I can relate to being uncomfortable in new social situations. Things that might be acceptable in Paris might not be so acceptable in the rest of the country. As for the language problem, French is full of subtle contextual cues which carry meaning. Americans tend to say things more explicitly.
Starting my sixth year in France as a middle-aged Midwest person who wanted to make a life transition. So many embarrassing errors at first where I did indeed feel like a complete idiot. But I learned to forgive myself, laugh about it, and that putting myself out there was ultimately much better in the long run. For me the first two years were the worst, while I sorted the main bureaucratic things and didn't know many people. But things got better quickly after that. Five years later, things are going great. I've developed close friendships, am no longer terrified by the thought of a phone call, and feel like I can get by in almost any situation. I did put a *lot* of time on nights and weekends into improving my level of French, which is now C1 level and that was very important. I know there will be more challenges ahead now and then but I have the self-confidence and humility to deal with them, which I probably couldn't say before I began this adventure. Thanks for all your insights.
This is an incredibly encouraging post. We just hot two years, and while it's SO much better than in the beginning, there are still a lot of overwhelming days. Thanks for watching and your comment. 🙂
I too have made small mistakes among French friends. Some saw it as an affront, "malheureusement"! Here too, the Alsacians are friendly, very nice and helpful. Not to forget, France was once an empire with an upscale culture. This pride in their nation still shines through today in their good behavior, manners and upscale food culture. As well as: the Opera, concerts, museums or even churches, etc. They even protect their language with pride as something precious. In the earlier days, French was the diplomatic language for a few centuries. Quote: The "Académie Française" in Paris, the so-called "Loi Toubon" (a law to protect the French language in France), has a normative influence on the French language. 2. Learning their language is not an easy thing. Even for me, my native language is Swiss German. But it's worth it. French is so very charming / "trés charmant"!
“The Alsacians are friendly, very nice and helpful” That goes for most people if you encounter them with a smile, make an effort to speak their language (no matter how little that may be) and ask for help. Some of my Dutch friends think that ‘the French’ are not nice but if you approach them, or anyone else, with that attitude it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. I love to go to France and have always had very friendly and welcoming encounters. (And just Frsnce btw).
OMG...you guys nailed it. Colleen had to deal with with all of that, and I'm French native. Maybe we should create a group called "I moved to France and survived it!!"😅
Personally I found myself suddenly with a job in Paris and a new French girlfriend. It was sink or swim! 48 years later I'm glad to say I learned to float 😆
When my company posted me to Paris from San Francisco in 1996 they paid for an international relocation company to handle my move. Not only did they handle the move and storage, they offered cultural training sessions to set expectations of daily life of an expat, how the banking system and other components of life work and they helped coordinating with all the basics like utilities since I didn’t know a word of French yet. My grandfather passed away 2 weeks before I moved and grieving the first few months alone 5000 miles from family hit really hard and made my transition into French life that much harder. It took me 6 months or so to gain enough French via Berlitz courses (worthless) and the PBS series French in Action on VHS and courseware text (fantastic!). Upon arrival to Paris I was near fluent in German from school study. Oops. Wrong choice of language in HS at age 15… But yes, if you are counseled before you depart on what to expect, it makes it SOOOO much easier and gives you opportunities to laugh things off when you do make faux pas. It’s life. Roll with the punches.
hello from Nantes😉,If that can reassure you I may be French and 43 years old, the problem of the door is always a challenge for me too but I put things into perspective and I tell myself that my ancestors had slightly more serious problems (war, plague...), and then I have a smile. Our problems today are so futile that now I take them as a joke. Stay in France, you will overcome all this😉🇫🇷
Très bizarre, votre "vocal Fry" . Je viens de trouver cette expression sur Google et je m'aperçois que certains Français font la même chose en parlant français 😅😅😅. Un comble !
I am from South America and this is my eighth year living in France. My wife is French and I already spoke French when we moved here. Believe me when I tell you that the feeling of not fitting in is always renewed. The more I get to know the culture, the more I discover new circumstances that overturn any “rules” I thought I had learned. And so it is with language. Learning the language helps, but only up to a point, because even the language is riddled with irregularities. I mean, you can know the words, but you can never be 100% sure that they will work in all situations. In my experience, even the French themselves often fall victim to misunderstandings because of this very thing.
Great advice, as always. When we were in Paris in May, we went to a dinner party where French was the only language at the table. I always do my best to join in, but after a couple of hours I felt overwhelmed & discouraged. It took me a couple of days to get over. I find it helpful to remind myself that I’ve come quite far & to remember to laugh.
As a French guy I had to move to Seattle USA for years. At start I felt completely lost and I was doing everything wrong. I even asked in a restaurant the price of a free coffee. I felt I was an idiot and thought everyone was looking at me the bad way. But after some time, I managed to get used with people and habits, their way of life, and my own mistakes. When I came back to France, I felt lost again because I was now used to leave like an American guy. 🤣
Those challenges are hard but overcoming those challenges are also so fullfilling and so helpful to make you grow as a person (and as a family as you said), that it makes it absolutely worth it !
In less than 2 weeks I will be in France for 6 weeks for my first time with my eye on retirement in 2 years. As an American i really appreciate your videos and all the comments from your French audience as well. While I took a lot of French classes in high school and university, I never had the opportunity to use it, but I’ve been working with Babble and other online courses to at least have a basis for my trip. I now think as soon as I am back, I will enroll in formal classes again so that I have some more written and conversational french in my toolkit. Don’t know why that hadn’t occurred to me before….
Yes, do as much as you can to learn to dial and understand French. Listening is so important. But the administrative demands that come with international relocation will expose concepts and vocabulary you’re not likely to learn any other way
We thought it was just us who were the idiots! We're in our 60s and once retired from corporate careers in Australia moved to Europe to begin a new life. OMG we can relate to every one of your experiences. Life in Australia was easy, after 60 years nothing ever phased us. We knew how everything worked. We didn't need a GPS to go to the shops!! Beginning and learning life all over isn't easy (not at our age) but we're certain it's doing us good. We recall one time having our weekly groceries delivered to the 4th floor Paris apartment we were living in. It seemed so easy. The bell to the door on the street rang and the driver started talking to me in French of course. I had no idea what he was saying. My French was rubbish and he couldn't understand me. I tried to give him our apartment number not thinking all he wanted me to do was open the main door. Panicked and thinking he was going to drive off with our weekly shop my husband stated counting,... un, deux, trois, quatre.. OMG what an idiot! It then dawned on him to run down stairs to let him in.. when he got onto the street, a typical narrow Parisian street there was a very very long line of cars behind his van honking their horns. He was so embarrassed. He quickly apologised gave the driver 50 euro for his efforts and slunk back upstairs with arms full of shopping bags. It's hard, really hard sometimes but equally satisfying when things eventually fall into place. Without a sense of humour and adventure I guess we'd be back in Australia growing old slowly... Maria
For my first interview with my current employer, in Paris, I got to the address, was in front of a "porte cochère" (big doors in Paris to let a carriage through, with a smaller door for pedestrians) and had no idea of the code. I phoned the number I had, for the company, and asked what to do, and the lady said "push P at the top for "porte" and it will open". I really had the impression that, as someone from the suburbs, I had already failed the first test... But I got the job.
Just stumbled upon your channel. You are spot on with the hard parts. My wife and I have been retired in portugal for 6 years. Particularly like the feeling stupid all the time. My type A personality and being a retired ceo of a non-profit is continually humbled. Yet also have been continully welcomed. Wouldn't trade the adventure but it is scary and hard sometimes. Keep up the great videos.
Your video made me warm all over. I completely identify. We lived many years in France and in the beginning, each bureaucratic challenge was a frustration but when you finally get through it, honestly, you walk ten feet taller…till the next time! Haha! We actually started a company in France and eventually employed marvelous French workers. Everyone was helpful to a fault. After some years we sold the company and retired…in the USA. Still miss France very much and often imagine moving back. Visits to France are highlights of our lives now. I can only encourage you to stay put and build your home, one challenge at a time. You’re a team!
@@BaguetteBound it’s hard to say, really. Partly it was American siblings we had missed being with over our 21 years abroad. Also, to be honest, though our French is fluent, there was still a bit of discomfort being foreigners and not having the same background (schooling/traditions/habits) as a French person. In retrospect, staying in France would have been a good choice. There are many advantages. But doors open and doors close. No doubt your daughter, as she develops a French life, will be a big determining factor in your French future. Wishing you all kinds of success. Never give up!!
