While France has always had something of a love hate relationship with the UK (or that appears to be the UK perception) the country has much to offer for those looking to relocate. This thread covers some of the more practical ways in which you can integrate into local French life the correct way and earn respect and friendship amongst your foreign peers.

The thread offers four excellent ways to ensure your stay in France is a very enjoyable experience, which are :-

Learn The Language

While this sounds so straight forward and should be first on your ‘to do’ list it is surprising how many people go over to France with little of no language skills, under the impression they will find an ex-pat enclave and not need to engross themselves into the French way of life. This is a big mistake and one which could back fire in a serious way.

Take A French Class On Arrival

The French have a fairly unique offer which gives foreigners access to 400 hours of French lessons if they are looking to relocate to France. Not only do these classes give you the chance to learn the language in the country, but they also offer a great social network with many others who may be in the same situation as you.

Use Your Local Services

In the UK we very much ignore what our local services, such as councils, have to offer until there is no alternative. In France this is very much different with the town hall the first port of call for locals who need assistance. This is one more way in which you can integrate yourself into the French way of life.

Find A Club Or Association

Whether your passion is football, skiing, tennis of knitting it is a great idea to find a local club or association where you can meet with like minded people with the same interests. There is nothing worse than moving to a new country, not able to speak the language and feeling very lonely – the need to push yourself and get out and about is vital!

Summary

Whether it is a ‘British thing’ of a perception by the rest of the world it seems that France is one of a number of countries where the Brits are seen as lazy and not willing to learn their language. It is debatable as to whether this perception is correct but aside from this, the need to integrate and move to a French way of life is vital. How can you expect to earn the respect and friendship of the locals if you are not willing to adapt? If you are not willing to live by their rules and their culture?

While the four points mentioned above are simple of the face of it, they have never been more important. Life overseas can be difficult, it can be difficult to adapt and unless you make the effort to get out and about in the community it can be very lonely. Why would anyone want to move to a foreign land and not become part of the local community?

We have seen a common theme on many forum threads of late with ex-pats looking to meet up and integrate with ex-pats in foreign lands. If this is the case, why would anyone want to move overseas when they are quite literally moving from a UK community in the UK to UK community overseas?

The French are often criticised in the press for their culture and their ‘unfriendly’ attitude to foreign visitors. However, France is the most popular destination in Europe for a reason and must get more than its fair share of visitors not will to adapt to their way of life and their language – when the French visit the UK and don’t speak the language what do we do? Complain?

Read the full discussion and join in the debate on moving to France.