How to Get a Job in France as an American
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- How to get a job in France as an American - it's not an easy prospect. Nor is there a simple, one-size-fits-all solution. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go! Help me make better videos at / jayswanson and then find me on the internet in all of the usual spots:
Grab my guide to Paris here: bit.ly/ParisVlo... (sorry, nothing inside about how to get a job in Paris)
More swag here:
bit.ly/ShirtOfT... (shirts and hat)
bit.ly/JaysGear... (my gear and books)
gum.co/camerafour (Disposable Camera Four digital scans)
Follow me here:
/ jayonaboat
/ jayswanson
Music by: Dyalla
How to get a job in Paris? I really think the best way to do it is to get here and try to get a job from within Paris itself. It's really hard to hunt for work in France from abroad.
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlog daily, and love pizza a little too much.
Links below to Amazon are affiliate links - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? On and off for over two years.
What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS
You're always talking about living on some ship. WHAT SHIP? - I made a "Draw My Life" video that explains a lot here: • Draw My Life
Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).
What do you film with? - I've made a lot of changes recently, but I try to keep my gear list up to date if you want to see what I use and buy some for yourself: bit.ly/JaysGear...
What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.
Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.
Why are you living in #Paris? - Because I've always wanted to; I feel at home here: • Why I Want to Live in ...
Do you speak French? Oui. • Un Jour en Francais (E...
You talk a lot about the books you're working on, what are they about? - They're sci-fi (and fantasy) and I've got a decent pitch for you here: • The Pitch (Sorta) - Ag...
Do you make money off RUclips? - Ha, no. I wish. It took me over 500 videos to make my first total $100 off adsense. I think it will slowly change, but VERY slowly.
I really enjoy your videos, how can I support you? - The easiest and best way to support me is through Patreon, where you can pitch in as little as $1/mo to help me make better videos: / jayswanson
I don't trust this Patreon thing - can I just paypal you? - Here's my ko-fi if that's your thing (and coffee is your game): ko-fi.com/jays...
But I want to send you something tangible! - I do have a wishlist on Amazon, though it's a bit complicated with the international shipping situation. This is the US one: amzn.to/2ykS9Ux
And here's the French wishlist: bit.ly/JaysFren...
Thanks for watching!
Solid truth. There is no such thing as just visiting France and getting a job. Not. At. All. I wish I’d known this beforehand, but eh, I wasn’t in a place personally at the time to figure out much before I found myself plopped into Paris. It is VERY hard to get a decent job when you’re an American, or anyone not from the EU without a proper working visa. I have massive amounts of experience and education as an English teacher (an MA, and ten years ago still had almost 20 years of experience teaching English) but because I was an American and without a proper visa to work, it was “impossible, interdit.” You described very well the legal ways to work. I spent time talking to French attorneys, to businesses, to so many others to piece together ways of legally staying in France. You forgot one, though: getting married to a French person. That’s another way, lol. Anyway, I wound up back in the US for super complicated reasons, having to put life back together from the ground up. I treasure the four years I had in Paris, and I figure it just wasn’t meant to be for me to stay there. There are some things here for me in the US that are beautiful and amazing, too. Three of my mottos: wherever you go, there you are. Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. And, Only Forward. ✌🏼
Ah yeah - getting married works but isn't one I'd recommend 😂😂 If you break up (or choose poorly on the partner front) you can wind up super screwed.
Jay Swanson True story! 😂😂😂
This is 1000% true. I'm getting my license currently (bachelors degree) after having studied abroad here last year. Last year I was under the table bartender and now I have a nannying/english-teaching job. I'm going to get my masters and potentially PHD and basically just doing anything to stay in France as long as possible. But yes it's difficult, friendships and social lives come after survival and so sometimes you have to make sacrifices. I really immersed myself from the start with French but again, it's not easy. Still have no regrets and encourage anyone that's ambitious to pursue a life here if they are interested.
It requires a lot of dedication for most of us - totally worth the pain =D
@@JaySwanson i am american citizen ,single , i want to apply for visa long stay FOR WORK in france is it possible?
I'm an au pair in Luxembourg and I'm aiming to break into the cosmetic industry and he's so right about networking! Thank you!
I'm a voice actress here in Tampa and do all my work in my jammies at home. (Sometimes I get a gig out of my studio). I love it! :)
Makes for a cozy work environment 😁
So go to France go to college learn French get a job?
I applaud you for sticking it out, I know it has been a lot of hard graft for you. I worked in 3 different countries when younger, as a nurse, so that was easy to get those jobs back then. I feel lucky I did what I did!
Glad you took advantage of it! =D
Agree with what you said. I had to show proof of funds in savings (equivalent to a year of rent) for my microscopic Parisian apartment. I'm American & I had to have a Frenchie vouch for my character/back me up in case I skipped town, even though my name was the only one on the lease.