Bonjour, ne vous inquiétez surtout pas et ne soyez pas confus, chaque français comprendra que tout est nouveau pour vous, que c'est difficile et personne ne vous jugera ! Gardez surtout vos charmants sourires, votre gentillesse et votre ouverture d'esprit ! Ne vous découragez pas si vous rencontrez des difficultés, vous êtes les bienvenus en France ! Hello, don't worry and don't be confused, every French person will understand that everything is new to you, that it's difficult and no one will judge you! Above all, keep your charming smiles, your kindness and your open-mindedness! Don't be discouraged if you encounter difficulties, you are welcome in France!
Froggies tend to be comprehensive with foreigners not acting like natives. And the "shoes off" trick is depending on the familly you are invitied in. For instance, I don't wear shoes, but if the weather is cold, I start to say to my guests : "dont bother, keep them"
The door part had me laughing . My first time taking a train in Paris, the train left because apparently I had to open the door myself. And, didn’t know that😂😂
Welcome to my life, four different countries and moving to one more 🙂 I think by now, I am immune to adjusting to different cultures and ways of life. Probably not exactly true, but I do anticipate difficulties as a part of integration. You are doing great and overall enjoying your experiences, successful or not at times. And it’s a way for you to find out what millions of immigrants in the US go through. Although I believe America is the friendliest country to immigrants.
Yep,, You guys hit it out of the park. We're five months into our move from California. Loving it. wouldn't go back,. It's amazing, AND it's hard, frustrating, and challenging. . Language, language, language!
This is one of the best videos yet. You are getting better and better, the content is really good and engaging and I love your new set up sitting at the table. Keep rocking
C'est pour ça que j'aime vos vidéos alors que je ne suis pas concerné. C'est bon de nous rappeler que nous tenons pour acquises beaucoup de choses alors qu'elles peuvent être difficiles à adopter, voire stupide en réalité. Merci merci merci !! Je suis aussi resté devant une telle porte sans savoir comment l'ouvrir et je me suis remis en question alors qu'il n'y avait rien de naturel en réalité !!
Merci de nous avoir regardés ! Nous sommes très heureux et honorés d'avoir des téléspectateurs français qui nous apportent leurs idées et leur point de vue. C'est merveilleux !🥰
hi, i can understand your frustration. the problem is as you said, you keep speaking in English. you are not 100% immerged in the french language. It will then require for you more time to become fluent. You should listen to the radio too. Ne pas baisser les bras ! Give the time to your brain to digest everything new. it will take months to adjust and then you will feel much more familiar with your new social and livinfg environment. Besides, leaving abroad and especially speaking a foreign language is very exhausting and the brain uses a lot of energy. So do not be surprised to be tired at the end of the day. Je vous souhaite beaucoup de bonnes choses, continuez ! vous êtes sur la bonne voie !
many thanks. you can plan for instance to speak only in French during one meal per day, together with your daughter. As she is much more immerged in the french daily life and language, she could be a great help to get the vocabulary and the, sentences correctly pronounced. You can use a paper board to write down the words and every phrase you have some difficulties with. It will help you to memorise it.
The doors made me laugh out loud, because I had this problem in several countries. I even involuntarily locked myself into a bathroom once in Budapest, even almost broke the lock 🙈 I should not have turned the knob and the key at once, since they are somehow interacting. It took a while to get out and the owner was pretty furious about my “stupidity”.
The first weeks in Brazil, I was exhausted all the time: functioning+learning the language... But you are rigt, in a way, you are young again and people see you as being younger than you are. That amazed me.
Y'all really should've added a trigger warning ⚠️ 😅 Last week, we had the "opening a bank account" experience. It was absolutely nuts! But we got through it and managed to actually have utilities at our new house without interruption. Huzzah!
Bonjour Raina et Jason Sachez que des français comme moi vous suivent car il est toujours intéressant d'écouter l'avis d'étrangers qui s'installent en France. Pour améliorer votre français qui je suis sûr est déjà d'un bon niveau vous devriez envisager de temps en temps de faire en famille une vidéo en français. Faites vous confiance et vous allez vous apercevoir que la communauté française qui vous suit sera bienveillante avec vous. On pourra toujours vous apporter un conseil ou vous relater une expérience vécue. Enfin soyez rassuré la France ne renvoie jamais les étrangers qui sont intégrés... vous resterez en France tant que vous le déciderez. Profitez de notre beau pays, profitez de votre seconde patrie. Soyez les bienvenus
What a gracious and welcoming message you are giving. And how interesting that French people follow this channel too. Thank you from an American seriously exploring a move to making France my new Forever Home. ❤
Moi, je le fais pour améliorer mon anglais, mais à 62 ans la rapidité des phrases me pose problème, alors que fils de 13 ans est parfaitement bilingue, ces 🎮 jeu sur la xbox, on contribué, moi je n'avait pas cela ! Moi aussi déjà arrivé des soucis avec une porte dans l'administration,le stress du moment m'a empêcher de lire "tirer "😏 ! Vous avez mon plus grand respect pour avoir osé faire un grand😮 changement dans vos vies!👍
For shoes to be honest it depends if it’s in cities or in villages / it also depend of the contest and the poeple. The best is actually just to ask to the owner « should I remove my shoes » most probably the person can say « nooo i m fine don’t worry i did’t clean yet ». Or « yes please we just cleaned the floor / or yes we have a baby not walking yet on the floor or whatever »
Never wear shoes in my house Very surprising because in many places especially in the countryside people always take off their shoes before entering the house
Oh my god! It’s so funny! I’m a French woman who moved to New Zealand 20 years ago and I felt all the things that you felt! And the way I learned practical English was to read People’s magazine! Just like you with reality Tv! 😅 Hang in there, you’ll get there! You guys are adorable and I’m gonna go ahead and binge all your videos while sipping my coffee! ❤❤
I know this is completely unrelated but it might help someone out here . What you just described is how most autistic people feel their whole life in their own country/city/neighborhood. So if you hear about autistic burnout, now you understand why.
@@kristenmorrison7323 I did, I was born in France and when I was 3 yo almost 4 we moved to Guatemala. TO be fair my dad is from there so it's not the same as being an expat because you have some ties but I didn't speak the language and we were 100% french in France nothing about Guatemalan culture. As a verbal autistic I rely most on spoken language, body language is not natural to me it's like I have to translate a foreign language and it's nto always accurate and very tiring. So when we moved there I was physically sick, fever, impossible to keep any food down, barely could drink. A pediatrician told my parents it was hoemsickness (it was 45 years ago autism was not on the radar specially for girls) and to put me in a french school as soon as possible. It helped a lot from what I was told. But now that i'm adult I find that being autistic has given me an edge to adapting in other countries, because I'm used to "translating" all the time, body language, anything that's innuendo or irony etc well what's a bit more translation, right ? And I'm always a bit different and having to compensate or correct when I go too far and start to make people uncomfortable so that's something l’m good at. Of course everything has a price and here it's exhaustion, so I have to be very very careful.
@@kristenmorrison7323 I may be on the spectrum and I've heard many say that we have an easier time overseas because there are not the same expectations for us to fit in. If I go, I will definitely hire a relocation specialist to smooth the path.
This is great to see - not that you've experienced it (as we all will), but to acknowledge it. TY! One bonus of being retired: for the last 3.5 months now, I have zero problem with getting a few, one, or NONE things done in any given day.
So true!! We moved to Brittany from the US a year ago. It is definitely a humbling experience. Although we have traveled extensively, it is an entirely different thing to move overseas. That sense of feeling very inept and childlike is tough, especially when faced with the grim faced cashiers or medical receptionists! The best remedy is a sense of humor and the ability to remind yourself of how many "wins" you've had.
The hardest part for me has been driving around…and all the roundabouts !!!!!! I’ve looked up the roundabout etiquette but it seems it depends on the location😅 That and buying potato chips, I cannot find a flavor that can substitute my love for cheddar cheese chips😂 Besides that, I love every single day in France ❤
Great video which took me back to my first few years; 'frustrated' comes to mind!! I visit quite a few houses and my rule is, if they have a dog I keep my shoes on! It's an adventure, enjoy it...
