[NLababidi]

Hi everyone,
Well, life is crazy.
I'm 24 years old very happy Student and part time IT support here in CA, USA until I got a problem with the emigration that I have to move out US. I'm Syrian originally, I learned English well enough to manage school and work ( I think I don't have problem with English) But my problem now is that I have to move to France without speaking French.
I'm thinking of Nice,France because the beach and the sun(Plus I ride motorcycle,and Mountain Biking, Hiking. so may be it's nice area for outdoor sports)
My worries that
1-I Don't speak French.
2-Money( I think Being French Citizen that get me Student Financial Aid to cover my student life)
3-Extra Money for my outdoor sports ( ex:Motorcycle, Mountain Biking, Hiking,...)
4-Friends.
5-May be a job( I work in developing Websites and IT support for about 4 years in US)
6-Living ( where to live Apt, or dorms. may be shelter. I don't know.
7-Studying either continue Biology(which will be hard because of the language. or go back to my first major Computer Science (Informatique).

I got used to the Busy life in California but also it's stressful ( may be everywhere). But it's nice because you make money and you can buy most things you need.

*Well, My biggest concern is how I'll be studying in University with new language and without a job.

Thank you for taking your time reading my post. this will be a great help to me. thanks

Nick Lababidi.
<snip>

 

[Bevdeforges]

As a French citizen, I assume you have been registered with the French consulate and have the necessary documents - like your carte d'identité and French passport. Those are the two main items you'll need for moving back to France.

My worries that
1-I Don't speak French.

This will be a problem whether you're planning on getting a job or studying. There is little to no accommodation made in France for those who don't speak French.

2-Money( I think Being French Citizen that get me Student Financial Aid to cover my student life)

Unless you have a bac from a French lycée, you will be considered a "foreign student" for any French university. French universities aren't terribly expensive in terms of fees, but there aren't any "financial aid" programs to speak of. Take a look at the Campus France website to get some idea of what you'll need. But the main form of "student financial aid" in France is simply the fact that the tuition fees are really low. Many university students live at home with Mom and Dad.

3-Extra Money for my outdoor sports ( ex:Motorcycle, Mountain Biking, Hiking,...)

You're going to need to get a job. And without the language, that's going to be rough.

4-Friends.

If you have French nationality, do you have any family living in France? That's the first place to start. Much of French social life revolves around the family.

5-May be a job( I work in developing Websites and IT support for about 4 years in US)

Probably your best route - but you probably will need to register as an auto-entrepreneur if you fancy freelancing from a base in France.

6-Living ( where to live Apt, or dorms. may be shelter. I don't know.

French universities don't have much in the way of dorms. Student housing can be grim - but first you have to be admitted to a French university program and for that you need the language.

7-Studying either continue Biology(which will be hard because of the language. or go back to my first major Computer Science (Informatique).

Start with the Campus France website. Though you won't need the student visa, they can explain the language learning options and what the admission process entails for a foreign student.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[NLababidi]

Thanks for Quick reply

As a French citizen, I assume you have been registered with the French consulate and have the necessary documents - like your carte d'identité and French passport. Those are the two main items you'll need for moving back to France.


This will be a problem whether you're planning on getting a job or studying. There is little to no accommodation made in France for those who don't speak French.

Unless you have a bac from a French lycée, you will be considered a "foreign student" for any French university. French universities aren't terribly expensive in terms of fees, but there aren't any "financial aid" programs to speak of. Take a look at the Campus France website to get some idea of what you'll need. But the main form of "student financial aid" in France is simply the fact that the tuition fees are really low. Many university students live at home with Mom and Dad.

You're going to need to get a job. And without the language, that's going to be rough.

If you have French nationality, do you have any family living in France? That's the first place to start. Much of French social life revolves around the family.

Probably your best route - but you probably will need to register as an auto-entrepreneur if you fancy freelancing from a base in France.

French universities don't have much in the way of dorms. Student housing can be grim - but first you have to be admitted to a French university program and for that you need the language.

Start with the Campus France website. Though you won't need the student visa, they can explain the language learning options and what the admission process entails for a foreign student.
Cheers,
Bev

Thank You for the quick reply.
That's make me more scared. I need some good news to make me happy about my move to France.
I know that there is some kind of Student Aid as 400 Euro a month during school and may be Free Language classes for a year program.
The problem That I don't know where to start and it's scary to get there and not know where to start and what to do,.
Any one did similar of what I'm doing. And how is he/she doing now.

