Attention Fellow Francophiles:
Let practical, first-hand experience and current, up-to-date knowledge guide you through the challenges of moving - visa, job, business, school, home - so that you can realize your dream and enjoy the elegance and exuberance of this delicious country
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Dear Friend,
The world has had a love affair with France for centuries. Benjamin Franklin came in 1776...Hemingway in the 1920's,...Picasso...Van Gogh...even the Corsican-born Napoleon Bonaparte was a transplant.
But moving to France today is a different prospect than it was in the past. I doubt that Hemingway gave much thought to getting a visa before planting his Paris roots. For his part, Benjamin Franklin already had a job (as America's first ambassador to France), so work and money were not an issue to him. Napoleon? Well, he just came and did what he wanted.
However, it's a little different for people like you and me - visas, work, money...and so many other things we have to consider before we can enjoy the many delights of France freely and fully. It can seem daunting - the bureaucracy, the language, the job market. However, tens of thousands of Americans have done it. And what I'm about to tell you will demonstrate how you can do it, too - step by step, option by option, dollar by dollar (or perhaps euro by euro). No, it's not easy. I'll make that full disclosure from the start. But it is by all means possible. And it can be much easier than you may imagine. This is a promise.
My own love affair with France - how it became a reality and how it helped others in need
Before I go on, allow me introduce myself. My name is Rose Marie Burke. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I began my love affair with France during a high school class trip in 1977. Unfortunately, though, my love remained "unrequited" until 1994, when my husband got a job in Paris, and finally I was able to pick up the relationship again.
My life in France has taken me down many paths. Because I couldn't work in a "regular job," I spent time putting my nose into a lot of different things. Of course, learning French was one of them (there are many ways to do this), along with pursuing working options (including all the legal angles), attending classes, joining local and expat cultural and educational organizations, and generally doing what I could to get integrated and make the most of our new lives.
I've met a lot of people like me, transplants to the City of Light, and many of them have become firm and lasting friends. Each has his own story to tell...for example: Donna is a professional researcher who's been in Paris more than 20 years. She has managed to turn an interest into a profession.
- Debbie is a veteran of more than 10 years living in this beautiful city and a freelance journalist like me. She's watched her daughter grow into a sophisticated Parisienne, crack the bac (high-school exit exam) with mention très bien (very high honors) - rare even for French students - and has savored how her family has grown closer over the years as a result of their Parisian adventures.
- Joan is a corporate librarian and a transplant since 1996. She overcame her initial discouragement and found her own "French family."
- Mark, after living in Paris for seven years, decided to go back to the States, carrying his love for France with him.
These and dozens of other new friends in this city have shared their personal stories with me...their tales of success and of horror. Taken together, these real-life stories constitute a pretty impressive body of knowledge for someone thinking of a move to France.
That's why I was delighted when the editors of International Living approached me and asked if I'd be interested in sharing the wisdom of my experiences in a practical guide for the would-be expat resident in Paris or France. Finally, I thought, an outlet for all my stories!
The result of the effort is a hot-off-the-presses title, called Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs. The intent is to guide you through the whole moving and settling-in process using first-hand, practical experience. No theory here. No reporter's research. No unbiased journalistic accounting of what it might be like to pack bag and baggage and head off for a new life in the world's most romantic...but often also most frustrating city. This is the real deal. The kind of school-of-hard-knocks information you typically can't buy..
For example:
Parlez-vous Français? If not, I'll give you all your options (I've tried them all)
When I heard we were moving to France, I threw myself into learning the language. I believed that it would be the best way of getting integrated and enjoying the culture (like the people's renowned art of conversation, for instance). Time has proven this conviction to be true - our opportunities, circle of friends, and fulfillment have all grown as a direct result of it.
| Patrick Taccard: "The guide by Rose Burke is very helpful and interesting. I found more information here than all others combined." |
Since our learning styles and needs were different, our individual successes came from different approaches. We looked into and tried countless methods, all covered in the book:
- Alliance Française versus other teaching programs
- Grammar-based versus business versus conversational
- Group learning versus private tutoring
- Three times a week versus weekend immersion
- And a few less obvious (but highly effective) ways to ratchet up our progress a few notches
After more than 10 years here, we're now proficient (don't worry, it didn't take us quite that long to get to that level). As I said, it's paid untold dividends. It's enabled us to become friends with our baker, pharmacist, and beautician, and we're able to participate in those wonderful French dinner conversations.
