Moving to France (job market, university, camp)

[Lollipop]

Hi!

I've been to france a few times myself and am really thinking of moving there from medium to long term. But having just graduated from university, am kind of still trying to plan out what to do next. Mostly because I do not have much work experience nor being proficient in the french language, plus as a non-EU nationale I guess it's probably going to be a bit of challenge surviving in france - Paris Im talking about. I've also heard of the notorious french employment law that puts young people at a disadvantage and different type of attitudes towards foreigners.

I would like to know more about the situation from real people out there preferrably those who've experienced life in france as a foreigner, in terms of job prospects and the general attitudes of the french people.

[Southside Shrek]

frankly I know several well educated young French people who want to leave France due to lack of decent job opportunities there.

[MoxD]

I agree with Southside Shrek

[BlueWillowPlate]

And even if you did want to go, as a non-EU resident, you need to have the correct visa, the carte sejour, which you obtain before leaving the US. My kid did not have any trouble with this, but he had definite employment (teaching English) before he went over there. He did it two different years and really enjoyed it, made friends from all over the place. He also worked at a camp for young French kids in the summertime. While he is fluent in French, this is not a necessity for that particular job because it is a camp where the children are supposed to speak English.
I would not want to ever make a permanent move like that, but I do think it is a very worthwhile *temporary* experience.

[jsfountain]

Originally Posted by Lollipop

Hi!
I would like to know more about the situation from real people out there preferrably those who've experienced life in france as a foreigner, in terms of job prospects and the general attitudes of the french people.

The job market is struggling here in France. But Paris does offer the most opportunity. I live in the south of France and it is much harder here to find a job. Most employment opportunities will be in Paris. It's ok if you don't speak french because there are plenty of international companies who desire employees who use english in the work place. However, knowing some french is desired by all employers. Teaching english here is an excellent way to find a job.

Best thing to do is secure a job before you decide to move over here. That way you can secure the proper visa with no trouble. Others have come over on a typical 3 month tourist visa and then found employemnt while here.

I would search on Monster.fr and http://www.cadremploi.fr

good luck

jeff

[nativeDallasite]

Originally Posted by Lollipop

Hi!

I've been to france a few times myself and am really thinking of moving there from medium to long term. But having just graduated from university, am kind of still trying to plan out what to do next. Mostly because I do not have much work experience nor being proficient in the french language, plus as a non-EU nationale I guess it's probably going to be a bit of challenge surviving in france - Paris Im talking about. I've also heard of the notorious french employment law that puts young people at a disadvantage and different type of attitudes towards foreigners.

I would like to know more about the situation from real people out there preferrably those who've experienced life in france as a foreigner, in terms of job prospects and the general attitudes of the french people.

I've spent a lot of time in France, and my advice is DON'T move there. It's a lovely country and the French can be warm and welcoming to tourists, but it's a whole different ball game when you move there.

The fact that you are young and that you don't speak French are two massive strikes against you; in fact, they're deal-breakers. Don't even consider it unless you're fluent in French; otherwise you may find it difficult to find work...or you could open a business that caters to English-speaking expatriots in France, most of whom will be British and more eager to patronize British businesses.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by Lollipop

Hi!

I've also heard of the notorious french employment law that puts young people at a disadvantage and different type of attitudes towards foreigners.

What are you talking about?

You do not speak the language, have no or very limited job experience. What kind of a job do you have in mind to qualify for a work permit?