Bonjour! This is such a good video! We are planning to retire in 3 years, with the goal of buying an apartment in France (probably Tours). We will likely hang onto our house in the U.S., but the long-term goal is to spend the majority of our retirement years living in and traveling throughout France. I studied French for 8 years, but that was over 40 years ago, and I rarely used it. That changed when we set our retirement plan into motion. Now I study 2 hours a day, and I've joined a French-speaking group at our local library. Your channel is so helpful to people like us who want to make this move! I, for one, am VERY happy that the two of you became RUclipsrs! I look forward to each new post. Thank you for giving us this very real peek into your lives and what to prepare for when we take the plunge!
Expats four months into life in France - I agree the exhaustion and overwhelm of daily life is very real. Sometimes I feel like I have achieved so much in the day and look back and all I did was something like go to the vet and manage to successfully check my animal in! After that we get by with gestures and google translate for the actual treatment. No wonder one comes away from the simplest task feeling like you have completed a major undertaking!
I’ve felt stupid in France trying to get out of buildings because of not being able to find the button that unlocks the door. Sometimes that button seems to be perversely hidden. Another way to get more French language into your life is by listening to podcasts while doing routine activities like cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, etc. You can add an hour or two of language per day. I highly recommend Les Pieds sur Terre from France Culture.
As you mentioned in order to integrate more easily its imperative to learn French before you move out. 2/3 h per week for a year with a proper french teacher from France not on line . Having a native speaker will enable you not only to learn the language but understand the mind set , culture, specifics of the way of life and numerous tips that an online course will never give you. This should sort out 90.% of your integration when you arrive as you are mentally ready Then.ypu must find a job and speak french again not behind a computer but ta lking to coworkers everyday.This is the real spoken french that you pick up by living in France , not how to speak correct french and grammatical rules The reason people give up is in 9 / 10 because they havent made the effort before moving put and dont open up to locals in France and elsewhere.
I’m French and I also feel stupid at times. Things here tend to be more complicated than they should be. I think it’s because French people don’t want to be bother too much by others….it used to be worse in my opinion. The newer generations have travelled abroad and tend to be more useful.
As a French living abroad, indeed the most challenging after a while is the lack of common reference. So what I do is that I ask for the "iconic" "society impacting" films, songs, events, one man (woman) shows, etc.... especially the comic ones so you can learn a lot but getting familiar with them and you can put these back in your discussion and start to get jokes. It helps to integrate and make connections with people.
Safety access to some administrations and bank agencies are also used by companies offices, there 3 main types but honestly, you shouldn't feel dumb or frustrated. In the race for security, there are tens of different types of unlocking, even at "La Poste" in some cities or district. You're not the only ones feeling like idiots, even for us French. The tens of systems that exist makes it really hard for everyone when you have an appointment in those secure places/offices. It's true it's more difficult when you're not in a situation to use French in a daily basis like Juliana. French TV reality shows and series can help a little but I think social meetings with a lot of people have a negative effect on language learning. It's important to have social meeting, with 1-2 couples or 2-4 people. The desire to be good hosts or just make you more comfortable will be more effective. With less people, they won't have to divert too much of their attention and truly bring you in the talks, with slower speech speed and taking time to explain things. In big groups, people will tend to form their own smaller groups to talk about specific topics. You will gain more fluency that way. More than often, in small cities and villages you can take time to engage in small talks with you baker, the bar owner or any independent shop worker when there's low activity. That's how you go from "regular client" to "regular" or "acquaintance" and sometimes, "friend". Well the point is taking the time to have those small talks will help you work on your hearing and learn the necessary words you need in your daily life. And get time to work on words you often only need to communicate with administration.
Great video ^^. What worked for me to improve my English may work for others : watching TV with local subtitles -> watching French movies in french audio and french subtitle is a good way to improve your French ^^.
Comment avons-nous eu la chance de vous avoir comme amis ???😭🥰🤗❤️❤️❤️ Nous vous aimons et vous remercions de tout cœur. 😍 Et je ne pense pas être un jour à court de questions ! !! 😂
Raina the same smile and positive energy! Jason looks better, happier, more relieved than a few months ago, when he looked tired...; Or , its my imagination xd...
As a native and grown-up Frenchman, I often find myself the only one in socks surrounded by people in shoes, and I totally understand you. 😅 But fortunately, people are for the most part forgiving and understand (and get) your intention. Soutien.
I truly enjoy your channel and your objective (read non judgmental) view on the experiences you are living. I am a French Canadian living in English Canada and of course Canada being next to the US, it just feels like I understand exactly everything you’re saying! I myself am about to spend three weeks in France (Provence and Minervois) and Italy (Puglia) exploring where I might like to buy some property - that is how the RUclips algorithm presented your channel on my feed. Bonne continuation à la découverte de la vie française :)
Love the "ici c'est chocolatine" frame on the table even if here it's meaningless 😂 I also like (all) your content. I really hope your current situation and life is like what I feel watching you all on YT. Bonheur, pugnacité, débrouillardise (new French word for you?), adaptation etc. ❤ to you 3.
Hey, allways cool to see someone share their experience. Listenning to the video, I thought maybe your audience would be intereted in your french level after 2years, I know I am, maybe an idea for future videos ! Have a great day
About the language. There is a thing called "Alliance Francaise" in most countries where people can take french lessons, and immerse in the culture through many artistic events.
I learned a lot of words in english with songs and when I try to remember when life was so tender , that love was an ember about ... oh sorry sometimes I lose the thread ... Have you yet discover frenchs singers you love for singing en français ? Maybe a future subject of video 😊
My wife and I are really enjoying your channel. On the subject of learning French, the junk reality TV is a good suggestion. Have you watched La Carte aux Tresors and Le Meilleur Patissier? Both nice to look at as well as useful teachers of the language. One learning tool I've used is to get hold of copies of Paris Match and read the interviews. The language in these interviews is conversational, not usually esoteric or technical, limited to a few common tenses (no conditional subjunctives!), and you get an education in French pop culture. Thanks again for your channel.
@@BaguetteBoundThere is also the best baker on M6. I think you'll like it. We can see it in replay. A baker and a pastry chef travel all over France to test the bakeries that participate in the competition. I think you'll like it! Il y a aussi le meilleur boulanger sur M6. Je pense que ça vous plaira. On peut le voir en replay. Un boulanger et une pâtissière voyagent dans toute la France pour tester les boulangeries qui participent au concours. Je pense que ça vous plaira !
Les oreillers carrés servent surtout à rester assis dans le lit. C'est confortable pour lire par exemple et dans le passé, les femmes cousaient, raccommodaient et tricotaient le soir dans le lit. Et ça économisait le chauffage l'hiver.😊
Id say a good way to learn through media would be to take your favorite film/show, the one you know almost by heart, and watch it in "version française". We have some very good voice actors imo. I think it makes the process easier to know already whats going on and what is said. And you learn a little about expressions/jokes translation. Also maybe try to make some videos in french but subtitled in english for your english viewers. Welcome in france btw
Oh guys, be careful. People in reality shows speak awfull language wich is not apprpriate french. I mean their grammar, vocabulary are rude and full of mistakes. If my Child (or anybody) talk to me this way, I would be so angry. But, u're rigth, TV, series, films , documentary, first in french with subtiles in english, and in the second time in french wich french subtitles is probable a very good way to immerse. My chid and I improved so much our english and spanish. That helps a lot. About shoes in the house, it dépends. There's often a difference between country and cities. But each family has her own habits. I use to ask when I come in "do u want me to Take my shoes off?"