All the lessons I've learned in getting to this level are detailed in Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs. You're the beneficiary - take advantage of them, that's what they're there for. Your life in France will be better for it; my own experience is proof of that.
Freelancing experiences, and how you can benefit from them
While my husband had a job lined up when we first arrived in Paris, I didn't. I needed to get to work, not only to supplement his income, but also because, well, I need to work, for my own stimulation and peace of mind. However, I was classified as a membre de famille, with no authority to work. As I found out, this status prohibited me from obtaining a working visa even if I found legitimate work.
So, I decided to become a freelance writer, and I must say, it's been a godsend. It's kept me productive and it's opened up doors. And to the benefit of Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs, it's also exposed me to the ins and outs of "the system" as it affects a travailleur indé pendant.
In the book, I'll tell you about the documentation, the costs, the tax advantages, and the disadvantages of different legal structures, and why you might want to choose one over another. Some of the things you'll learn:
- By selecting between two tax filing categories as a travailleur independent (freelancer), you can reduce your tax obligations by 20%.
- There can be significant differences between a company's payments into the social security system and an independent's.
- The pros and cons of joining a freelancer's association that helps with bookkeeping and taxes and provides seminars on related subjects.
On top of my own experience, I've also had my friends to consult. Stuart, for instance, decided some years ago to switch from being a travailleur independent to doing business under the banner of his own company. In Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs, he talks of his encounters with the French agency for the self-employed, finding work through various industry organizations, and how he views the situation after numerous years in the French system. He also provides you with valuable food for thought regarding business structures, and reasons for choosing one over another.
Others, such as Katherine, Rodger, and a U.S. lawyer practicing in Paris, also gave me tips and opinions that you'll find invaluable in planning for your freelance career in France (if that's your goal).
Insider tips and resources to help you make the best decisions for your own business
While neither my husband nor I have set up a corporation in France, I realize that this is a realistic option for many people. I did my homework, talked to those who have been through it, and put together a pretty comprehensive list of things to consider. For example, Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs goes into:
- The different corporate structures available to you - SAs, SARLs and EURLs, for example
- The implications for setup costs and your tax obligation
- Ditto for non-profit associations and their own special allowances and restrictions, like those affecting salary and residence
- How to take advantage of the French government's initiative to trim the red tape required to set up a corporation
- Why you might want to simply create a presence in France for an existing business based in your home country, instead of opening up a fully-fledged French corporation
I've covered all the bases I could think of, and the book covers a lot of ground on these subjects. Before making any decisions, you'd be well advised to tap the resources
Entre into French life through France's continuing education programs My own personal educational experiences have been focused on the extensive French continuing education system. In the book you'll read that "I learned how to take a decent photo, paint in acrylics, and write poetry. I also learned a great deal about French culture through tours ..., as well as through workshops and classes on wine, cooking, French art, and history ..." And as a volunteer, I picked up desk-top publishing and managerial skills. And due to a dramatic decline in foreign student numbers, France is now actively seeking students from abroad. I'll tell you how to tap into this demand, and give you details of resources and administrative requirements necessary to register and take advantage of the opportunity. Who knows - if you take this path, and use Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs as your guide, you could be embarking on the first stage of your new life in France...as a student. |
Job-hunting in France - where to look and how to improve your chances of success
When I first arrived in France, it took me a while to figure out and come to terms with my non-working visa status. Meantime, I spent time job-hunting. And even though I never landed a job, I learned a lot. I also learned plenty from friends who have been successful job-hunting, many in creative ways.
Veronica, for instance, started out as a student and managed to parlay her student experience into a job and legal status, even though her intention was never to stay in France long-term. Pamela, by contrast, took the waitress route and by sheer dint of focus and determination was able to find what she wanted, along with legal status.
But for my money the most precious nuggets they gave me were what they believe are the keys to finding a job and being successful in establishing your new life. They're all in the book.
When I put it all together, I realized that my own experience, the experiences of my friends, and my research ended up with uncommonly useful facts and resources:
- Which skills are in big demand in France - maybe you fall into one of these categories - and where to look for them. The best sources for job listings, and French trends regarding online versus newspaper employment ads.
- What your chances are of getting a job with a U.S. or other foreign company in France...whether embassies and consulates are realistic options...and the best way of nabbing a job with a French company.
- The jobs that employment agencies - including temp agencies - are more likely to help you find, where to get career counseling, and where to find casual work such as babysitting, household work, and odd jobs.
- What to expect in terms of salary levels, how they shape up in terms of the cost of living, and two definitive resources for salary levels in France, and cost of living comparisons.