Again thanks a lot for the quick reply.

How much monthly I'll need to live in Nice,France as a student ( Food, Rent, Phone, Things like that) About how much?
thank you.

 

[NLababidi]

Thank You for the quick reply.
That's make me more scared. I need some good news to make me happy about my move to France.
I know that there is some kind of Student Aid as 400 Euro a month during school and may be Free Language classes for a year program.
The problem That I don't know where to start and it's scary to get there and not know where to start and what to do,.
Any one did similar of what I'm doing. And how is he/she doing now.

Again thanks a lot for the quick reply.

How much monthly I'll need to live in Nice,France as a student ( Food, Rent, Phone, Things like that) About how much?
thank you.

Oh what about BURS and the help you get for rent(I forgot the name of it "ASSET" may be)? I mean I need to know some good helps that I can ask about when I get there. To make starting my life over a little easier.

 

[_Sarah_]

Look up if you are eligible for CAF payments (you can translate the page with something like google translate for now):
https://www.caf.fr/wps/portal
- It's the CAF, Caisse d'allocations familiales, who take care of these payments, 'aide au logement'

In France if you are studying and paying rent and you earn less than the minimum wage (SMIC), the CAF can help you with your rent, they usually pay around half of the rent for you. You may not have to pay for your studies if you are accepted for a scholarship - usually they have to judge if your parents are low earners. In any case studying in France is not at all expensive, for university studies prices vary from 100-400eu a year - private schools are very expensive but the public system is not.

 

[NLababidi]

What next? French Courses ?

Look up if you are eligible for CAF payments (you can translate the page with something like google translate for now):

- It's the CAF, Caisse d'allocations familiales, who take care of these payments, 'aide au logement'

In France if you are studying and paying rent and you earn less than the minimum wage (SMIC), the CAF can help you with your rent, they usually pay around half of the rent for you. You may not have to pay for your studies if you are accepted for a scholarship - usually they have to judge if your parents are low earners. In any case studying in France is not at all expensive, for university studies prices vary from 100-400eu a year - private schools are very expensive but the public system is not.

This is Great news and I'm sure that if I apply correctly then I'll get it(CAF).
Well, I just finished the CNOUS application online using Google Translator ( as you said . But I'm not sure if I did it right. (They said : They will send me an application to my home address to fill up then send back to them) dead line is April 30 I think. So Hopefully I made it on time.

I chose random 3 places to live when asked about living and random 3 universities where I want to study.
I don't know what next I need to do.

I need to apply to a university somewhere in Nice,France to study a year of French for beginners.
That will be hard to do.

What should I ask for or look for to get into a French Class.? is it some thing like DUFLE?
Please help
you guys are awesome

 

[Bevdeforges]

Have you looked yet at the Campus France site? You may want to start here: In one of several ways ? > CampusFrance Although you are a French citizen, you need to go through the French Embassy or Consulate:

Students who have completed secondary school in another country and wish to enroll in the first or second year of study at a French university must file a request for preliminary admission (DAP) with the culture and cooperation service of the French embassy in their country of residence.

There is plenty of information available on the Campus France site - but with April 30th rapidly approaching, you may be stuck waiting until next year for a place in the public universities. Nothing happens fast in France. You get used to it after a while. But you may want to consider a "Plan B" if you need to leave the US in a hurry.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[_Sarah_]

I'm not sure what you're referring to. In order to apply for the 'aide au logement' payment, you need to have signed a rental agreement and enrolled in study. Once you are studying and renting, you can apply and the CAF will back pay you for any period they missed. You can't apply for this while you're outside of France.

Most universities have French language studies for learners of French as a second language, check out the universities in the areas you'd like to live. Since you'll be studying French the cost of study won't be very cheap like a normal class, you have to look around. Private language schools are an option but are not cheap. It'll be easier once your in France to ask at the Mairie what sort of support they have for adults re-entering education (formation continue).