That's funny, my closest French friend said the same thing about reality shows. She said "that's not french!". 😂 It's mostly to help comprehension along with all the other things we do. But a couple times we've asked Juliana "what does that mean?" And she tells us but then says "dont say that!". It's funny coming from your 13 year old. 🤣
@@BaguetteBound I perfectly understand what's your idea about watching this...thing. But, and that's just a warning obviously you do what you want (Do I need to make it clear? Hope not) . But neither the accent, the vocabulary, the pronunciation or the grammar in this shows are french. This is ...un.. how to explain that...a language that can't be used without be categorized as a very low class, no educated, rude, and without superfluous neurones. So, my point is that, I don't think it helps learning true french. Maybe I m wrong. Anyway Juliana is right: don't repeat what your hear in that shows.😂
J’aime beaucoup vos vidéos. Je peux tout à fait comprendre ce que vous traversez car j’ai vécu la même chose en m’installant au Royaume-Uni vers l’âge de 23 ans. Je me suis sentie plusieurs fois stupide de ne pas comprendre ce qu’on me demandait. Mais quand j’y repense, j’en rigole. C’est une belle expérience de vivre dans un pays étranger. 😉
Oh but you know c'est pas grave if you feel stupid in any situation. When I lived in the US for the first time, I didn't pay attention if I was behaving right with the people. I realised I was behaving probably wrong when the person was peering at me weirdly but I didn't care I was there just to enjoy my time in the US (in DC mostly). I just gave out thé love I had for all the things I encountered and many great things happened to me I think maybe because I was open to everything naively. Maybe you can try a bit of that . If you need some French lessons I am a teacher for many families (personal tutor) so I would be please to help you with French in any matter . I hope you have fun in France or wherever you are 😊
As you are two of you , it will be slower to learn the language ...you "ll speak english at home, that's not the best way .... When alone , it far quicker ...
It is worth it. 1000%. I would say just now, at the two year mark we're beginning to feel more settled. We love life here. It's why we chose not to go back to the US even though there were (still are hard parts).
You want to improve your French? Rather than watching awful reality shows, re-watch American movies your're very familiar with (already knowing the context and dialogues is a great help) dubbed in French with French subtitles; granted, it will feel weird but it's very effective.
Thing is, sometimes jelly’s not even where you think it should be. 😂 ultimately, all,the difficulties you mention could have been alleviated, not entirely taken out, if you’d had good friends, ready to help you out and show the ropes. The real feeling you experienced, imho, was loneliness,initially, before you made friends. I’d advise anybody considering moving abroad, to search for local friends. They can be locals, expatriates, whatever, just someone to help you get your bearings.
@@BaguetteBound My point was : its precisely these 2 months which may have been the toughest and loneliest. At least, in my experience it was. After a while, you make friends with your neighbors, with other parents at your children school, and things start to take shape. But until then, everything's a mountain to climb, alone.
To learn French you might try what I did and Read in French. If you have a Kindle reader, translation is easily found by holding your finger on the word required. When I used this reading method Kindle hadn't been invented and It was necessary to use a dictionary. Start with one page at a time and progress at your own pace. After a while, I used a series of books by an author named Raoule Mille, 'Ma Riviera" short cameos of the history of the French Riviera and the many characters that lived there in the belle epoch. You could also try translating Jokes into French and see it your French friends understand them. If and when the penny drops, It can be quite hilarious.
Frenchman here. I am surprised at your challenges. Yes life is very different in the USA but the key advice I would give is to speak and understand the language. The electrical lock is to be found EVERYWHERE since 100 years but simply talking to the people will let you know that when you hear the buzzing sound (a few seconds) you have to gently push the door. Here in Paris area there is NOT ONE building entry that is not secured by a key code, a contactless key or an intercom. About re-arranging groceries in a grocery store or hypermarket leave US ALL perplex for a while (you don't need to be American to experience this and some shops DO IT ON PURPOSE to force you to see other items. When walking with wife and kid in Pasadena we were stopped by the Police asking details because we were not supposed to walk in Passadena in the daylight but supposed to take the car even for ultra-short distances. When explained, the Police officer smiled. So, I mean culture shock can be fun. So the main advice I was expecting you to give is: - are you prepared to live away from the rest of your family - are you ready to face depressive moments (I lived and worked in the USA, in Germany, in mainland China, in the UK, in Canada AND IT IS NOT ALWAYS A BED OF ROSES but I loved it in the end.. - have you checked thoroughly your motivation to live abroad (France is just great but you may feel home-sick) - are you prepared to deal with French administration? It is sometimes frustrating even for us French people (although French adfministration is often very helpful with foreigners.. - have you checked all the financial aspects of your life in France (Taxes in France, avoid double taxation with the US), revenue, rent, total cost of a car (purchase, maintenance, parking, operation, tickets) so that you don't discover later that it is unaffordable to you. - have you checked the rules, obligations and benefits you have there? The KEY ADVICE: talk to local people without being afraid of being ridiculed ALL WILL UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION EXCEPT A FEW STUPIDS.
For the shoes in the house, it really depends on the family. If I were you I wouldn’t pick the habit to have shoes on when invited but instead always ask. In my family we keep shoes on indeed but I have so many friends who don’t. To the point where when I invited colleagues for the first time, I was kind of surprised that they didn’t consider it (even though I don’t care 😂).
Je suis d'accord, il n'y a rien de plus enervant que quand ils changent l'agencement et les rayons des magasins !! Et ou je suis, ils le font souvent !! 😡😡😡
Personally i am learning english language watching goods american movies with subtitles ( there is some ) . So a good way is watching good French films , there is a lot ... Intouchables (2011) The Artist (2011) .........
One day...😉 We started the channel of course making videos meant for English speakers who are dreaming of a move to France or interested in life here. Gaining a French audience has been a wonderful and unexpected suprise! ❤️
I can relate to being uncomfortable in new social situations. Things that might be acceptable in Paris might not be so acceptable in the rest of the country. As for the language problem, French is full of subtle contextual cues which carry meaning. Americans tend to say things more explicitly.
Starting my sixth year in France as a middle-aged Midwest person who wanted to make a life transition. So many embarrassing errors at first where I did indeed feel like a complete idiot. But I learned to forgive myself, laugh about it, and that putting myself out there was ultimately much better in the long run. For me the first two years were the worst, while I sorted the main bureaucratic things and didn't know many people. But things got better quickly after that. Five years later, things are going great. I've developed close friendships, am no longer terrified by the thought of a phone call, and feel like I can get by in almost any situation. I did put a *lot* of time on nights and weekends into improving my level of French, which is now C1 level and that was very important. I know there will be more challenges ahead now and then but I have the self-confidence and humility to deal with them, which I probably couldn't say before I began this adventure. Thanks for all your insights.
This is an incredibly encouraging post. We just hot two years, and while it's SO much better than in the beginning, there are still a lot of overwhelming days. Thanks for watching and your comment. 🙂
@@keev8012 C1 is a more advanced and good, level. Wow!👍
Keep it up! 🌷🌼 💐
I too have made small mistakes among French friends.
Some saw it as an affront, "malheureusement"!
Here too, the Alsacians are friendly, very nice and helpful.
Not to forget, France was once an empire with an upscale culture.
This pride in their nation still shines through today in their good behavior, manners and upscale food culture. As well as: the Opera, concerts, museums or even churches, etc.
They even protect their language with pride as something precious.
In the earlier days, French was the diplomatic language for a few centuries.
Quote:
The "Académie Française" in Paris, the so-called "Loi Toubon" (a law to protect the French language in France), has a normative influence on the French language.
2. Learning their language is not an easy thing.
Even for me, my native language is Swiss German.
But it's worth it. French is so very charming / "trés charmant"!
“The Alsacians are friendly, very nice and helpful”
That goes for most people if you encounter them with a smile, make an effort to speak their language (no matter how little that may be) and ask for help.
Some of my Dutch friends think that ‘the French’ are not nice but if you approach them, or anyone else, with that attitude it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
I love to go to France and have always had very friendly and welcoming encounters.
(And just Frsnce btw).
The thing I like about your videos is that you tell it like it is. Thanks.
OMG...you guys nailed it. Colleen had to deal with with all of that, and I'm French native. Maybe we should create a group called "I moved to France and survived it!!"😅
Sounds like it’s Antoine posting. All best. Joe.
@@JD987abc yes it is this time 😁
Lol, oui! The funny thing is, despite all that it's so worth it and we don't regret it for a second. 😊
OMG Hello Antoine, fancy seing you here! Donnes un bisou a Colleen de ma part!
Paris and Province are worlds apart thou
Personally I found myself suddenly with a job in Paris and a new French girlfriend. It was sink or swim! 48 years later I'm glad to say I learned to float 😆
I landed in Prague for work on film...never got on my return flight...the next I know..I'm speaking Czech to my dog...we both swam...well done
When my company posted me to Paris from San Francisco in 1996 they paid for an international relocation company to handle my move. Not only did they handle the move and storage, they offered cultural training sessions to set expectations of daily life of an expat, how the banking system and other components of life work and they helped coordinating with all the basics like utilities since I didn’t know a word of French yet.
