Comments on: France ranked the world’s best place to live

By: los angeles french france club expatriot

los angeles french france club expatriot — Fri, 06 May 2011 03:14:11 +0000

[...] France ranked the world's best place to live … Jan 6, 2010 … Helping Americans and other expats adjust to life in France … the train everyday to go from Orange County to Los Angeles. ….. French rugby team defeats colossal Scotland (WSJ) … [...]

By: Mel

Mel — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:33:02 +0000

Awesome! Have you been back to MN since?
Thanks for replying, I’ve bookmarked this blog!

By: americanexpatinfrance

americanexpatinfrance — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:27:47 +0000

Hi Mel,

Thanks for writing and reading! I appreciate it. I have family in the Twin Cities area, love Minnesota. Of course I love France too, which is why I’m here. Nice to hear you’re coming back for a visit. If you have any questions, let me know!

cheers,
Michael

By: Mel

Mel — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:53:43 +0000

I found your article on Linkedin, in fact, just joined the “French Connections” group . It’s a pretty interesting article. I was born in France and moved to MN in 1999. J’etais une jeune fille qui ne s’interressait pas beaucoup a l’economie Francaise mais mes annees la-bas etaient les plus belles de ma vie.
If I could live in France from birth til 16 years old again I would. I don’t know if I would live there now because of job hunting & economy.
Going to visit in June Very excited and I can’t wait!

By: americanexpatinfrance

americanexpatinfrance — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:42:42 +0000

Bonjour Ajamu, merci de votre message, vous pouvez voir des liens pertinents au travail en France ici sur ce site. Bon courage !

By: Ajamu AJANI

Ajamu AJANI — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:36:10 +0000

Bonjour à tous! je m´appelle Ajamu, américain, trilingue et je cherche un poste en France. J´aimerais travailler das une entreprise où je peux utiliser mes compétences linguistiques et mon expérience internationale. Je suis ouvert à l’import-export, l’immobilier, la vente ou comme commeciant. Mais, je suis prêt à prendre n’importe quelle position qui va m’aider à obtenir l’autorisation nécessaire pour travailler en France.

By: americanexpatinfrance

americanexpatinfrance — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:38:49 +0000

Hello Bradley, thanks for your message. Indeed, adjusting to life in one’s country of origin after significant time abroad can be more surprising that expected. From bigger macro-economic and cultural differences (ex: US being more risk-oriented, France being more risk-averse; France is more secular than the US…) to smaller everyday details that have an impact on life (the importance of having a baguette at meals etc.). These can all influence one’s return to “the homeland”. I know that when I go back to the US (about twice a year), I have a more ‘outsider’ opinion of US foreign policy, for example, and so people find me a bit more critical at times. Little things count too, like adjusting to pasteurized cheese (I find camembert, brie, tome de savoie at places like Whole Foods) and the necessity of baguette. I walk more often in France as well, so I try to emulate that in the US. Sometimes I feel like there is a French Michael and an American Michael, 2 different facets of myself depending on the culture. I’m able to manage that though and find I’m a more well-rounded person for it.

The important thing is accepting that your wife’s sister is going to be different after living in France for more than 20 years. No doubt about it. With that comes difficulty in adjusting back to life in the US, just as she probably had when she first moved to France. I find that an essential element in making the most out of a situation, no matter where you are, is adapting to local practices and not being afraid to challenge old habits and mentalities. So while it’s natural that she could have a difficult time at first, she should be able to acknowledge differences between France and the US (for good and for bad), but her perspective should not prevent her from having a pleasant time.

By: Bradley Lowry

Bradley Lowry — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:32:08 +0000

My wife’s sister has been in France for more than 20 years. When that part of the family comes to visit, they are pretty grumpy with culture shock for a couple days. Do you have any ideas on how to make the transition easier?

For example: What is likely to get on a returning expat’s nerves when the first come back?

By: Valerie B.

Valerie B. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:11:59 +0000

I am French living in the U.S. and I think the French have a long way to learn from the Americans especially in the courtesy and services. Yes, in the tourism industry they are “nice” but dealing with them takes some use to. Lot of my fellow French would not go back for a million dollars. I feel spoiled in the U.S. and I love it here better. Vacationing in France is fantastic and I recommend it but living while working there, heck no!

By: Eric How

Eric How — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:04:05 +0000

I see Ireland is in 44th place with 70 points I have lived for a number of years in France and can only add my name to those who already know what a great place France is to live. It just has so much to offer on so many different levels. If only I could get my wife so learn the language we’d be there in a flash!