 

[NLababidi]

I'm not sure what you're referring to. In order to apply for the 'aide au logement' payment, you need to have signed a rental agreement and enrolled in study. Once you are studying and renting, you can apply and the CAF will back pay you for any period they missed. You can't apply for this while you're outside of France.

Most universities have French language studies for learners of French as a second language, check out the universities in the areas you'd like to live. Since you'll be studying French the cost of study won't be very cheap like a normal class, you have to look around. Private language schools are an option but are not cheap. It'll be easier once your in France to ask at the Mairie what sort of support they have for adults re-entering education (formation continue).

Well, Thanks again,
I was Referring to the Student Scholarship and Rent. The application deadline was on april 30, (I got lucky
Also I'm applying for Sophia University De Nice. for French Language course.
I think things are getting already more clear.

Now I'm worried about finding a job there with my Experience (Websites and IT ) . to pay for some activities there.
I found the the cote de alpe is great place for VTT and motorcycling which I'm so happy for that.

*Another thing, If I'll buy a sport bike there (ex: Honda 2005 CBR 600CC) used how much will be? and how much in average it cost to have a motorcycle like that?
Gas price ? and insurance? taxes if you buy used bike?

 

[caddy]

Hi everyone,
Well, life is crazy.
I'm 24 years old very happy Student and part time IT support here in CA, USA until I got a problem with the emigration that I have to move out US. I'm Syrian originally, I learned English well enough to manage school and work ( I think I don't have problem with English) But my problem now is that I have to move to France without speaking French.
I'm thinking of Nice,France because the beach and the sun(Plus I ride motorcycle,and Mountain Biking, Hiking. so may be it's nice area for outdoor sports)
My worries that
1-I Don't speak French.
2-Money( I think Being French Citizen that get me Student Financial Aid to cover my student life)
3-Extra Money for my outdoor sports ( ex:Motorcycle, Mountain Biking, Hiking,...)
4-Friends.
5-May be a job( I work in developing Websites and IT support for about 4 years in US)
6-Living ( where to live Apt, or dorms. may be shelter. I don't know.
7-Studying either continue Biology(which will be hard because of the language. or go back to my first major Computer Science (Informatique).

I got used to the Busy life in California but also it's stressful ( may be everywhere). But it's nice because you make money and you can buy most things you need.

*Well, My biggest concern is how I'll be studying in University with new language and without a job.

Thank you for taking your time reading my post. this will be a great help to me. thanks

Nick Lababidi.
<snip>

There are a number of schools that teach in english. One is the Grenoble Ecole de Management



There are others: The American University of Paris (AUP), INSA Lyon,A merican Graduate School in Paris, American University Center of Provence

I have been attend the school in Grenoble and the classes are all in English. You can live in Grenoble without knowing much French at all. The school also has French classes.

 

[NLababidi]

There are a number of schools that teach in english. One is the Grenoble Ecole de Management



There are others: The American University of Paris (AUP), INSA Lyon,A merican Graduate School in Paris, American University Center of Provence

I have been attend the school in Grenoble and the classes are all in English. You can live in Grenoble without knowing much French at all. The school also has French classes.

Waw, this is great . I've born in grenoble by the way
Well, these school are free as the public once or not , also do I get the same benefits financially. Cause money is a problem for me ?
Thank you

 

[swaz]

NLababidi, I'm actually in the same boat that you're. Born in Rennes and moved to Fresno, CA when I was a kid and got deported last year in Sept. My American wife and 2 sons will be joining me next month. I recommend you talking to CAF like Sara said and you may qualify for RSA "its like welfare". I dont speak french either and its been a rough road, I know how you feel and you're not alone. Message me if you'd like, I can use some friends too.

 

[NLababidi]

NLababidi, I'm actually in the same boat that you're. Born in Rennes and moved to Fresno, CA when I was a kid and got deported last year in Sept. My American wife and 2 sons will be joining me next month. I recommend you talking to CAF like Sara said and you may qualify for RSA "its like welfare". I dont speak french either and its been a rough road, I know how you feel and you're not alone. Message me if you'd like, I can use some friends too.

I'm sorry that you went through this which I think it's very rough situation , especially that you are married and kids.

About me. The biggest fear for me is getting my education going ( I'm still a college student and I'm finishing my General education classes to transfer to university for Biomedical engineering) and to do so I have to learn French.

it's been a year for you, how's French going?is one year is enough?Also where did you learn French.

