New in Paris

Eric Leiter · #1 (**permalink**) 28th August 2008, 03:54 PM

I just arrived in paris Monday for a 3 to 5 year stay from the US with my wife. My wife and I are 33 years old and enjoy an active social lifestyle. Looking for any expats that have a lay of the land and could help with the transition into a new country. This is my first time living abroad and I dont speak any french as of yet, I plan on learning as soon as possible.

At this point I am loving my new home but would love to meet some people that know the area a little better. Any advice about newbies in Paris is welcome.

Thanks...

Stravinsky · #2 (**permalink**) 28th August 2008, 06:01 PM

Hi Eric
Welcome

I'm confused though ....... I thought you were moving to Hong Kong???

How did you end up in Paris?

Ferbent · #3 (**permalink**) 28th August 2008, 07:20 PM

You could check out some expat blogs

I've made a number of friends that way.

You could also go to one of the many meetup events held in Paris.

I've also met a few expats through Facebook.

Sign up to French classes and maybe join a gym and you'll start meeting people in no time.

Eric Leiter · #4 (**permalink**) 28th August 2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stravinsky

Hi Eric
Welcome

I'm confused though ....... I thought you were moving to Hong Kong???

How did you end up in Paris?

It was going to be between hong kong and paris. In the last few months the job was changed to Paris and we are living here now. No need to be confused.

Stravinsky · #5 (**permalink**) 28th August 2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Leiter

It was going to be between hong kong and paris. In the last few months the job was changed to Paris and we are living here now. No need to be confused.

I'm always confused, Eric ..... always

Bevdeforges · #6 (**permalink**) 29th August 2008, 01:15 AM

There are a ton of US, British and "international" expat groups in Paris. The website for the US Embassy has a listing of Franco-American organizations here: http://france.usembassy.gov/root/pdf...anizations.pdf I think both the British and Canadian embassies have similar lists of clubs and associations on their websites.

The American Church in Paris is a popular center for expat groups and they sponsor plenty of activities. And there are a number of English language give-away newspapers you can find at the English language bookstores (Brentanos, WH Smiths, etc.) that advertise concerts, activities, clubs, lectures and other events for the anglophone communities.
Cheers,
Bev