone elses great time may not be mine. different paths in the same local....that is good.
I am Franco-American, I was born in Paris! My father was in the American army I lived like an American without being American life an army bases is not American, but we had American food, and we spoke English, but Europe was just outside the base gate most of the time less than a mile away! My father hates the French people to this day, but that is another story; my father is not happy that I am here in France! My father was no help, and my mother did not understand the American way of life enough to help! What I wish I had fully understood was the French people don't trust people like American people do and why no one (French or American) explain what the true meaning of System D is! Even the story of Antoine Parmentier would have helped me a lot to explain why the French are the way their are! But than maybe I would not understand as well as I do today because I figure it out on my own; I System D it with no outside help! Today I tell Americans to not do things and sometimes their laugh some learn, some do not, then I laugh! I love my French cheese, and French wine, I may never give that up, I may actually be too French today for my own good, and yes I have few friends! I live in a small village near Perpignan with some of France best wine county (Muscat & Banyuls wine you got to try some; to die for), I was told we have the most organic farm in all of France here with 300 days of sunny days a year!
I am French, I will be 18 soon and French language is so fcked up I still can’t understand some conjugation times that exists but are never used
but being french is worth it just because more than 1200 cheese type in this beautiful country
It is true of moving anywhere. To meet someone your own age in a new place is rare. You don't have school friends to connect with. I heard it takes 3 years to adjust to a new town.
Good stuff… contemplating becoming an expat myself: France or Portugal…
Thanks Diane! I'm French and I really enjoy your insights.
Can you believe I don't like brie or wine? :)
Merci Diane! ❤😅❤😅 I always find your videos so refreshing, down to earth, and optimistic. Do you have a psychology degree?
You're too kind, Sarah. I studied communications. ;-)
am thinking of moving to France myself . though am a bit apprehensive am too excited about the move.
Beautiful
Allergic to wine, but def look forward to eating the cheese haha
Thanks for this video. It was interesting as always.
As a French person who loves cheese, it’s now completely possible for me to resist to it. Six years ago I learned how much animal suffering is hidden behind cheese production. Please, try vegetal cheese, they are delicious too without hurting anyone. 😊
Send me your most delicious recommendations and I'll check 'em out!
@@OuiInFrance I recommend two brands: Violife and Jay&Joy. The first one is in supermarkets so it’s easier to find it.
I really love Le Grec (Violife) as a replacement for mozzarella. Le chèvre de J&J. And also le bleu de Jay&Joy and la bûchette . J&J is far more expensive but everything is very delicious.
There is a new one called le Rond and if you like eating hot Camembert (miam!) it’s an alternative (which I haven’t tasted yet).
Ah you made a good progess in enjoying savoir vivre 🙂
Good afternoon, I am planning to move to France and am in the stage of looking for an apartment to rent in Angers or Tours. I want to live in France while searching for my dream home to buy. I appreciate your info to learn little things so I need to prepare for the friend shock. But I am moving for the slow down factors to retire from the fast pace. You definitely will receive some coffee invitations.
Good choice. Angers and Tours are calm and pleasant towns. I don't know how it is in your country, but in France there is a simple principle: the further you go from the city center, the more likely you are to find larger rentals or larger properties for cheaper. If you have a car, or if you are comfortable cycling or taking public transport, don't hesitate to look in the towns around (Avrillé, Trélazé, Beaucouzé, Bouchemaine, Les Ponts de Cé.. . for Angers, Joué-les-Tours, La Riche, St-Pierre-des-Corps for Tours).
With the confinement of COVID (2 years ago) and the development of telework, many French people who lived in big cities have decided to move to cities the size of Angers or Tours (about 150,000 inhabitants), so prices have increased recently.
Apologies Diane for mentioning this on your page 🙂, but France with Véro is on FB and YT and she lives in Tours and posts a lot of videos on and around the town.
@@mfcq4987 Thanks you so much. I am living in Finland for the past 20 as a foreigner but want a warmer climate. The dream is to retire young and live healthier. And the countryside is my ideal goal.
I am so apprehensive, but really want to retire in France, I love your channel and gives me hope, just worried about all the citizenship work, I do not speak french
Just take it one step at a time and start your research and French learning now. So glad you enjoy my channel. Thank you!
I wish I knew how slooooow everything would be. That I would have to just have a different perspective on time and learn to be way. more patient.
Yup, totally different pace, that's for sure.
Not taking away the truth of what you say, much of the material is the result of maturing and the change in perspective that occurs as years go by. It is more about how you now see the world, rather than where in the world you exist.
For my part I wish I had known that you cannot live on French salary in France (or find a good job for that matter, even if you speak French fluently). Thank God I was able to work for companies in UK and Germany, so that helped a lot.
Funny, what you tell here about France - making friends and learning the language - also applies to Denmark 🤔
Absolutely! So many of us walk a similar path no matter the country. Thanks for watching ;-)
It applies also from a city to another city within the same country
Talk all you want no 2 countries should be the same..every individual is different and so each is every country..too eaches own..everyone should do what feels right too them...the world is different in each own..we live we learn....be you do you...thank God you can navigate...we all can't...and we have too do do what we do..we all can't run..thank Hod you can..I love me a piece of America...French can talk the talk there are loads of them in the States.. everyone do you....be happy...
Diane
I am concidering emigrating from Philadelphia to the Combrailles Puy de Dome. My biggest anxiety issue is having a Medical system in place. I understand rural France, where i will be moving to, has limited medical access. Do you have any suggestions? I absolutely love rolling hills of the Combrailles and the local French residents, however, i have been told the local "GP's" having waiting lists. What to do???????