- How to present your credentials - you'll need a CV (curriculum vitae) instead of a resume if you're applying for a job in France. I'll explain the difference between the two, along with some tips that you're unlikely to think about - like what to include on the CV, and how to write your cover letter - and a great online resource for further CV tips.
- Preparing for the interview, including tips on how to shake hands.
- An overview of the French job culture - hiring and firing, and how best to approach your job search in light of this culture.
If finding a job is your priority, this chapter of the book will give you ample background and resources to get your search off to a good start.
The legal labyrinth - I've been through it, I know the experts, so, please, let me guide you
Whether you intend to freelance, set up your own business, or find a job, you'll need a visa. And that means dealing with French bureaucracy - it's a quintessential part of French life, and it can't be avoided.
However, it doesn't need to be the ordeal you may expect. First off, France's visa regulations are actually less stringent than those of the U.S. And if you're prepared, you'll navigate the bureaucratic waters just fine. As my husband and I, along with many friends and colleagues, are familiar with all the channels - including what's written in the law versus how it works in practice - we can help you to be prepared. I've consulted top legal experts and resources to make sure what I'm telling you is accurate and up-to-date.
| Elaine Hutchinson: "I always had a copy of your book with me for job interviews, so I could show them the required salary for a cadre supérieur. I remembered a compliment on your book from a Parisian banker. " |
What kind of visa do you need? Visiteur, salarié, membre de famille, étudiant, au pair, scientifique, profession artistique et culturelle, or one of the special category visas? How do you qualify for each? How do you apply? All is detailed in my new book, including temporary versus permanent residence, citizenship, other EU country nationality, marrying a French citizen, and retirement.
You'll also learn about loi Sarkozy, an immigration law passed in November 2003. Among other things, it's likely to be of particular interest to expatriates in certain categories, since "some legal and fiscal considerations now make it easier and cheaper for these foreigners to live in France." One of the aspects of the law I find amusing is that "expatriates" are now referred to as "impatriates" (the French attempt to make immigration a friendlier process)! I'll tell you more in Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs, but suffice it to say here that there's a good chance you might fall into one of these "impatriate" categories.
On the "informal" side, I'll give you some insight into how rules and regulations are actually applied. For example, how your appearance can influence a visa decision...how to deal with the situation when you inadvertently "break a rule"...what you should put your name on, and what not, in different phases of your visa process...when to leave the country...and when to return in order to preserve your visa status.
One last comment on the legal requirements to live and work in France - there are certainly a number of other books out there on the subject. However, as you can see from recent legislation, books published just two years ago are already out of date. With Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs, you'll be getting information that most other books like this simply don't have. And that, after all, is my goal - to provide you with the best resource possible to plan your move to France. That way, you'll be able to focus on your dream plans instead of second-guessing your next move.
Home, belongings, health, finances - make the best choices for you by leveraging my personal experience
The French education system - be prepared and informed We didn't have to think about schools when we arrived in France, but that changed with the arrival of Emma in 2000. As a result, our focus shifted, and we became very interested in France's highly-rated crèches and maternelles (preschools), not to the rest of the school system. My research has therefore taken on a far more personal note. Unlike many mothers, I did not put our names on a waiting list when I found out I was pregnant. I decided rather to take Harriet Welty Rochefort's insight at face value ("American mothers with children in French schools are much more traumatized by the whole experience than their kids are"), and take my chances. Ultimately, I've found that it all boils down to this: be prepared. Know what to expect, so that you and your children are equipped to deal with the differences in the classroom. That's been my focus in Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs - full disclosure, no surprises. That way, your "trauma" undefined and the lesser trauma of your child undefined can be neutralized. And, like me, you can focus on planning a first-class education for your child. |
I have a lot more to tell you, now that most of the "big" considerations are out of the way. Like how to go about finding accommodation, what to take with you (and what not), and health and financial coverage. There are whole chapters dedicated to these subjects in the book. Highlights include:
* Finding an apartment - how to interpret a classified ad, what you can expect to be included (and excluded), what "unfurnished" means, RIBs and TIPs for automatic monthly payments (hint: neither has anything to do with a restaurant).
* Cost- and practicality-based rationale for what to take from home and what to buy in France, including how to make your must-haves work on the other side of the pond.
* Pets - preparations and transport considerations, even an expat pet-sitter for those times when you'll be traveling.
* Relocation companies - a detailed account on the services offered.
