I am SERIOUSLY Thinking About Moving to France

[romantico]

I have said this for years,half joking but I really have been thinking about this seriously for a while now. I've never been to France,I have no idea how much the cost of living is there,I don't really know very much. So, I am planning on going to France sometime next year. Already taking the time off and have the money set aside. My reasons for this is not just the health care but its the culture. I love the USA but feel it is very selfish and has become a "ME" society. The greed,the politics, the overall political climate just frustrates me. Now, of course I could change my mind but I am thinking about this with a calm mind. I have given it serious thought for a while and think about it everyday.If anyone has any personal stories or advice,PLEASE feel free to share.

Oh, and I just thought I would add this because I found it interesting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNR_6UuVl4s

[rurallib]

1. Keep us posted. Many of us will live vicariously through you.

[supernova]

2. wish I could join you

If I were you, I'd pick a place like like Lyon or Marseille.

[elleng]

7. I'd LOVE to visit Marseille,

but from what I've read, I wouldn't recommend it to a 'newbie.' Cross-cultural, and maybe too much crime.

[mnhtnbb]

3. Start learning French. Seriously. Americans are embraced when

they speak the language and ignored or treated badly when they don't.

I speak from experience. I didn't go to France until I was in my 30's. I studied French in school,
so my speaking ability was passable; my reading ability was better than my ability to speak.

I have heard so many stories about the "rude French". Well, they weren't. Every time I've been
to France I've made the attempt to speak the language and always, with one exception, been treated well.
One time, on the TGV, a counter person in the bar car tried to act like she didn't understand me.
A gentleman standing at my side told her, in French, "you know exactly what she wants. Give it to her."

Seriously, start learning French.

[romantico]

4. I am

I have a CD audio book for beginners but a couple high schools in town offer classes for adults and residence for very reasonable amounts. Plus,our library has language tutors who will help and tutor you once a week if you sign up. So, I have always wanted to learn anyway so that's a given. I still need to do lots of research. Wheres a good place to look? Is it better to buy or rent? Whats the cost of living and so on. I think I will start with travel forums and message boards and just start picking people's brains. Thanks for the advice!

[mnhtnbb]

14. Good luck! International Living has recently been promoting

a lot of smaller villages in France. Their website is a good place to start, even though it's primarily
focused on retirement abroad they are full of info.

http://www.internationalliving.com/

[UndertheOcean]

5. How does immigration to France work anyway , is it easy ?

[elleng]

6. 'Moving' there without ever having 'been' there, I'd say,

is rather dangerous.

CULTURE SHOCK is rather common. I recommend planning to visit, say, for a month.

[Lindsey]

8. I've thought the same thing.. France and England are two places feel so ed

I've always felt very connected to even though I've never been to either. :shrug: However, since I love my California, I'd have to have duel citizenship. When the Bush criminals had stolen the election again in '04, I contacted Canada because it seemed to be the most practical and doable. I'd been to Vancouver and loved it. Anyhow, I had to take this on line test to see if they'd accept me. You get certain points for certain things like having a degree, having a career that the country needs, etc. I passed the test and talked to an attorney. If I'd had the money, I probably would have done it; I don't know. France probably has a similar criteria. I'd be interested in knowing what you find out.

[Vidar]

9. I studied in France 30 years ago & experienced some linguistic chauvinism,

though I did speak the language. They have a Ministry of Culture which takes its job seriously, something I came to appreciate much more after my return to the states. Since you're just starting with the language, Quebec might make a nice trial vacation for you, considering its proximity. I found the Quebecois much more open to those just learning the language (took a field tip of jr. high students up there). Keep in mind, however, my information is 30 years out of date. There is also a very knowledgable Frenchman, toqueville, on DU.

[Orsino]

10. I think this country's a damned mean one to grow old in.

I don't see that changing a whole lot anytime soon, so I'm planning an egress as well.

[romantico]

11. We should all

We should all pool our money together and buy a big house and move in together (LOL)

I have also been reading up a lot on Napoleon(I have ALWAYS been fascinated by him)so, I do have a genuine interest in their country and their history. I have mentioned this to friends who think I am just talking, but I am very serious. I love the USA but I think we are very selfish. I look at kids today,our culture, and just the overall environment and it discourages me. Now, I am sure France has it's problems as well which is why I would like to visit it first and explore and research before making any definite choices. Still, it's looking very good to me these days.

[Eurobabe]

12. I live in Germany

I can tell you first hand, it's not an easy process to get EU citienship. France looks to be a little easier, at least they allow dual citizenship. German is very sticky about that one :(

I just did a google search, and found this basic site: http://www.immigrationcitizenship.eu/2005/12/french-citizenship.html don't know how accurate the info is?

Learn the language, because if you go for citizenship, you'll need to prove that you speak it. Save lots of money, the euro is hammering the dollar again 1.44 vs. 1.00 -- and yes, expect some major culture shock, doesn't matter how well you prepare for it, I still get waves after 3 years here. In general, quality of life is better here, and you can't beat the healthcare system, and support network. Best of luck!

[NJmaverick]

13. Good idea to try before buying

the grass is always greener and all that.

[insanity]

15. I've spent a considerable amount of time in Europe- learn the language

In every country I've been in, even as a traveler, people have almost always been nicer to me when I've tried their language. The only exception was in Paris, where my poor (drunk) French got me laughed out of a wine shop.

When I go to a country whose language I can speak conversationally I've always been treated fine. If you really like France, I'd suggest the South as all the people I've ever met there have been wonderful and the landscape is brilliant.