The other thing I don't think I will find a job ( I have 4 years experience IT support and web developer ) because of the language. So Where I'm going to live and how I'll pay for rent and School.

*Another things which may look small for you. are my sports. I do Mountain biking , climing , hiking (did most Sierra mountains pickes (around 14,000 ft each in the winter ) and motorcycle (Honda F4i Sport bike).
So I mean the life style there in france . Do I get to enjoy life in there?

Will be very helpful if you tell me your experience since you got to the airport there in France.

By the way I'm thinking to go to Nice,France because the city is kind of similar to Orange County ,CA (Beach city). Also will be great if you recommend things for me.

Please recommend things for me especially :
1-School
2-Place to live (Rent)
3-Some Money for Sport/Fun
4-Money for Food and live expenses (Such as Cellphone/Transportation.etc..

*another thing I'm worried about this move, is finding a job after getting my degree (Long term)

Thank You, Really Appreciated

 

[swaz]

I'm sorry that you went through this which I think it's very rough situation , especially that you are married and kids.

About me. The biggest fear for me is getting my education going ( I'm still a college student and I'm finishing my General education classes to transfer to university for Biomedical engineering) and to do so I have to learn French.

it's been a year for you, how's French going?is one year is enough?Also where did you learn French.

The other thing I don't think I will find a job ( I have 4 years experience IT support and web developer ) because of the language. So Where I'm going to live and how I'll pay for rent and School.

*Another things which may look small for you. are my sports. I do Mountain biking , climing , hiking (did most Sierra mountains pickes (around 14,000 ft each in the winter ) and motorcycle (Honda F4i Sport bike).
So I mean the life style there in france . Do I get to enjoy life in there?

Will be very helpful if you tell me your experience since you got to the airport there in France.

By the way I'm thinking to go to Nice,France because the city is kind of similar to Orange County ,CA (Beach city). Also will be great if you recommend things for me.

Please recommend things for me especially :
1-School
2-Place to live (Rent)
3-Some Money for Sport/Fun
4-Money for Food and live expenses (Such as Cellphone/Transportation.etc..

*another thing I'm worried about this move, is finding a job after getting my degree (Long term)

Thank You, Really Appreciated

Nice to hear from you, I too lived in Cali, Fresno to be exact. I'm fortunate enough to still have relatives here and they have been of great help, I feel like a baby here and don't know really anything. I would of been in great deal of trouble if i didn't have them.

From what I hear Nice is a very nice place and very touristy, I invite you to check out somewhere in northern France like Lyon or Normandy, someone correctly me if I'm wrong but there are more english speakers in those area because its close to England.

All of your hobbies, hate to say it, but may have to take a back seat because you will have to get yourself situated. Biking is a huge thing here "tour de France sound familiar?" and I've seen some motorcross in random places. Not so much happening in hiking here tho, at lease not like it is in the sierras. I've done the John Muir trail a few times. But there are "woods" that you can go wondering in. I'm sure in and around Nice would be better hiking since its close to the alps.

I just got the keys to my 2bed apartment and will be paying 480 euros on it. Currently I'm not working, but have resorted to looking for factory jobs that doesn't require a lot of "thinking" at lease until I get a handle of French. Public transportation seems to be good everywhere I've been and you can get cell phone service for 30 euros a month.

In the states, I attended Fresno State for a 3 years working towards a business degree until I was told that I needed to pay international rates. I couldn't afford it and stopped going only to find out a couple years later that I really didnt have to by CSU rules. I have not the slightest clue on school here but there is some information on this forum about bilingual and english schools.

I have been banned from the US for 10 years so my move may be permanent. Don't forget that if you're a citizen of a EU nation you can move about the EU somewhat freely. Almost all of the northern EU countries speak English.

Its a scary thing to go through and maybe the hardest time of your life but remember God never gives you something that you cant handle. And going through it myself, I'm here for ya.

 

[NLababidi]

Nice to hear from you, I too lived in Cali, Fresno to be exact. I'm fortunate enough to still have relatives here and they have been of great help, I feel like a baby here and don't know really anything. I would of been in great deal of trouble if i didn't have them.