My grandfather passed away 2 weeks before I moved and grieving the first few months alone 5000 miles from family hit really hard and made my transition into French life that much harder.
It took me 6 months or so to gain enough French via Berlitz courses (worthless) and the PBS series French in Action on VHS and courseware text (fantastic!). Upon arrival to Paris I was near fluent in German from school study. Oops. Wrong choice of language in HS at age 15…
But yes, if you are counseled before you depart on what to expect, it makes it SOOOO much easier and gives you opportunities to laugh things off when you do make faux pas.
It’s life.
Roll with the punches.
PLEASE, PLEASE - Tell us how you FINALLY got in that DOOR! I was holding my breath until the END!
Your sincere and down the earth approach when sharing things is greatly appreciated and truly helpful. Thank you!
And Raina is hot.
hello from Nantes😉,If that can reassure you I may be French and 43 years old, the problem of the door is always a challenge for me too but I put things into perspective and I tell myself that my ancestors had slightly more serious problems (war, plague...), and then I have a smile. Our problems today are so futile that now I take them as a joke. Stay in France, you will overcome all this😉🇫🇷
Tiens. Un voisin... My best medecine to self-pity : visit our city by night. So much misery... From Butte ste Anne.
@@DH007-w2dsalut canaris 🐥
I can't believe how many French have said we are not the only ones with door problems! 😂 I am relieved!
@@BaguetteBound Maybe because you are starting to become real French 😉 Welcome to France
Très bizarre, votre "vocal Fry" . Je viens de trouver cette expression sur Google et je m'aperçois que certains Français font la même chose en parlant français 😅😅😅. Un comble !
I am from South America and this is my eighth year living in France. My wife is French and I already spoke French when we moved here. Believe me when I tell you that the feeling of not fitting in is always renewed. The more I get to know the culture, the more I discover new circumstances that overturn any “rules” I thought I had learned. And so it is with language. Learning the language helps, but only up to a point, because even the language is riddled with irregularities. I mean, you can know the words, but you can never be 100% sure that they will work in all situations. In my experience, even the French themselves often fall victim to misunderstandings because of this very thing.
Great advice, as always.
When we were in Paris in May, we went to a dinner party where French was the only language at the table. I always do my best to join in, but after a couple of hours I felt overwhelmed & discouraged. It took me a couple of days to get over. I find it helpful to remind myself that I’ve come quite far & to remember to laugh.
Absolutely! I always feel lucky to be included in those situations despite my French level, even though it's also hard.
As a French guy I had to move to Seattle USA for years. At start I felt completely lost and I was doing everything wrong. I even asked in a restaurant the price of a free coffee. I felt I was an idiot and thought everyone was looking at me the bad way. But after some time, I managed to get used with people and habits, their way of life, and my own mistakes. When I came back to France, I felt lost again because I was now used to leave like an American guy. 🤣
Those challenges are hard but overcoming those challenges are also so fullfilling and so helpful to make you grow as a person (and as a family as you said), that it makes it absolutely worth it !
We move in 2 months,excited and scared,but looking forward to the adventure
It's going to great!! We've found it so worth it, even on the Challenging days. Good luck with everything!
In less than 2 weeks I will be in France for 6 weeks for my first time with my eye on retirement in 2 years. As an American i really appreciate your videos and all the comments from your French audience as well. While I took a lot of French classes in high school and university, I never had the opportunity to use it, but I’ve been working with Babble and other online courses to at least have a basis for my trip. I now think as soon as I am back, I will enroll in formal classes again so that I have some more written and conversational french in my toolkit. Don’t know why that hadn’t occurred to me before….
sound a perfect strategy....
Bonjour. What about listening to a French radio ? You might pick up few words then one day...
Have a wonderful trip!
We love French radio! We usually listen in the car.
Yes, do as much as you can to learn to dial and understand French. Listening is so important. But the administrative demands that come with international relocation will expose concepts and vocabulary you’re not likely to learn any other way
We thought it was just us who were the idiots! We're in our 60s and once retired from corporate careers in Australia moved to Europe to begin a new life. OMG we can relate to every one of your experiences. Life in Australia was easy, after 60 years nothing ever phased us. We knew how everything worked. We didn't need a GPS to go to the shops!! Beginning and learning life all over isn't easy (not at our age) but we're certain it's doing us good. We recall one time having our weekly groceries delivered to the 4th floor Paris apartment we were living in. It seemed so easy. The bell to the door on the street rang and the driver started talking to me in French of course. I had no idea what he was saying. My French was rubbish and he couldn't understand me. I tried to give him our apartment number not thinking all he wanted me to do was open the main door. Panicked and thinking he was going to drive off with our weekly shop my husband stated counting,... un, deux, trois, quatre.. OMG what an idiot! It then dawned on him to run down stairs to let him in.. when he got onto the street, a typical narrow Parisian street there was a very very long line of cars behind his van honking their horns. He was so embarrassed. He quickly apologised gave the driver 50 euro for his efforts and slunk back upstairs with arms full of shopping bags. It's hard, really hard sometimes but equally satisfying when things eventually fall into place. Without a sense of humour and adventure I guess we'd be back in Australia growing old slowly... Maria
For my first interview with my current employer, in Paris, I got to the address, was in front of a "porte cochère" (big doors in Paris to let a carriage through, with a smaller door for pedestrians) and had no idea of the code. I phoned the number I had, for the company, and asked what to do, and the lady said "push P at the top for "porte" and it will open". I really had the impression that, as someone from the suburbs, I had already failed the first test... But I got the job.
Lol, so funny, I had no idea so many others would have "French door" stories! 😂 Thanks for sharing yours and glad you got the job!
Just stumbled upon your channel. You are spot on with the hard parts. My wife and I have been retired in portugal for 6 years. Particularly like the feeling stupid all the time. My type A personality and being a retired ceo of a non-profit is continually humbled. Yet also have been continully welcomed. Wouldn't trade the adventure but it is scary and hard sometimes. Keep up the great videos.
Your video made me warm all over. I completely identify. We lived many years in France and in the beginning, each bureaucratic challenge was a frustration but when you finally get through it, honestly, you walk ten feet taller…till the next time! Haha! We actually started a company in France and eventually employed marvelous French workers. Everyone was helpful to a fault. After some years we sold the company and retired…in the USA. Still miss France very much and often imagine moving back. Visits to France are highlights of our lives now. I can only encourage you to stay put and build your home, one challenge at a time. You’re a team!
Thank you for the encouragement! If I can ask a question...what drew you back to the USA for retirement?
@@BaguetteBound it’s hard to say, really. Partly it was American siblings we had missed being with over our 21 years abroad. Also, to be honest, though our French is fluent, there was still a bit of discomfort being foreigners and not having the same background (schooling/traditions/habits) as a French person. In retrospect, staying in France would have been a good choice. There are many advantages. But doors open and doors close. No doubt your daughter, as she develops a French life, will be a big determining factor in your French future. Wishing you all kinds of success. Never give up!!
These challenges and new things to learn are good for the brain. If you feel idiot , you're learning!
Lol, what a great way to look at it!
Bonjour, ne vous inquiétez surtout pas et ne soyez pas confus, chaque français comprendra que tout est nouveau pour vous, que c'est difficile et personne ne vous jugera ! Gardez surtout vos charmants sourires, votre gentillesse et votre ouverture d'esprit ! Ne vous découragez pas si vous rencontrez des difficultés, vous êtes les bienvenus en France ! Hello, don't worry and don't be confused, every French person will understand that everything is new to you, that it's difficult and no one will judge you! Above all, keep your charming smiles, your kindness and your open-mindedness! Don't be discouraged if you encounter difficulties, you are welcome in France!
Froggies tend to be comprehensive with foreigners not acting like natives.
And the "shoes off" trick is depending on the familly you are invitied in. For instance, I don't wear shoes, but if the weather is cold, I start to say to my guests : "dont bother, keep them"
Froggies?
Thank you for this!!! Tomorrow I will be in France for two weeks starting this crazy journey and I can already relate to this!
Yeeeesssss!!!! 🥳 Safe travels!!
The door part had me laughing . My first time taking a train in Paris, the train left because apparently I had to open the door myself. And, didn’t know that😂😂
It's not obvious if you have nothing like it in your own country!!
