Is your mood down due to the winter season? Are you tired of skipping the gym due to the winter weather that seems to last forever? Have you just had another massive snowstorm and don't relish the thought of having to dig out from under the mounds of snow in the driveway?
Perhaps what is going on is that you recall your last holiday in the South of France, where the weather was perfect along with the sun and sea of the French Riviera. To make you sigh a little more, did you know that in the Cote D'Azur region, the sun shines an average of 300 days of the year, and the climate in that region is always balmy? How can you not want to live there? Then it's perfectly understandable.
However, moving to another country is not a decision to be taken lightly, despite the apparent allures! Starting a new life abroad requires deep thought and careful consideration regarding all aspects of the human experience.
However, if you are already convinced, maybe you ask yourself the question: "Where in France would I live?" In the countryside of Normandy to try its regional cuisine? Or a city like Marseille, France's third-largest metropolis to lose yourself in its cultural environment? or perhaps in the City of Lights, love, and fashion to take selfies in front of the Eiffel tower? You have great options to choose from!
Unless you are retired or independently wealthy, finding work abroad in France should be your prime consideration and determine where you will eventually relocate and settle. If you decide to go to the bigger cities, it will be easier to find more foreign people and even more job offers.
Would you like to go to a master's degree or another type of study program? France's education system needs to be researched to determine your best options.
The healthcare system in your new home country might be of great importance to you, and one of the things you have to know is how it works. Would you like to see how the French health system works if you need it? Although the French administration can be a bit complicated, we will try to give you some recommendations in this regard.
And, of course, there's the language variable. Although French is one of the official Canadian languages, this language will vary depending on your country. Being an expatriate in a country where the currency is different, where the media broadcasts primarily in another language, and maybe it isn't easy to understand a word in the street could be challenging. But what is not challenging in life? Having the experience of living in another country will always bring you great personal rewards.
Having an experience as a tourist in a foreign country will always be different from adapting to their daily way of life, language, mentality, gastronomy, and even people. Take heart, Canadians! After reading these benefits of living in France, you may find that relocating is feasible after all!
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Are the Canadians Conquering the World?
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 2.8 million Canadian expats live worldwide. In 2019, about 51,687 Canadians emigrated from Canada, and according to recent statistics, around 9% of Canadians live outside of Canada. But immigration is still considerably higher than emigration in Canada! (Maybe one of the possible reasons is that Canada is the best of countries, so this all makes sense). So, why would Canadians choose to leave beautiful Canada to expatriate to another country?
If you survey Canadian citizens living in different countries, you will find a variety of different reasons:
- Retirement: Some retirees dream of spending their sunset years experiencing different cultures or improving their quality of life and cost of living (even though France is a bit expensive!)
- Work: Some Canadians find more lucrative offers and contracts abroad for anyone willing to relocate, whether recruited by a foreign company or on assignment with a company in France.
- Starting a new business: Did you know that some countries offer advantages and incentives for expats to set up businesses? In this way, it is challenging to think twice.
- Serial expats: People are always looking for new challenges and broader horizons. They don't tend to stay in one location for long, moving on after only a few years.
- Greener pastures: Expats who believe life would be better in another country. Sometimes, the grass could be greener on the other side, literally speaking.
That last may well prove true for those who relocate to France! Just in case, check for exceptional French lessons here!
Get to know how to Set Up Your Home in France!
France has to offer a lot of amazing things. As a foreigner hoping to relocate to France, perhaps your first concern would be finding a place to live. Would you want to rent or buy a property right immediately? The answer to that question may lie in where you choose to start your new life. Do you dream of a house set in the vast, green expanse of the Loire valley, or would you prefer an apartment in the most famous French city?
Look, maybe we all think that France is just a romantic and fancy country. However, a fact is that finding an apartment to rent or buy is somewhat complex, and it will take time and patience in most cases. We recommend that even if you have not yet moved to the country, you begin to contemplate options with time and thus avoid unforeseen events.
Not everything is Emily in Paris, my friends! For example, you may want to consider if you already have a job in France to find an apartment within a reasonable distance from work. The city of Paris, for example, is also known for having a large number of strikes that often affect public transport. So the more directly you can get to your office, the better!