It's the same process for the natives as well. The law protect the tenants, so the landlords needs guarantees. I'm in the same situation as you as a student, it's really complicated when you have no one to back you up. (And it's worst for banks stuffs and work sadly).
@@MrMaxride27 I didn't know it was the same for the natives as well. The way my landlord had phrased it led me to think it was all about tracking *the foreigners* down who don't pay their rent and can just leave the country, never to be found again. Or at least that was his emphasis. So crazy! I don't envy that at all.
True that it can be a nightmare to find an apartment over here, but in return (I’m sure you already know that but just wanted to point out) once you have one you can’t get kicked out from one day to the other, due to French social protection policies. So it’s understandable that the landlords want to have guarantees of some kind.
But yeah I guess that when you arrive in France and don’t have a « garant » or whatever it can be tough :/.
Yep - it's quite the struggle of contradictions around here. The tension that makes France so fun =D
"It's easier to find work once you're here." Thanks! That's what I needed to hear. I'll brush up on my French somewhere in France for a few weeks, meet people and find work once I'm there instead of worrying about it now. What would work best for my current level of A2-B1 you think? Language travel courses (like Studytravel) or something local like French School or private teachers?
Watching your video about it now...
Thank you for this. Ideally, I’d like to move myself and my family there. I’m a freelance guy and I know I could make money there with what I can offer.
Cool - good luck to you!
I wish I was 30 years younger or win the lottery....as being in Paris full time is and always has been my dream....fingers crossed on the lottery tomorrow!!! See you tomorrow xx Kerrin and Leia xx
Rooting for those winnings! =D
I’m a French citizen living in Canada 🇨🇦 so low Canadian citizen also so plz Kerrin-gai Hofstrand let me understand plz ,, that you talking about a lottery to move to France 🇫🇷 ??
"The answer is not necessarily pleasant ..." omg 😮 jay is rufff lol
😆
Merci beacoup! This video was so informative. Maybe since I really had this question, this video felt more like a conversation :) Though all your videos have that feel! Best wishes as always on your videos and other endeavors!
Gotta keep the conversation alive =D
Immigrating is tough. Immigrating to France is hard, but try being a Mexican in the US. Immigrating to the US as a Mexican citizen is super hard because a lot of the avenues open to you in France simply do not exist in the US. Speaking the language, having connections, and having lots of resources upfront is very solid advice.
👍👍
Nice vlog 🙌🏾 good production and style 👍🏾
Thanks!
i didn’t know you did work for the CNRS!!! i just wrote a paper about them :’’’’)
It's a real honor =D
Super informative thank you Jay.
No problem! =D
Ha, if time is available, could you make a video on how to take buses in Paris
At the beginning of this video 00:00-00:12 looking at the sign pont de sevre, I was staying at Novotel Pont de serve and that globe at 00:12 was what I walked past to and from the metro station. Memories!
Thanks again, Jay! Au pairing has definitely been the smart way to go in my case. I've been meeting with schools and looking through all my options while I'm here so having my current job and accommodation already set has made things SO much less stressful.
As for getting a masters, how expensive is it as an American citizen?
That's great! I think being here is a key component. As for the masters, I'm sure that depends on the program but I'd wager it's significantly cheaper than doing it in the States.
Public schools are cheaper (arpund 2,000 -4,000 ) than private schools (10,000-25,000), but you elevate your chances by 1000% probably if you get a private schol degree like busoness, engeneering, politics, etc.
I'll be in Paris in a few days....would you like me to bring you an umbrella?
Haha - my rain jacket does the trick 😀👍
@@JaySwanson Besides, we're from the Pacific Northwest, what's an umbrella?
If you're graduate in Computer Science / IT things. it will be tremendously easier.
True!
Beard looking awesome! Please keep it :)
I won't be selling it anytime soon ;)
Is there any way to stay in France as an American while working remotely for an American company?
I bet it might be hard for a hairdresser who speaks little french to get a job in Paris, but a Barber would be easier. Men tend to not talk as much during a haircut, they are ususlly easy to please. Get them in and out and do a good job. Men are usually the better tippers too.
Haha - sounds like it's time for a career change ;D
well say you speak fluent French, manage to stay 3 months as a tourist, to find odd jobs, you arent allowed to work those odd jobs, meaning, those jobs wont sponsor you, those would be ‚ under the table‘..... correct?
That's correct. You can't legally work on a tourist visa
But isn't it not possible to get a work visa if you're already there on a visit? I'd need to get my visa in the usa (where I'd be coming from) so I could visit and make barista connections, but in the long run, they'll still need you to go back home and get a visa before getting the job as I've been told...Also, for the au pair thing. I see on the visa website, that there is a "young au pairs" section that says you must be 30 or younger. Does that mean there's no generic au pair visa if I'm over 30? Funny how you can be the age to ideally have a kid, but you can be seen as too old to watch someone else's kid...