We’re about to do this for the second time in our lives. These are great reminders. TY!
Interestingly, Oui in France came out with a similar video today too.
Ooohh, I'll have to go check it out! She's been here much longer than us, I'll bet the thing that are difficult actually evolve over the years.
Welcome to my life, four different countries and moving to one more 🙂
I think by now, I am immune to adjusting to different cultures and ways of life. Probably not exactly true, but I do anticipate difficulties as a part of integration.
You are doing great and overall enjoying your experiences, successful or not at times. And it’s a way for you to find out what millions of immigrants in the US go through. Although I believe America is the friendliest country to immigrants.
As a french viewer, I use your videos to improve my english. Moreover, that's really fun to have your feelings about french culture. Good video 👍
Merci pour regarder !
Yep,, You guys hit it out of the park. We're five months into our move from California. Loving it. wouldn't go back,. It's amazing, AND it's hard, frustrating, and challenging. . Language, language, language!
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Good luck with the rest of your first year!
This is one of the best videos yet. You are getting better and better, the content is really good and engaging and I love your new set up sitting at the table. Keep rocking
It really does take time to learn a new language and culture. Have a good laugh and move on. You’ll be just fine.
C'est pour ça que j'aime vos vidéos alors que je ne suis pas concerné. C'est bon de nous rappeler que nous tenons pour acquises beaucoup de choses alors qu'elles peuvent être difficiles à adopter, voire stupide en réalité. Merci merci merci !!
Je suis aussi resté devant une telle porte sans savoir comment l'ouvrir et je me suis remis en question alors qu'il n'y avait rien de naturel en réalité !!
Merci de nous avoir regardés ! Nous sommes très heureux et honorés d'avoir des téléspectateurs français qui nous apportent leurs idées et leur point de vue. C'est merveilleux !🥰
hi, i can understand your frustration. the problem is as you said, you keep speaking in English. you are not 100% immerged in the french language. It will then require for you more time to become fluent. You should listen to the radio too. Ne pas baisser les bras ! Give the time to your brain to digest everything new. it will take months to adjust and then you will feel much more familiar with your new social and livinfg environment. Besides, leaving abroad and especially speaking a foreign language is very exhausting and the brain uses a lot of energy. So do not be surprised to be tired at the end of the day. Je vous souhaite beaucoup de bonnes choses, continuez ! vous êtes sur la bonne voie !
many thanks. you can plan for instance to speak only in French during one meal per day, together with your daughter. As she is much more immerged in the french daily life and language, she could be a great help to get the vocabulary and the, sentences correctly pronounced. You can use a paper board to write down the words and every phrase you have some difficulties with. It will help you to memorise it.
The doors made me laugh out loud, because I had this problem in several countries.
I even involuntarily locked myself into a bathroom once in Budapest, even almost broke the lock 🙈 I should not have turned the knob and the key at once, since they are somehow interacting. It took a while to get out and the owner was pretty furious about my “stupidity”.
The first weeks in Brazil, I was exhausted all the time: functioning+learning the language... But you are rigt, in a way, you are young again and people see you as being younger than you are. That amazed me.
Y'all really should've added a trigger warning ⚠️ 😅
Last week, we had the "opening a bank account" experience. It was absolutely nuts! But we got through it and managed to actually have utilities at our new house without interruption. Huzzah!
Woohoo!!!! 🥳 Congrats!! I hope you did something to celebrate!!
You both are joy to watch. Keep doing what you are doing. It is a great service to all those who want to try experiencing new life abroad.
Bonjour Raina et Jason
Sachez que des français comme moi vous suivent car il est toujours intéressant d'écouter l'avis d'étrangers qui s'installent en France. Pour améliorer votre français qui je suis sûr est déjà d'un bon niveau vous devriez envisager de temps en temps de faire en famille une vidéo en français. Faites vous confiance et vous allez vous apercevoir que la communauté française qui vous suit sera bienveillante avec vous. On pourra toujours vous apporter un conseil ou vous relater une expérience vécue. Enfin soyez rassuré la France ne renvoie jamais les étrangers qui sont intégrés... vous resterez en France tant que vous le déciderez. Profitez de notre beau pays, profitez de votre seconde patrie. Soyez les bienvenus
What a gracious and welcoming message you are giving. And how interesting that French people follow this channel too. Thank you from an American seriously exploring a move to making France my new Forever Home. ❤
@@kathianderson6485
Je vous souhaite de tout cœur de réaliser votre rêve 🤞🥂📸
Moi, je le fais pour améliorer mon anglais, mais à 62 ans la rapidité des phrases me pose problème, alors que fils de 13 ans est parfaitement bilingue, ces 🎮 jeu sur la xbox, on contribué, moi je n'avait pas cela ! Moi aussi déjà arrivé des soucis avec une porte dans l'administration,le stress du moment m'a empêcher de lire "tirer "😏 ! Vous avez mon plus grand respect pour avoir osé faire un grand😮 changement dans vos vies!👍
For shoes to be honest it depends if it’s in cities or in villages / it also depend of the contest and the poeple. The best is actually just to ask to the owner « should I remove my shoes » most probably the person can say « nooo i m fine don’t worry i did’t clean yet ». Or « yes please we just cleaned the floor / or yes we have a baby not walking yet on the floor or whatever »
One of your very best videos! Wise, human, moving. Thank you so much!
Aw, thank you! ❤️
Wow you just perfectly described a spiritual awakening. It feels extremely disorienting for a while. ❤ love your videos. 😊🙏
Merci!
Great vidéo saying so much about you!
Many things to comment, will do it later.
Great info as always! The reality tv language tip is so true, I’ve been watching The Villa on RUclips. Keep up the good work!
Essayez de regarder des spectacles de one man show. C’est un bon moyen pour s’immerger dans une langue et une culture !
Never wear shoes in my house
Very surprising because in many places especially in the countryside people always take off their shoes before entering the house
This is approved! Can be useful for living everywhere abroad. As a French I lived in Italy the same problems and victories
yes!!!!! Watching TV shows with my French mother in law. It did help!!!
Oh my god! It’s so funny! I’m a French woman who moved to New Zealand 20 years ago and I felt all the things that you felt!
And the way I learned practical English was to read People’s magazine! Just like you with reality Tv! 😅
Hang in there, you’ll get there!
You guys are adorable and I’m gonna go ahead and binge all your videos while sipping my coffee! ❤❤
I know this is completely unrelated but it might help someone out here . What you just described is how most autistic people feel their whole life in their own country/city/neighborhood.
So if you hear about autistic burnout, now you understand why.
That is a good point. And I wonder how difficult it would be for someone on the spectrum to move to a new culture...
@@kristenmorrison7323 I did, I was born in France and when I was 3 yo almost 4 we moved to Guatemala. TO be fair my dad is from there so it's not the same as being an expat because you have some ties but I didn't speak the language and we were 100% french in France nothing about Guatemalan culture.
As a verbal autistic I rely most on spoken language, body language is not natural to me it's like I have to translate a foreign language and it's nto always accurate and very tiring. So when we moved there I was physically sick, fever, impossible to keep any food down, barely could drink. A pediatrician told my parents it was hoemsickness (it was 45 years ago autism was not on the radar specially for girls) and to put me in a french school as soon as possible. It helped a lot from what I was told.
But now that i'm adult I find that being autistic has given me an edge to adapting in other countries, because I'm used to "translating" all the time, body language, anything that's innuendo or irony etc well what's a bit more translation, right ? And I'm always a bit different and having to compensate or correct when I go too far and start to make people uncomfortable so that's something l’m good at.
Of course everything has a price and here it's exhaustion, so I have to be very very careful.
@@kristenmorrison7323 I may be on the spectrum and I've heard many say that we have an easier time overseas because there are not the same expectations for us to fit in. If I go, I will definitely hire a relocation specialist to smooth the path.
Another thoughtful and well-presented video.
This is great to see - not that you've experienced it (as we all will), but to acknowledge it. TY! One bonus of being retired: for the last 3.5 months now, I have zero problem with getting a few, one, or NONE things done in any given day.
🤣 love that.
I love you guys, I wish u the best in France (on earth) we 're all the same 😂
So true!! We moved to Brittany from the US a year ago. It is definitely a humbling experience. Although we have traveled extensively, it is an entirely different thing to move overseas. That sense of feeling very inept and childlike is tough, especially when faced with the grim faced cashiers or medical receptionists! The best remedy is a sense of humor and the ability to remind yourself of how many "wins" you've had.