I don't know Combrailles but many rural areas in France find it difficult to attract doctors (and dentists).
My suggestion would be to ask your French neighbours first as they may be able to tell you where a doctor can be found. Alternatively, ask at the Mairie.
Another option is simply be prepared to travel.
Hello Diane,
Making friends really depends on the region you are.
Best
I think there are people in all regions who have an easy time, hard time, and somewhere in between time of making friends ;-) Depends on so many factors!
Thank you for your answer. Being French and having moved in different French regions, you can see there are some more or less true stereotypes according to regions. For instance, people from the North are said to be very friendly and people from the French riviera are warm outside but it is almost impossible to make real friends. In my eyes, you should not limit yourself comparing big cities and countryside.
One thing that might interest your viewers is a comparison between regions in terms of interaction with others. It may help your countrymen in choosing where to settle. Additionnally, you would be one of the first UA-cam content producers to do it. Just an idea....
You're welcome! I like the idea but think it could be problematic because so much would depend on who I talked to. And a student in their 20s will have a much different experience than a single guy in his 40s vs a retired couple in their 60s. There's no way to really do that with the same variables across the board. I could find the friendliest people in Lille and then show the rudest most arrogant French people in Nice and it would create a skewed impression, you know what I mean?
And the biggest issue is I definitely wouldn't be able to self-fund the production! Lots of costs involved.
@@OuiInFrance 😉
Errors you got my drift...
How are you dealing with FATCA? Are you still American? If so, where do you bank? I'm a dual citizen and have inherited properties in France and getting an account for the estate in a French Bank could only be done at the international branch of BNP in Paris. This was a few years ago, so I wonder what it's like now?
Credit mutuel is the only fatca friendly bank.
I don't have any issues banking. I'm with Credit Agricole and yes I'm a US citizen.
Very good video! Thanks for this. I'm an American who has decided to move to France (which I've wanted to do my whole life almost). I've graduated college, started an online business, and am working on acquiring other income avenues. I'm still on the rise, but I feel like it's time now to live the dream that's always been in my head. Additionally, I'm dating a man who lives in France and I (very eagerly) want to move there like ASAP. I've been doing research for forever; I feel as ready as I'll ever be. But the application process does feel quite daunting. I'd love help but I don't want to have to hire someone for thousands of dollars 😅. Do you think it's realistic to do it on my own? Part of me feels like I can, but if I make a mistake, or am unaware of critical information that could affect me big time, I'd be devastated. I'm rambling now, but I hope you see this!!
Hi Aaliyah, congrats on the upcoming move! How exciting! You can definitely do the paperwork on your own. Use the expertise of people in FB groups and forums if questions come up. You've got this!
@@OuiInFrance thank you for the encouragement!! 🙏🏽🙌🏾😊
I am pretty much used to blaming the country I live in for the issues I have. France, USA, Canada, and now Germany. You name it. For example, today, I am pissed that none of the locks in my residence work correctly. So I blame Germany for that. It soothes me.
do you watch Loic Suberville?
I follow him on Instagram. Great stuff!
I wish I knew salaries were less than half in my field. Slower pace of life in Paris is a joke, I could work less in the US for more money.
Very true that salaries are much lower in France than they are in the US. They can be quite a shock for people used to salaries well into 6 figures and the accompanying lifestyle back home.
@@OuiInFrance Actually I'm a teacher, so max back at home would have been making maybe $60,000. So to make well under half of that in Paris, and then have rent and many costs the same is hard. I never made over 6 figures or had a fancy lifestyle lol ;) Wish I had known before moving. I just assumed life in France would be similar to Sweden and Denmark where I had lived previously since they are all EU countries. My mistake. I've also found the healthcare system to be worse after I finally got access to the Carte Vitale, which was a battle. Needless to say, I'm moving back. And that's not to say it's all bad. It's been an experience. All your videos have been super helpful. And I like some things in France. Every country has pros and cons.
@@jackandtylertoo France is a funny country. It is a country divided between ruthless capitalists who exploit the communist fiber of the rest of the population. All those who run the country are civil servants (teachers, nurses, doctors, policemen, garbage collectors, social workers...) or self-employed (farmers, craftsmen...) and are poorly paid because the state relies on their sense of public service and the common good.
Meanwhile, private companies that manufacture things that are useless (the biggest French fortunes are people who produce luxury things like makeup, handbags, perfumes, evening dresses... ) and which pollute earn a lot of money which they hide abroad so as not to pay taxes by saying that civil servants cost too much!
@jackandtylertoo, your first mistake was assuming all EU countries are similar!!! But at least you know now that some research is required before moving to another country... 🙂
@@jackandtylertoo I think France is far more enjoyable if you come as a tourist. You can really experience the French lifestyle in the way that suits you and you can afford it, without having to deal with all the negatives mentioned in these videos.
The French do tend to be very close-knit.
Try to control your hand gestures Diane. Waving then around wildly is distracting.
I wonder how many americans live in France.
I really enjoy your videos. I'm a Francophile.
But, who is this Broad you keep referring to?
Things I wish I ‘d Known etc, not things I wish I knew. Use the correct tense in English as well as French please!
You're getting older so your ideas change, it has not much to do with France.
So glad I found your channel. My plan is to retire and move to France in a few years. Trying to prepare as much as I can in advance. Looking forward to learning more from you. Thanks!
Welcome!