[Bevdeforges]

If you can get to Montpellier or Agde, you could link up with the AVF there: avfagde - AVF Agde or avfmontpellier - AVF Montpellier AVF is an association for newcomers in the area, and they usually have plenty of activities, including some for English speakers or those who want to practice their English with native speakers. They often have hiking or walking groups, too.

Another group some of our members here have found helpful is On Va Sortir, which lists get togethers in many towns throughout France, some of them in English. I'll let one of the participants provide a link to the website.

I wouldn't start looking for work until I was through the OFII process that goes with your spouse visa. They'll evaluate your level of French and let you know if you'll be expected to attend classes.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[Bevdeforges]

So I am in the middle of getting a visa . My husband and I just got our French family book. We are getting an appointment for my visa soon. Will they evaluate my French then?? And what happens if I'm not good enough in French??

Are you returning to the US to apply for your visa? Because normally you can't apply for a long-stay visa from within France.

They don't evaluate your French at the visa interview. Basically, they take your dossier and (because you're applying for a spouse visa) it should go pretty quick. You should have your visa within a few days to a week.

You then enter France and get your visa and the papers they give you at the consulate stamped with your entry date. You mail in the papers to the OFII office and they will make an appointment for you to come in, have your medical visit and establish your "contract of integration." The contract requires you to attend a couple of classes (more like lectures) on civics and Life in France, plus you will be told whether or not you have to attend the French classes (up to 400 hours). You're required to complete the contract before you go to apply for your carte de séjour (your French resident card) at the end of your first year in France. For your first year in France, the validation of your visa that you get at the end of your OFII visit is your "titre de séjour" (basically a first-year residence permit).
Cheers,
Bev

 

[Bevdeforges]

If you're close to Paris, check out some of the expat groups there, particularly WICE: WICE - Offering courses, cultural and social activities to the English-speaking community in Paris They offer a variety of programs and activities. Only caveat is that most associations in France close down during the months of July and August for the summer vacation period.

There's also Parler-Parlor, where you can practice your English and your French. Parler Parlor and if you look around, you can probably find other groups to get involved with.
Cheers,
Bev