The hardest part for me has been driving around…and all the roundabouts !!!!!! I’ve looked up the roundabout etiquette but it seems it depends on the location😅 That and buying potato chips, I cannot find a flavor that can substitute my love for cheddar cheese chips😂 Besides that, I love every single day in France ❤
Larger supermarkets will have Tyrrells (UK) cheddar chips. Brets (Brittany brand but found all over France) has cheese and onion chips. Good luck.
@@elizzy8754 Thank you!
potatoes chips is considered as junk food in France 😆
@@jean-claudemuller3199yes! I want junk food that taste good and reminds me of home from time to time 😊
@@jean-claudemuller3199 Nutri score C 😐
Great video which took me back to my first few years; 'frustrated' comes to mind!! I visit quite a few houses and my rule is, if they have a dog I keep my shoes on! It's an adventure, enjoy it...
Bonjour! This is such a good video! We are planning to retire in 3 years, with the goal of buying an apartment in France (probably Tours). We will likely hang onto our house in the U.S., but the long-term goal is to spend the majority of our retirement years living in and traveling throughout France. I studied French for 8 years, but that was over 40 years ago, and I rarely used it. That changed when we set our retirement plan into motion. Now I study 2 hours a day, and I've joined a French-speaking group at our local library. Your channel is so helpful to people like us who want to make this move! I, for one, am VERY happy that the two of you became RUclipsrs! I look forward to each new post. Thank you for giving us this very real peek into your lives and what to prepare for when we take the plunge!
Thank you and good luck with everything! 😄
Expats four months into life in France - I agree the exhaustion and overwhelm of daily life is very real. Sometimes I feel like I have achieved so much in the day and look back and all I did was something like go to the vet and manage to successfully check my animal in! After that we get by with gestures and google translate for the actual treatment. No wonder one comes away from the simplest task feeling like you have completed a major undertaking!
Yes!! But it gets better. 🙂 Bienvenue France!
I’ve felt stupid in France trying to get out of buildings because of not being able to find the button that unlocks the door. Sometimes that button seems to be perversely hidden. Another way to get more French language into your life is by listening to podcasts while doing routine activities like cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, etc. You can add an hour or two of language per day. I highly recommend Les Pieds sur Terre from France Culture.
As you mentioned in order to integrate more easily its imperative to learn French before you move out. 2/3 h per week for a year with a proper french teacher from France not on line . Having a native speaker will enable you not only to learn the language but understand the mind set , culture, specifics of the way of life and numerous tips that an online course will never give you. This should sort out 90.% of your integration when you arrive as you are mentally ready
Then.ypu must find a job and speak french again not behind a computer but ta lking to coworkers everyday.This is the real spoken french that you pick up by living in France , not how to speak correct french and grammatical rules
The reason people give up is in 9 / 10 because they havent made the effort before moving put and dont open up to locals in France and elsewhere.
Which supermarkets do you shop at? The peanut butter is always with the jelly and spread like Nutella in any supermarket I go to...
I’m French and I also feel stupid at times. Things here tend to be more complicated than they should be. I think it’s because French people don’t want to be bother too much by others….it used to be worse in my opinion. The newer generations have travelled abroad and tend to be more useful.
Lol, thank you for the reminder it's not just us! 🙂
This is great. My wife is French. We plan to move for 1 year to Biarritz
As a French living abroad, indeed the most challenging after a while is the lack of common reference. So what I do is that I ask for the "iconic" "society impacting" films, songs, events, one man (woman) shows, etc.... especially the comic ones so you can learn a lot but getting familiar with them and you can put these back in your discussion and start to get jokes. It helps to integrate and make connections with people.
Such an interesting and untouched topic. Very cool video.
Merci!
We need to see more videos of you guys ❤you are awesome
Well, thank you. 🙂
Safety access to some administrations and bank agencies are also used by companies offices, there 3 main types but honestly, you shouldn't feel dumb or frustrated. In the race for security, there are tens of different types of unlocking, even at "La Poste" in some cities or district. You're not the only ones feeling like idiots, even for us French. The tens of systems that exist makes it really hard for everyone when you have an appointment in those secure places/offices.
It's true it's more difficult when you're not in a situation to use French in a daily basis like Juliana. French TV reality shows and series can help a little but I think social meetings with a lot of people have a negative effect on language learning. It's important to have social meeting, with 1-2 couples or 2-4 people. The desire to be good hosts or just make you more comfortable will be more effective.
With less people, they won't have to divert too much of their attention and truly bring you in the talks, with slower speech speed and taking time to explain things. In big groups, people will tend to form their own smaller groups to talk about specific topics. You will gain more fluency that way. More than often, in small cities and villages you can take time to engage in small talks with you baker, the bar owner or any independent shop worker when there's low activity. That's how you go from "regular client" to "regular" or "acquaintance" and sometimes, "friend".
Well the point is taking the time to have those small talks will help you work on your hearing and learn the necessary words you need in your daily life. And get time to work on words you often only need to communicate with administration.
These are good points!
Great video ^^. What worked for me to improve my English may work for others : watching TV with local subtitles -> watching French movies in french audio and french subtitle is a good way to improve your French ^^.
Nous serons toujours là pour vous et nous continuerons à repondre à toutes vos questions 😂… we love you so much 😊🥰
Comment avons-nous eu la chance de vous avoir comme amis ???😭🥰🤗❤️❤️❤️ Nous vous aimons et vous remercions de tout cœur. 😍
Et je ne pense pas être un jour à court de questions ! !! 😂
Raina the same smile and positive energy! Jason looks better, happier, more relieved than a few months ago, when he looked tired...; Or , its my imagination xd...
He's just getting better looking as he ages. 😜 - Raina
@@BaguetteBound French way of life
He's made out of good wine. Read through the lines
You can't be wrong being in TeamChocolatine anyway !
Seems like you are already aware of the "very important" fights we have in France 😄
As a native and grown-up Frenchman, I often find myself the only one in socks surrounded by people in shoes, and I totally understand you. 😅
But fortunately, people are for the most part forgiving and understand (and get) your intention.
Soutien.
I truly enjoy your channel and your objective (read non judgmental) view on the experiences you are living. I am a French Canadian living in English Canada and of course Canada being next to the US, it just feels like I understand exactly everything you’re saying! I myself am about to spend three weeks in France (Provence and Minervois) and Italy (Puglia) exploring where I might like to buy some property - that is how the RUclips algorithm presented your channel on my feed. Bonne continuation à la découverte de la vie française :)
Bon voyage!
Hello neighbor
Love the "ici c'est chocolatine" frame on the table even if here it's meaningless 😂
I also like (all) your content. I really hope your current situation and life is like what I feel watching you all on YT.
Bonheur, pugnacité, débrouillardise (new French word for you?), adaptation etc. ❤ to you 3.
Hey, allways cool to see someone share their experience.
Listenning to the video, I thought maybe your audience would be intereted in your french level after 2years, I know I am, maybe an idea for future videos !
Have a great day
About the language. There is a thing called "Alliance Francaise" in most countries where people can take french lessons, and immerse in the culture through many artistic events.
Thank you!
I learned a lot of words in english with songs and when I try to remember when life was so tender , that love was an ember about ... oh sorry sometimes I lose the thread ...
Have you yet discover frenchs singers you love for singing en français ?
Maybe a future subject of video 😊
My wife and I are really enjoying your channel. On the subject of learning French, the junk reality TV is a good suggestion. Have you watched La Carte aux Tresors and Le Meilleur Patissier? Both nice to look at as well as useful teachers of the language. One learning tool I've used is to get hold of copies of Paris Match and read the interviews. The language in these interviews is conversational, not usually esoteric or technical, limited to a few common tenses (no conditional subjunctives!), and you get an education in French pop culture. Thanks again for your channel.
Oh, we haven't seen those two shows, we'll have to check them out! And the Paris Match is a good idea. Thanks!
@@BaguetteBoundThere is also the best baker on M6. I think you'll like it. We can see it in replay. A baker and a pastry chef travel all over France to test the bakeries that participate in the competition. I think you'll like it! Il y a aussi le meilleur boulanger sur M6. Je pense que ça vous plaira. On peut le voir en replay. Un boulanger et une pâtissière voyagent dans toute la France pour tester les boulangeries qui participent au concours. Je pense que ça vous plaira !