* Health care - what to expect from the French health care system (rated #1 by the World Health Organization) and the social security system (or secú), differences between private and public care, insurance coverage and claims processing, getting prescriptions filled, pre- and post-natal options, and where to find English-speaking doctors.
* Finances - the rite of passage involved in opening a new bank account, rules and customs for check writing and cashing, the ubiquitous Carte Bleu, what to do with your home country accounts, online trading, and financial advisors.
* The tax man - the implications of the American worldwide taxation policy, what you need to think about, where to get information and help, and what's going to be best for your situation.
Since moving to France, I nearly ruined an air cleaner and a vacuum cleaner...found out the hard way about filling my allergy prescription...had a baby...had bank fees waived, just because I asked...lost money (or at least potential profits) due to misinformation...have enjoyed significant savings and convenience by keeping certain U.S. bank accounts open...found out what it means to file taxes as a freelancer when your husband's an employee of an international organization...discovered how to choose between the "bona fide resident" and the "physical presence test" tax filing categories.
In Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs, I'll give you the run-down in each area, and point you in the right direction when you need an expert or support or just plain advice.
Everything's taken care of, so what are you waiting for? Order your move to France today!
It's tempting, I know, to think you can take it on by yourself. But take it from someone who is very independent, and who found out how necessary support is: resist the temptation. Rely on us - we've done it, we've made the mistakes, so we can point out the pitfalls and steer you clear of bad choices before you make them. Remember, too, that it's not just me that's advising you - it's a whole cadre of my friends and colleagues who have made the move, encompassing a wide variety of lifestyles, a host of different family situations, and a mixture of career paths. Rely on us.
| Christine Anthony: "The information is great, clear, concise, and current." |
Are there other resources out there? Sure there are. You can read much longer books on the subject, and yet (if I may say so myself) walk away with less information. I worked hard at making it a practical guide, and making things easy to find, so there's no "fluff" to wade through to find what you're looking for. That's why Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs packs the information into 120 value-filled pages of helpful tips, resources, and anecdotes. And remember, it's drawn from a wide range of resources providing first-hand experience. It's also up-to-date, so you won't be surprised by changes that have happened in just the past year or two.
Let me make another thing clear - this isn't just a sale for me. I'd really like to help if you're making the move over here. Here's my commitment in the book: "If...you still have questions about working or living in France after reading this guide, I will be glad to personally answer them." Who knows, maybe we'll end up friends.
Priceless value, and our risk-free guarantee
It's time to start moving. Order your copy of Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs right now, so that you can start planning your new life. I'm sure you'll agree that if you had to unearth all the information we've discussed (and there's even more in the book), it would take hundreds if not thousands of hours. And if you were to pay experts for their advice on the subjects covered in the book, it would cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. That makes the price of $29.95 seem paltry, almost laughable, doesn't it?
And when you consider that it's backed by International Living's lifetime guarantee, what have you got to lose? If the book doesn't work for you, send it back, and we'll refund your money, no questions asked. It couldn't be more risk-free than that.
Who knows, you could be winging your way to France and your new life in just a few weeks. With Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs under your arm, you'll be stacking the odds in your favor, and insulating yourself against the kinds of challenge that can quickly turn into deterrents. And that way, your dream stays intact.
Click on the Order Now button below to get your copy now. Your very future (in France) depends on it.
Sincerely,
Rose Marie Burke
Author, Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs
P.S. Moving to France - what a dream! Strolling through the twinkling streets of a summer's night in the City of Light, savoring the flavors of a hearty pot au feu and a full-bodied Côtes du Rhône, driving the back-roads of rustic Provence, ... [insert your fantasy here]. But how do you make these things a reality with all the red tape, logistics, and challenges of becoming a resident, either full or maybe part-time in this country? There's no doubt about it - many things are different in France. You'll need help to figure out the best way to become proficient in French, how to find a job or set up a business, where to send your kids to school, what to look for in accommodation, and how to handle your health insurance and banking needs. Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs was written precisely to provide you with a single source to answer all these questions, and many more that you'd never think to ask. Drawing on expert resources and the practical, first-hand experience of many expats successfully living and working in France, this book is a treasure trove of information that will take the stress out of moving and make your move to France a smooth sailing affair. And just as important, it's current, too, covering (among many other new developments) changes in French immigration law in the last year or so, that have significantly diluted the accuracy and usefulness of similar books published before the law's passing. If you're considering a move to France, you can't afford to be without the compact, insightful Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs. Place your order today and start planning your dream life.
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