Also, the student or teaching route. I am finding that its mostly only possible in the fall, and my goal is to be in paris asap...Anyone know student visa affordable french classes that are longer than 3 months? THANK YOU!
What about someone with no skills just wanting to go and maybe find a construction job or a labor job?
Hiya, Emily here. First off, I would never consider construction or labor jobs skilless, quite the contrary! However, visas can be quite complicated and there's no easy answer. There are several Facebook groups with loads of information for those looking to start the visa process, and I always recommend starting there!
What is that card you use for public transit? A "Navi-go"? Does it make sense for tourists?
www.transilien.com/en/page-editoriale/using-the-navigo-decouverte-card
I got one for a week while I was there. I believe it was something like 20€ maybe. I loved it. It made it so easy to get around. You could spend less money for the 10 pack of tickets, but if you dont want to have to worry about losing them, not having enough, making transfers, yada yada, then I highly suggest one.
It can be very useful... but William has the right idea - look it up on-line. The Navigo pass works on a weekly or monthly basis and I believe it runs from Monday morning till Sunday night. If you will be here and that fits your schedule then it can be great if you plan on taking a lot of public transportation. I’m an American who retired after working in France. When grandsons come to visit they each have their own Navigo pass. If they will be here for a full (Mon thru Sun) week plus a few days we ge them the week pass and then either use single tickets or get unlimited one day tickets to fill in the gaps. Enjoy your visit!
Transilien announced that there will be a new card in 2019, the Navigo Easy, which will be a plastic card that works like the cards in most public transit around the world. You will be able to buy the card for 2€ and then can add value to the card as needed. Unlike the existing Navigo cards, it's anonymous, so you don't need to get your picture taken and get your own individual card. Unfortunately, there has been no announcement about exactly when in 2019 Navigo easy will be available.
the sound is bad i cannot hear the things you say - cars , wind etc. i really wanted to hear what you had to say at the 4:02 mark
'Getting an apartment is Paris is difficult, Parisians culture makes it difficult to make friends, etc.' True and true. But why does it have to be Paris ? You can do all those things and more anywhere in France. Dude, you REALLY need to get out of Paris a little bit. You can go to any big city in France in less than 3 hours by train, I don't know what you're waiting for...
Jay, I just noticed, you've never looked so white. Looks like you've been underground the entire winter. The spring sun should be out soon to add a little glow to your cheeks. Stay healthy!
☀️😎
Would it be hard for a biologist or a doctor to get a job in France?
No we need doctor in the province , in the countryside they give house sometimes or an office for free if you ask to the city hall and if there is no doctor in the village. In general it ´s easy for a doctor to find a job. In any case it ´s easy for a doctor everywhere in the world
Thanks Stephen! Good to know.
@@a1vampirewriter Lisa, little nitpicking here, if there is one thing this channel is, it is the fact they answer questions from others. stephen10 answered this one 😉
Paul C thanks for letting me know.
@@a1vampirewriter 🤘
Does teaching English require committing to an entire school year?
What is the name of the app of the game you collect the 👾 space invaders? Do you have a blog that explains it? I was very badly telling my friend that lives in California about it. I know he would love it. 👾♥️ Sorry my questions don’t have anything to do with this video. My friend loves Paris. He has actually worked for a company that he was able to travel all over the world working. Paris is his favorite place to be. Maybe one day I’ll be able to travel that far but until then I will live through you and his travels. Have an amazing Friday and weekend. Hugs from Texas
FlashInvaders is the app
Ann S thank you!!!
Could you get a job as a American tour guide in paris what would you have to learn
I think they now use headsets with all the languages programmed in so no need for tour guides or not as much...
0:09 Accidental puppy dog eyes?
🐶
As a french viewer, I love your videos, it's really interesting to have a foreign point of view about those situations. Keep it up Jay !
Merci!😊
You can get a student visa to go to a French language school (not a university). A lot of people do this to get their French up to B2 level so they can then go to a French university for a diploma or masters. Of course you have to have enough saved up to cover school and living expenses. If you go this route don’t go to Paris. There are schools all over France in places that cost less than half of the cost of living in Paris.
Good point - it gets very expensive. That's one of the harsh realities I think people need to know up front though: it won't be cheap, easy, or stress-free - but it'll be worth it! =D
I'm here on a tourist visa for 1 year and I just got PACs with my girlfriend and we now have a kid on the way. I don't speak any French but I medically retired from the military at 22 so I don't have to work. I still would like to become a citizen though
So if you’re a lawyer with a good French? What are the odds? The legal system is different there. Do you have to get a French legal education?