Les oreillers carrés servent surtout à rester assis dans le lit. C'est confortable pour lire par exemple et dans le passé, les femmes cousaient, raccommodaient et tricotaient le soir dans le lit. Et ça économisait le chauffage l'hiver.😊
Id say a good way to learn through media would be to take your favorite film/show, the one you know almost by heart, and watch it in "version française". We have some very good voice actors imo. I think it makes the process easier to know already whats going on and what is said. And you learn a little about expressions/jokes translation. Also maybe try to make some videos in french but subtitled in english for your english viewers. Welcome in france btw
Oh guys, be careful. People in reality shows speak awfull language wich is not apprpriate french. I mean their grammar, vocabulary are rude and full of mistakes. If my Child (or anybody) talk to me this way, I would be so angry. But, u're rigth, TV, series, films , documentary, first in french with subtiles in english, and in the second time in french wich french subtitles is probable a very good way to immerse. My chid and I improved so much our english and spanish. That helps a lot.
About shoes in the house, it dépends. There's often a difference between country and cities. But each family has her own habits. I use to ask when I come in "do u want me to Take my shoes off?"
That's funny, my closest French friend said the same thing about reality shows. She said "that's not french!". 😂
It's mostly to help comprehension along with all the other things we do. But a couple times we've asked Juliana "what does that mean?" And she tells us but then says "dont say that!". It's funny coming from your 13 year old. 🤣
@@BaguetteBound I perfectly understand what's your idea about watching this...thing. But, and that's just a warning obviously you do what you want (Do I need to make it clear? Hope not) .
But neither the accent, the vocabulary, the pronunciation or the grammar in this shows are french. This is ...un.. how to explain that...a language that can't be used without be categorized as a very low class, no educated, rude, and without superfluous neurones.
So, my point is that, I don't think it helps learning true french.
Maybe I m wrong.
Anyway Juliana is right: don't repeat what your hear in that shows.😂
C'est la culture ghetto: les vêtements, la langue et les comportements 😔Tout y est
Good day. Why the hurry ? Just enjoy your life and live as if you were immortal. Bonne journée. Carpe diem.
It's not uncommon to take off your shoes at a friend's house, but usually you should ask if you should take them off or not
J’aime beaucoup vos vidéos. Je peux tout à fait comprendre ce que vous traversez car j’ai vécu la même chose en m’installant au Royaume-Uni vers l’âge de 23 ans. Je me suis sentie plusieurs fois stupide de ne pas comprendre ce qu’on me demandait. Mais quand j’y repense, j’en rigole.
C’est une belle expérience de vivre dans un pays étranger. 😉
Oh but you know c'est pas grave if you feel stupid in any situation. When I lived in the US for the first time, I didn't pay attention if I was behaving right with the people. I realised I was behaving probably wrong when the person was peering at me weirdly but I didn't care I was there just to enjoy my time in the US (in DC mostly). I just gave out thé love I had for all the things I encountered and many great things happened to me I think maybe because I was open to everything naively. Maybe you can try a bit of that . If you need some French lessons I am a teacher for many families (personal tutor) so I would be please to help you with French in any matter . I hope you have fun in France or wherever you are 😊
Thanks!
Aw, thank you! 😊
As you are two of you , it will be slower to learn the language ...you "ll speak english at home, that's not the best way ....
When alone , it far quicker ...
Which French reality tv shows have you been watching? I'm from Texas and spent a year in France as an au pair.
Has it really been worth it? Do you feel settled and happy you have moved? Do you miss America enough to perhaps move back?
It is worth it. 1000%. I would say just now, at the two year mark we're beginning to feel more settled. We love life here. It's why we chose not to go back to the US even though there were (still are hard parts).
You want to improve your French? Rather than watching awful reality shows, re-watch American movies your're very familiar with (already knowing the context and dialogues is a great help) dubbed in French with French subtitles; granted, it will feel weird but it's very effective.
Thing is, sometimes jelly’s not even where you think it should be. 😂
ultimately, all,the difficulties you mention could have been alleviated, not entirely taken out, if you’d had good friends, ready to help you out and show the ropes.
The real feeling you experienced, imho, was loneliness,initially, before you made friends.
I’d advise anybody considering moving abroad, to search for local friends. They can be locals, expatriates, whatever, just someone to help you get your bearings.
We did (do) have local friends we made after just a couple months here. I can't imagine what all this would have been like without them!
@@BaguetteBound My point was : its precisely these 2 months which may have been the toughest and loneliest. At least, in my experience it was. After a while, you make friends with your neighbors, with other parents at your children school, and things start to take shape. But until then, everything's a mountain to climb, alone.
To learn French you might try what I did and Read in French. If you have a Kindle reader, translation is easily found by holding your finger on the word required. When I used this reading method Kindle hadn't been invented and It was necessary to use a dictionary. Start with one page at a time and progress at your own pace. After a while, I used a series of books by an author named Raoule Mille, 'Ma Riviera" short cameos of the history of the French Riviera and the many characters that lived there in the belle epoch.
You could also try translating Jokes into French and see it your French friends understand them. If and when the penny drops, It can be quite hilarious.
😂 omg, I love this idea with the jokes!!
Frenchman here. I am surprised at your challenges. Yes life is very different in the USA but the key advice I would give is to speak and understand the language. The electrical lock is to be found EVERYWHERE since 100 years but simply talking to the people will let you know that when you hear the buzzing sound (a few seconds) you have to gently push the door. Here in Paris area there is NOT ONE building entry that is not secured by a key code, a contactless key or an intercom.
About re-arranging groceries in a grocery store or hypermarket leave US ALL perplex for a while (you don't need to be American to experience this and some shops DO IT ON PURPOSE to force you to see other items.
When walking with wife and kid in Pasadena we were stopped by the Police asking details because we were not supposed to walk in Passadena in the daylight but supposed to take the car even for ultra-short distances. When explained, the Police officer smiled. So, I mean culture shock can be fun.
So the main advice I was expecting you to give is:
- are you prepared to live away from the rest of your family
- are you ready to face depressive moments (I lived and worked in the USA, in Germany, in mainland China, in the UK, in Canada AND IT IS NOT ALWAYS A BED OF ROSES but I loved it in the end..
- have you checked thoroughly your motivation to live abroad (France is just great but you may feel home-sick)
- are you prepared to deal with French administration? It is sometimes frustrating even for us French people (although French adfministration is often very helpful with foreigners..
- have you checked all the financial aspects of your life in France (Taxes in France, avoid double taxation with the US), revenue, rent, total cost of a car (purchase, maintenance, parking, operation, tickets) so that you don't discover later that it is unaffordable to you.
- have you checked the rules, obligations and benefits you have there?
The KEY ADVICE: talk to local people without being afraid of being ridiculed ALL WILL UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION EXCEPT A FEW STUPIDS.
For the shoes in the house, it really depends on the family. If I were you I wouldn’t pick the habit to have shoes on when invited but instead always ask. In my family we keep shoes on indeed but I have so many friends who don’t. To the point where when I invited colleagues for the first time, I was kind of surprised that they didn’t consider it (even though I don’t care 😂).
I asked my french girlfriend about the "shoe" question. It seems to vary from house to house. Best to just ask your host shoes on or shoes off..
absolutely, it depends; its not a rule here. the best way to be sure is to ask the owner!! Even for us the french, we dont always know , we ask!
Je suis d'accord, il n'y a rien de plus enervant que quand ils changent l'agencement et les rayons des magasins !! Et ou je suis, ils le font souvent !! 😡😡😡
Personally i am learning english language watching goods american movies with subtitles ( there is some ) .
So a good way is watching good French films , there is a lot ...
Intouchables (2011)
The Artist (2011)
.........
Merci!
I'm sure that there are retired multilingual French people who would help people like this gladly.
As a French, I always take off my shoes at home or visiting friends. There are some "clean" French and "less clean" French😀
Nice videos, you are doing. I hope soon you will them in french. 😉😉😉. Wouldn't that be a nice challenge?
One day...😉 We started the channel of course making videos meant for English speakers who are dreaming of a move to France or interested in life here.
Gaining a French audience has been a wonderful and unexpected suprise! ❤️