Moving to another country (France)

Hey,

First time post on this board of the forum, but I've lurked for a little while and I've noticed quite a few threads about relocating or locations in general, so I thought I would post this. Would you ever consider moving to another country?

I've been tossing around the idea of moving to France in my head and I was just curious about the board's thoughts on the topic of moving to another country. I've been there several times and love the country, but my longest stay was only a month and a half so I was curious about hearing from people with experience or otherwise random opinions. What would you/have you missed the most? Biggest challenges? Best things, personal life, etc.

I know this isn't very specific yet, and my thoughts on this aren't quite as random as it seems, but I didn't want to get too specific yet because I wanted to hear thoughts on the concept/cultural issues first rather than a flood of thoughts/questions about work, immigration, etc. (although plenty interested in those too if this turns into a full conversation). Please discuss.
Thanks!

Jared,

P.S. I'm sure there will be some, but light on the French bashing please

I think you and France deserve each other sir.

Originally Posted by boarhill

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I think you and France deserve each other sir.

Cute in a snarky ignorant sort of way.....


To be more broad, this question doesn't have to do with France at all (it was just in reference to me), more what would you miss about leaving your home country?

I'm afraid you misunderstand me sir. I think France would be a perfect match for you. I believe they have a lovely little colony on Devils Island where a person of your calibre would fit in nicely. You don't happen to have a tatoo of a butterfly do you?

Originally Posted by boarhill

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I'm afraid you misunderstand me sir. I think France would be a perfect match for you. I believe they have a lovely little colony on Devils Island where a person of your calibre would fit in nicely. You don't happen to have a tatoo of a butterfly do you?

Don't worry; I don't take you thinking you're clever personally. Upon never seeing you before I looked to see your other posts, and found with one exception you never inject anything useful into the conversation. Your assuming and impertinent style accompanied by liberal ambivalent use of the term "Sir" has been noted.

As far as the island colony is concerned, the rather stifling and humid climate would not appeal to me long term, nor would various evacuations/having to keep faith in the Guiana Space Center.

O, and Papillon was a good flick, that is all, Sir.

Jared,

If wit and good taste no longer has value, then I confess I am am a beggar, sir

One issue to think about is language. They speak French there.

you'll probably need a job

Originally Posted by gdl203

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One issue to think about is language. They speak French there.

True, and although not a problem on the basic communicating level for me, cultural references contained within do make me start to miss things about English quite a bit. Having to have things explained to me by native French friends in the middle of a conversation can slow things down a bit.

Jared,

Also they eat snails

and they drink wine - sure you can deal with that?

Originally Posted by texas_jack

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you'll probably need a job

I know....lol. Please see the last paragraph of my op, I intentionally left out details on my career.

Jared,

Originally Posted by boarhill

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Also they eat snails

I've never been opposed to trying them, but none of my French friends really like them and I'm not going to order an entire plate for myself.

Originally Posted by Thomas

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and they drink wine - sure you can deal with that?

I will try... I'm sure not having to sneak bottles back into the U.S. will help me deal with this.

Jared,

It feels like you are trying to find rationale for a decision your intuition has already helped to make. Go.

Originally Posted by StephenHero

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It feels like you are trying to find rationale for a decision your intuition has already helped to make. Go.

Quite possible, and/but I was also hoping some people would chime in with things that they would miss/any extended abroad experiences. With the threads on changing cities, I figured changing cities and countries could be an interesting topic. No expatriates on the board huh?

Jared,