From what I hear Nice is a very nice place and very touristy, I invite you to check out somewhere in northern France like Lyon or Normandy, someone correctly me if I'm wrong but there are more english speakers in those area because its close to England.

All of your hobbies, hate to say it, but may have to take a back seat because you will have to get yourself situated. Biking is a huge thing here "tour de France sound familiar?" and I've seen some motorcross in random places. Not so much happening in hiking here tho, at lease not like it is in the sierras. I've done the John Muir trail a few times. But there are "woods" that you can go wondering in. I'm sure in and around Nice would be better hiking since its close to the alps.

I just got the keys to my 2bed apartment and will be paying 480 euros on it. Currently I'm not working, but have resorted to looking for factory jobs that doesn't require a lot of "thinking" at lease until I get a handle of French. Public transportation seems to be good everywhere I've been and you can get cell phone service for 30 euros a month.

In the states, I attended Fresno State for a 3 years working towards a business degree until I was told that I needed to pay international rates. I couldn't afford it and stopped going only to find out a couple years later that I really didnt have to by CSU rules. I have not the slightest clue on school here but there is some information on this forum about bilingual and english schools.

I have been banned from the US for 10 years so my move may be permanent. Don't forget that if you're a citizen of a EU nation you can move about the EU somewhat freely. Almost all of the northern EU countries speak English.

Its a scary thing to go through and maybe the hardest time of your life but remember God never gives you something that you cant handle. And going through it myself, I'm here for ya.

That's Great, congratulations on the apt.
How can you afford paying the rent and living expenses?

 

[swaz]

That's Great, congratulations on the apt.
How can you afford paying the rent and living expenses?

I am very fortunate to have such great parents who have helped me greatly. I'm also receiving RSA "a monthly stipend" from CAF. Also if you have RSA, CAF also helps with rent. It also pays to have kids. RSA helps with up to 420 euros a month I think. When I was looking for apartments, I found out that when you rent a place, you only get the "four walls". No stove, no fridge, and no appliances. You'll have to get your own.

 

[NLababidi]

I am very fortunate to have such great parents who have helped me greatly. I'm also receiving RSA "a monthly stipend" from CAF. Also if you have RSA, CAF also helps with rent. It also pays to have kids. RSA helps with up to 420 euros a month I think. When I was looking for apartments, I found out that when you rent a place, you only get the "four walls". No stove, no fridge, and no appliances. You'll have to get your own.

That's great, Well. Why it took you a year to get these then. Do I need to apply a year ahead ? will be great if you tell me what and where I go to get the RSA .
I'm 24 years old, is that make any different?

 

[swaz]

I believe you can apply for the RSA at the securite social, if thats spelled right. I live with my cousin right now so finding a place wasn't a priority for me.

 

[_Sarah_]

Just to make things clearer. The RSA is only available to those who already have a job but still have limited resources/the job is not paid well:
Le rSa : mode d'emploi
You apply for it either at CAF (caisse d'allocations familiales) or at caisses de mutualité sociale agricole.

If you are not working, you can apply for CAF payments which help with the rent. The public school system costs next to nothing, you won't need more than 500euros for the whole year for studies. Note private schools are expensive.

To be able to survive in France, even if the CAF pays half of your rent, you still need to be able to pay the other half, as well as other important costs such as food/internet/telephone and perhaps transport. Nice is not a good idea if you don't have a lot of money - it's very touristy, on the coastline, so rent is expensive. You can get a good apartment or studio for one person for less than 400euros in plenty of cities. Lyon (which is in the south east of France) is a very big city and so if you don't have much money it's again, not a good idea, since rent is high.

If you want low rent, don't choose the major cities. For affordable student rent I would suggest: Grenoble, Lille, Caen, Nantes, Angers, Tours, Poitiers, Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand, Nancy, etc. Go to Petites annonces gratuites d'occasion - leboncoin.fr to get an idea of rent prices.

If you like bike riding, Grenoble is a good choice because it's surrounded by mountains.

 

[NLababidi]

Thank you, thats good to know .
I'm gonna try to find a job there, and hopefully get enrolled in French course in the University . And things will be OK. About rent I noticed that the students dorms are not too expensive there -350 euro before caf . And hopefully with a part time job it will be ok.