One of my readers left a comment that got me thinking. Julie wrote, “What is it about France that allows us to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things in life? I find I get excited about things that I wouldn’t even give a second thought to at home and I find myself doing things I wouldn’t think possible.” Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate the small things? Or does it? Will a move abroad make you enjoy life more? Should it?
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
Living abroad is full of surprises big and small. Let’s talk about some of these living in France surprises including culture, food, and stereotypes.
“Do you feel French?” someone asked me recently. I had to think about it. The question of feeling French is a complicated one and makes us think about our identity as foreigners living abroad. What makes someone feel French and how long does it take for this to change? Let’s take a closer look.
You don’t have to look very hard online to find a foreigner abroad looking for some of the comforts of home. Here’s where to buy American food in France. Everything from baking supplies to candy and even beverages.
I’ve been living in France now for over 5 years, and little by little, it’s been changing me. These changes have crept up on me, and now looking back, I’ve noticed some distinct areas where living abroad has molded me into a model foreigner. Why is this the case and how did it happen?
This isn’t a fluffy feel-good post on how life in France is OMGAMAZING 24/7. Nowhere is perfect day in and day out and that’s the truth. This is a post about mental health and the dark side of expat life in France (or anywhere).
Everything is constantly changing around us, including the people. Our environment factors in to how we adapt and evolve and sometimes it’s for the best. I’ve been in France now for 5 years and life in France has changed my life for the better in ways big and small. French culture, language learning and more have made me a more open person.
This is me reflecting on 5 years in France. Truth be told, this post has been in my drafts folder for months. I kept starting it and then deleting what i’d written not sure what I should say or how I should say it.
Depending on how long you’ve been in France and who you socialize with, French people have probably asked you some strange questions. And a bunch of normal ones as well. Here are the top questions French people ask me.
You live abroad and love expat blogs. You’ve toyed around with the idea of starting an expat blog yourself. Now is the time. Here’s how to start an expat blog.
today I’m sharing a different point of view. For my final guest post this winter, I have a piece written by a French woman who now lives in the USA. Catherine Rochereul-Portier was born and raised in France and then moved to Germany. Over 20 years later, in 2013, she gave up her consulting business and moved with her family to the United States.
Hi guys, the most popular question I get from readers is about how to move to France. People write me looking for advice, reassurance and encouragement, all of which I’m happy to give.
Life isn’t easy for anyone, but if you keep a level head and can laugh at yourself, the everyday stresses seem to roll off your back that much more easily. Here are 7 things that are personally more difficult in France than they were in the USA.
As we get older and see more and do more, we can’t help but allow these experiences to change us. I like to think it’s all for the best. Here are some life lessons from living abroad that I’ve put together.
Thinking of moving abroad? You may want to read on for things to know before you move to France.
Now, after being the newbie myself as a foreigner in France, I’ve majorly changed how I act toward other newcomers I encounter in daily life. And going to a Pure Barre class in Florida last month made that clear to me.
As expats, we’re probably annoying from time to time to those back home, to those in our new country and even to those we live with (*cough, cough*). Here are the top 7 annoying things expats do.
Now it’s 2016 and I find myself living in a small town once again — just across the Atlantic ocean this time. How does it compare? And what can my adult self appreciate about small-town living?
After 4 years of living abroad, I can honestly say that I am happy in France — but does being in France play a huge role in my overall happiness? How much does your physical location factor in to who you have become? How much should it?