version française

On this page you will find some hints, ideas and links that may well help you with a possible decision to come to live in France. I can't guarantee any of the advice here is going to be of use, and I can only emphasise that you must take all the necessary precautions before making any final decision. Leaving the country you live in is never easy: I personally went back and forwards between France and England for about seven years before finally settling here in 1997.And who knows what the future still holds! It may be a good idea to leave your options open – keep a foothold in your own country in case things don't work out here.

Here's a short checklist to help you make your decision:

> Does my nationality allow me to live and work in France?
> Is my standard of French good enough to be able to live and work in France?
> Which part of France do I intend to go to?
> Do I know anybody there who will be able to help me get established initially?
> Am I likely to find appropriate accommodation and employment in that region?
> How long am I intending to stay there initially?
> Will I have enough money to live there until I find work and appropriate accommodation?
> Will my qualifications / work experience be recognised in France?
> What is the best way of travelling there with my possessions?
> Will I be able to return to my own country easily if things don't work out?
At this stage it is important not to get bogged down in too many details, to keep a clear and balanced perspective on your project, and to stay positive.

Now lets look at some of these questions in more detail:

Requirements for living and working in France
If you can read French without difficulty, you will find the information you require at this address: http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/france/installation.cfm
According to the ministry for foreign affairs, on crossing the border into France you must be able to produce evidence of: the purpose of your stay; how you will support yourself; and where you intend to live.
In some cases a visa is required, and must be requested before you travel.
If you are a citizen of the European Union you do not require a visa to enter France.
Otherwise you must contact the French consulate in your country of residence. A complete list of the consulates with links and addresses is available (in French) on the following web page: www.expatries.diplomatie.gouv.fr
There will be a fee for obtaining the visa, depending on the length and type of stay involved.

Language requirements
When I first moved here, my standard of French was far from being fluent: but working initially as an English teacher I did not need to have excellent French to be able to work. Depending on your professional intentions you may well be able to get by initially without being fluent. But if you don't have French-speaking acquaintances who can help you, renting accommodation and finding work will be a problem if you don't understand your contractual rights and obligations fully. Pronunciation was a particular problem I encountered initially: understanding real French language used in context between French nationals – especially young people, using the inevitable slang – is a whole new league game compared with classroom French. It may be an idea to listen to French TV / radio to get used to hearing French spoken at normal speed. Before moving here I would listen to the news broadcasts and try to get the gist of the different news stories. It's quite a challenge at first... Originally the idea of my French teacher back at school...
You will find a list of French channels you can listen to on the following page: www.lyngsat.com The state channels start with France (France Info; France Inter etc.); for a popular general interest independent channel, try Europe 1.

Choosing the right region
This is easier said than done. The variety of regional cultures, climates and landscapes adds to the richness of this country but it doesn't make it any easier to choose where to go to first. My advice is to go where you already have some sort of contact, or are most likely to meet people who will be able to help you settle. In my experience France is still a very family oriented country, and if you don't have family there... it can be hard making friends and building some kind of social life initially. Even students go back home at the weekend... to get their washing done and stock up on goodies for the coming week! Unlike British students they tend to choose a university within easy reach of their home. Finding employment and accommodation are also key issues, and may well prove decisive.

Finding contacts in France
Try to get in touch with others in your situation before travelling, through your work or family connections. You may find contacts on the Web – there is a directory of expats on this site – who will be able to give you advice; be careful about giving your address to strangers though, or arranging to meet people that you have only corresponded with by email.

Finding out about accommodation and employment possibilities


Recognition of foreign qualifications in France

To find out whether your qualifications are accepted in France you will need to contact the professional body concerned with your profession. French universities offer what they call “équivalences” for diplomas obtained abroad, for students wishing to continue their studies in France. You will need to apply to a French university that teaches your subject and ask what they require in order to validate your degree. I was able to gain the equivalent of a “licence” (bachelor's degree) from the University of Strasbourg by giving a detailed breakdown of my own studies in Britain and evidence of the qualification that I obtained. A university commission will meet to discuss your case: an “équivalence” is not awarded automatically.

Choice of transport

Please do not hesitate to send any comments / suggestions you may have to: webmaster@gofrench.com

Life in France:

> moving to France
> finding accommodation
> finding a job
> driving in France
> staying in touch: receiving English TV and radio in France
> learning French
> getting married in France
> becoming a French citizen
> my own experience

expat directory:

> Join the expat directory
> Consult the expat directory

Comments may also be sent by email to: webmaster@gofrench.com

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