As a Canadian citizen, you can shop in the French property market. This article recommends sites where you can find good deals to buy or rent your apartment. The first is SeLoger, a platform where you can select where you want to live, the type of house or apartment you are looking for, and how much you are willing to pay. And the second is Leboncoin, where you can find good real estate options, job offers, vacations, and even decoration.
And remember that the bigger the city, the smaller the square meters of the houses may be!
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What do you need to Work in France?
The work environment in France has fantastic things! For example, one of the most attractive features of working in France is its 35 hour work week! However, the shorter workweek does not necessarily mean less work; plenty of Canadian expats in France find that their schedule and workload are much more demanding! Even culturally, it is better to stay a little later at work even if you have already finished your established schedule.
But as an entrepreneur in this highly dynamic environment, with limitless opportunities to grow your business, you could hardly go wrong in France. Did you know that France is cheaper and less complicated to set up a new enterprise? Although the bureaucratic procedures take time, the French government usually invests significant money in supporting new companies. For example, French banks must offer financial assistance to any new business to encourage startups. Furthermore, the government scheme NACRE ("Nouvel Accompagnement pour la Création et la Reprise d'Entreprise") offers interest-free small business loans and advice for anyone starting on any subject from taxation to paying social charges. Find out more information here!
However, suppose you're thinking of going big. In that case, you must still meet all of the necessary state criteria – valid residency and work permits, necessary qualifications or certifications for that business, proper education credentials and diplomas, and register with the administration.
Thinking about starting your own company in France? You can start taking French classes in Montreal today!
Would you like to pursue studies in France?
If you are thinking about studying in France, you may have concerns about finding the best program of studies for you and adapting to the French language, especially if French is not your native language. Rest assured that immersion is the best way to pick up language skills quickly, but also you have to know that the French government offers programs taught in English! To discover what we are talking about, we strongly recommend visiting Campus France Canada's site.
Here you will find a catalog with more than 1600 study programs from where you will be able to choose:
- Your level of degree (license, master, MBA, short and professional courses, or even summer courses);
- A wide variety of fields such as Business and Management, sciences, agriculture and agroindustry, mathematics, engineering, law, economics, humanity, architecture, arts, design, and fashion;
- And if you prefer a program, 100% taught in English or not.
On the other hand, if you want to recognize foreign academic and professional titles, we recommend visiting the ENIC NARIC page. Applying for recognition of a diploma can be used to pursue studies, find employment, or obtain mention of a French-speaking course as part of the naturalization application. It can also be called upon for any other project for which it would be helpful. To be certified, the foreign diploma must be recognized by the country's competent authorities where it was issued and attest to academic and professional training. Find out all that you need here!
To work in France, you must be appropriately educated and certified by the French government to operate in that field. For instance, you may need to enroll and complete a study period, depending on your academic or professional field.
But something fundamental that you should know is that, as in Canada, some professions are regulated in France, you need to understand how the recognition of a professional qualification works. In the INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle), in this article you can find all the information necessary to obtain authorization to exercise a regulated activity in France.
Get amazed with France's Infrastructure!
Did you know that France is highly open to innovation? This is mainly due to its excellent infrastructure, efficient communications networks, superbly maintained motorways, fast trains, and airports with fewer restrictions than other European countries. Imagine the ease of traveling to southern France on a high-speed train or London on the Eurostar within hours!
Its long and picturesque coastal regions are not only attractive for lounging on one of its beautiful beaches but provide plenty of harbors accessible for international shipping, mainly the ports of Marseille in the south, Le Havre and Calais, in the North West of France. And best of all, all of France's telephone lines are already capable of broadband Internet access!
France is considered advanced, as far as technology is concerned.
Concerning France's infrastructure – from transportation to telecommunication- is one criterion you can be confident in if France becomes your new country! For example, suppose you are in Paris. In that case, you can quickly get a Navigo Card or a pass to move through the subway, bus, tramway, train, and even in the Ile-de-France region without any extra fees! Or decide to buy tickets every time you use the public transport. However, as a recommendation, we highly advise you to look for the monthly Navigo Pass if you plan to stay for a more extended period. So, where to get the Navigo pass? Visit the Île-de-France Mobilités site. Here you will find all the information you need to discover the various Navigo card available, public transport, tariffs, and payment methods.