This is very helpful bc I would love to go to France to actually learn French & the culture etc & just eventually give up my US citizenship, but of course I want to visit France to see if I actually like it before doing all of that first.
If you already commented on this, my apologies. How does one retire in France? Are the regulations more lenient or is retiring in France discouraged? Thank you and keep up the good work!
Tammy Sexton Are you asking how an American who didn’t work in France can retire in France or how someone like Jay will be able to retire if he stays in France?
@@thedavidguy01 I am asking if someone like myself, who has never worked France and would then desire to spend retirement years in France. How difficult would it be, if at all. Thank you
@@tls1185 I'm not an expert but did research this topic. You can get a visa to live in France (at any age) if you can show that you have the means to support yourself. For a retiree that means showing some combination of social security, private pension, and investment income to prove that you can cover your living expenses. The problem is health care. You cannot get health insurance in France. If you have enough money to pay out of pocket for all medical and dental expenses (admittedly much lower in France) then you're all set. Medicare will not cover you if you live outside of the US and no private American insurance company will cover you either. You can apply for the French health insurance system after living in France for a certain number of years. Last I looked it was after 4 years, but they keep changing the rules and it has been up to 7 years. This was where I hit a road block because I couldn't find anything on how likely it is for you to be accepted into the system. Obviously, being able to apply doesn't mean you get accepted. So, at minimum, you will need to cover health and dental expenses for at least 4 years. Even if you're currently healthy, if you're over 65 that's a gamble. BTW, I stopped researching this topic when my wife told me that if I retired to France, I would be living alone. 😩
If you can show them you've got a sizable chunk of change saved up and you bought property here, you'd be headed in the right direction I think, but I know and have met others along the way who still had to jump through various visa hoops over years to get here after retirement. The system is pretty ageist - getting into your thirties and above makes moving here more challenging in many respects from what I've seen. I imagine that they would require you to carry your own health insurance and would be resistant to giving you anything more than long-stay tourist visas, at least for a while. I'd check with the consulate for your region or an immigration lawyer for accurate info/details.
@@JaySwanson Thank you so much...this is very helpful
Ton réalisme est toujours refraîchissant et je suis 100% d'accord avec tes conclusions.
Merci Paul! =)
A useful reality check for anyone thinking they would like to live in France. The really difficult thing is finding a job that no-one else in the EU can fill, which realistically closes most doors. Fine for those in the EU, arguably unfair to everyone else. I fear ageism is another real barrier: if 30 is a barrier to finding work, what chance is there for anyone nearly twice that age who still needs to work? BTW I think the criteria for the talent visa have been tightened up in the last year or so. But..... if you are determined enough there is always a way.
I was wondering if they had tightened that up or not. I feel like it's still more lax than I would expect, but it would be interesting to dive deeper into that. And for sure - age discrimination is a big factor
As it's really hard for 50 years old frenchs to get a new job, I don't think you can find a long term job if you come here. Maybe some basics students jobs or specialized jobs, but why would a company invest its means for someone that will retire in a fews years ? Better take a young and motivated one.
30 is a barrier to find work? I know this is the case in the U.S. I don't think Jay said that. However there is a cut off of 29 to get your education paid for and work a paid internship which is sponsored by the government. I actually heard that being female and of child bearing years it can be hard b/c they are worried that you will have a child shortly after starting and then take 2-3 years off with pay. Or this is what I hear. I don't think ageism is as much as a problem as it is in the U.S. my step brother and his wife live in Paris, when we were out to dinner with a group of their friends my step brothers wife asked me how old I was I was kind of taken aback mainly b/c I was not use to this. No one EVER does this in the States not even to men b/c of ageism and work. Haha yes win the lotto and retire there 😂
1st!
🥇😎
I came to Paris on a student visa for an MFA at a film school that has "European" accreditation - not really accepted as a French degree as the accreditor is not authorized by any entity of the French government or the EU, BUT I also studied acting at an acting school that had an artict agency so I fell into acting as an American. I've had two gigs in two years for TV series but its not steady work but my agent does her best. I am studying the language and now that my student visa is done I've applied for an Artist Visa (there are two types) under the self supporting scheme since I also have a pension so I kind of lucked out. Still waiting on the artist visa approval. But if I don't get at least one to two acting gigs a month then it will be back to the US next August. The artist visa needs a lot of paperwork and proposals for future projects using France as a base. My immigration guy is Jean Taquet - search him on google. The one thing you should know about the process is to have VERY good reasons to stay on in France.Best wishes!
I love that there is a specific au pair visa. It’s so random. But in fairness when I worked as an au pair in 2010 there was so many of us.
Tons and tons