Bienvenue en France les amis!
How does the Healthcare System work in France?
Did you know that the French healthcare system is considered one of the best globally?
The French maintain their healthcare system very well, despite rising health care costs due to their aging population. In planning your relocation and life in France, consider that you must budget for social fees. If you are self-employed, you may be required to pay slightly higher social charges to offset any healthcare costs you and your family may incur. Furthermore, remember that there will be a deduction for health care tax in your wages. To get a social security number, first, you need to visit the Assurance Maladie, the one in charge of the organization of the French health system. Once you have already signed up, you must wait to receive your provisional health security number. After a little bit more waiting, you will receive your French social security number (numéro de sécurité sociale), and then you will get a Carte Vitale. This Vitale card (or Carte Vitale in French) contains valuable administrative information for taking charge of your care. The healthcare professional you consult (doctor, dentist, etc.) uses your Vitale card to create an electronic treatment sheet (which replaces the paper treatment sheet) and helps you get your medical visits reimbursed.
However, to be fully covered, you must invest in expat health insurance to enjoy medical benefits in France and in a complémentaire santé or mutuelle policy which will reimburse all medical costs not covered by the Social Security. The most popular are: Harmonie Mutuelle, MGEN, La Mutuelle Générale, Eovi Mcd and Adrea Mutuelle.
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French Immersion: Language and Culture!
We have reached the most exciting part of all! Once you're in France, there will be many things to consider, like a new job and establishing your local bank accounts. It's exciting to start life anew in another country, but there is still the element of integration, which we consider are highly important. Although you may eagerly anticipate your move, you will still suffer a measure of culture shock! And this is completely normal!
One way to help in the transition is to get the advice of those expats who have already experienced it. Expats can help you settle in a new country or become your friends or part of your new family.
Have you ever considered joining an expat forum while you are still in Canada? Creating support networks abroad will help you empower your new life abroad. You can arrange meetups once you've moved, with other English-speaking people where you live. You can make new friends, and you may even plan to travel together! Why not take that leap of faith!?
Whether you plan to arrive in France soon or in a year, and whether your primary motivation is work, travel, or a desire to experience French life – adaptation and resilience are essential to survive!
France is a country with millions of foreigners. The rewards of becoming an expat in France and living that dream are limitless! Allow yourself to meet new people and mindsets, and be aware that you are neither the first Canadian nor the last considering French lands as your next mission.
What about the French language?
Would you like to study French in France? If so, you might want to brush up on your French language skills! Learning a language is always rewarding, but studying French in a French-speaking country makes it easier to understand more quickly and naturally. It is highly recommended advice for day-to-day survival. International relocation might be the life for you!
The Alliance française, for example, are private institutions of higher education and recognized training in French as a foreign language. They offer the possibility of studying through FLE (Français langue étrangère) programs, where you will have the opportunity to improve in French from scratch and meet tons of foreigners. Thanks to these organizations, you will learn the language spoken in the place of origin and enjoy a 100% francophone experience.
Another great and more friendly option to practice French is the Cours d'Adultes de Paris. The CMA Paris is an initiative of the French government that offers a wide variety of training, such as French courses aimed at all levels (A1 to advanced levels). Here you will also find preparation courses for the official certification exams such as the DELF and DALF, and even plastic arts workshops in French. You will no longer have any excuse not to improve in French! For more information, you can type here! Don't miss any chance! These courses are worth it!
Improve your French ASAP!
If you are looking to improve your French as soon as possible, have you not thought about looking for a private teacher? Find the best private tutors with Superprof! Always learning French in the most personalized way will be a great advantage if you are ready to move to the land of bread, cheese, and wine!
Our private tutors will be able to help you with any difficulties you have with the language, as well as make progress as quickly as possible.
Are you ready to be bilingual? Of course, you are! It is always advisable to go hand in hand with an expert French tutor to learn the most romantic language in the world! Check for the best French online lessons here! Also, you will find the best French tutor through Superprof to speak French faster!
However, if you want to know about useful French phrases, you will find the best advice! Change your life with Superprof!
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