Expat challenges in Paris: solutions and tips

Common difficulties encountered by expatriates in Paris

Language barrier

One of the most common questions asked by expats moving to France is, "How important is it to speak French in Paris, and can I get by with just English?" The answer is clear: learning French is not just crucial, it's a key to unlocking a richer experience in Paris.

Do French people speak English in France? Some do, and some do not! About 39% of French adults have a moderate to high level of English proficiency. In Paris, more people understand and speak English, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Therefore, it would appear that one can survive in Paris with just English. Unfortunately, even in Paris, while many people can only understand basic English, it's rarer to speak it fluently, and people might not be willing to try to speak English. Not to mention that most people do not speak English outside Paris or in more rural parts of France. 

It's essential to be aware that the language barrier can pose significant challenges for expats in Paris. However, it also presents an opportunity for growth and learning. Not speaking French can affect your ability to navigate French public services, integrate socially, and perform effectively in work environments. Therefore, being prepared and proactive in overcoming the language issue is essential.

Cultural differences

French social norms, workplace expectations, and daily routines may differ from what expatriates are used to, but embracing these differences can lead to a richer and more rewarding experience.

For example, compared to British and American culture, French people tend to be more direct in conversations, which some expats might find blunt or formal.

On the other hand, small talk and casual friendliness, which are common in some cultures, such as the U.S., may be less common in France. The French aren't big on giving compliments, even to friends and family, so making small talk with strangers is pretty much off the table.

Administrative system

Navigating the French administrative system is even more daunting for expatriates than for French people. Obtaining visas, setting up social security, and managing taxes is often complex and time-consuming, requiring a good understanding of the French bureaucratic procedures and some proficiency in French.

Housing 

Finding suitable housing in Paris is another big challenge for expatriates. The competitive Paris rental real estate market, high demand, high rent prices, lack of guarantors, and language barrier can make renting an apartment in Paris very challenging for expats.

Social network 

Many Paris expats might initially feel isolated without a local social network, friends, or family nearby. Making new friends and settling into the Paris community can be challenging, although it is a great adventure. It's a shared experience; over time, like in all countries, most people find their place and feel at home. 

Essential Life Tips for Expats in Paris

Learn the French Language

Speaking French can enhance your experience in Paris. Consider enrolling in local language schools. Numerous language schools in Paris offer semester, monthly, or weekly courses at different prices. Alliance Française is one of the most famous French language schools, offering classes for all levels. The Alliance Française Paris campus is in the beautiful 6th district on Boulevard Raspail. To give you an idea of its pricing, an intensive 72-hour French course for beginners in a classroom setting in 4 weeks is 1400€. 

Language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Tandem can also help you practice on the go. You can find many free language exchange meetup events on Facebook or Meetup.com. Joining language exchange meetups is a fun way to improve your French while making friends.

Lastly, the Mairie de Paris (Paris City Hall) offers great lessons at very affordable prices. However, once the online registration starts, you need to be fast. These courses are so popular that slots are generally booked within a few hours. 

Get to Know French Culture: Books, Shows, and Social Media to Help You Fit In

Cultural awareness is critical to adapting smoothly. Reading books, watching movies, or watching TV shows about French culture can help you understand the subtleties of French life, making you feel more prepared and knowledgeable as you embark on your Parisian adventure.

Must-Read Books to Dive into French Culture

Some great books you can read to learn about the French culture:

"Paris to the Moon" by Adam Gopnik:
"Paris to the Moon" is a memoir by Adam Gopnik, an American writer and essayist known for his work with The New Yorker magazine. The book is a collection of essays and reflections that Gopnik wrote while living in Paris with his wife and young son in the late 1990s, beautifully capturing both the charm and the challenges of living in the French capital as an expatriate. The book explores the contrasts between American and French culture, the nuances of French society, including its traditions, social norms, and attitudes toward life, and how these differ from those in the United States.

"The Bonjour Effect" by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau:
This book explains the nuances of French communication, from the basics of greetings to the art of conversation. It provides valuable insights into why the French speak and behave as they do, helping to manage social interactions as an expat in Paris.

TV Shows to Get a Feel for French Culture

“Emily in Paris”:
"Emily in Paris" might be a bit stereotypical and sometimes feels disconnected from real Parisian life, but it's still a fun show to get a taste of what being an expat working and living in Paris is like. It offers a light-hearted glimpse into the city's charm and the challenges of integrating into a new culture. The series follows Emily Cooper, a young American marketing executive who moves to Paris for a marketing job opportunity. It also features Emily's struggles with cultural differences, workplace dynamics, and adapting to a new environment.

“Fais pas ci, fais pas ça”:
"Fais pas ci, fais pas ça" is a must-watch French TV show for expats wanting to dive into French culture. The series follows two families living in the Paris suburb with entirely different approaches to life, one traditional and conservative, the other more liberal and modern. The show humorously contrasts their parenting styles, lifestyle choices, and social attitudes. Through their daily lives, the series explores themes of French society, such as generational differences, education, and the challenges of modern family life. It's a great way to get a feel for the French way of living, and the dialogue is packed with real-life language that helps you pick up on how French people talk in everyday situations. 

“Un gars, une fille”:
"Un gars, une fille" is a French TV series aired from 1999 to 2003. It's a short-format comedy, typically 5 to 7 minutes each, that focuses on the everyday life of a couple, Jean (nicknamed "Loulou") and Alex (nicknamed "Chouchou"), as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. For expats, especially French beginners, this show is a fantastic way to learn about French culture and language, as it captures the nuances of how French couples interact. The dialogue is rich and relatively simple to understand with everyday expressions, making it an excellent resource for picking up natural, conversational French while also understanding the cultural context behind how French people communicate daily.

"Les Carnets de Julie":
Hosted by Julie Andrieu, a well-known French food writer, this show takes viewers on a journey through different regions of France, exploring local traditions, regional recipes, and the stories of the people who keep these traditions alive. Exploring French food is a gateway to understanding its culture. This show is a fantastic way for expats to learn about the diversity of French cuisine, from rural villages to bustling cities, and how deeply food is tied to French culture and identity.

Social Media Accounts to Follow for Insights into French Culture and Parisian Life

• Amanda Rollins (@americanfille): Amanda shares her experiences as an American in Paris. She offers practical life tips and personal stories as an expat living in Paris that provide a genuine look at life in the city.
• Isabelle Bertolami (@isabellebertolami): Isabelle is an American mom living in Paris. She shares her experiences and tips on navigating parenting life in Paris, raising an English-French bilingual kid, and integrating into French culture, such as school supplies in France, what French kids eat at schools, etc.
• Madame Tartempion (@madame.tartempion): Having lived in Paris for ten years, Madame Tartempion shares her insights on daily life, cultural nuances, and the adventures of expat living in Paris, such as French driving license, Paris neighborhood reviews, restaurant reviews, etc. 

Making friends in Paris

Making friends in Paris as an expat can be an enriching experience, and getting involved with local events and associations is a great way to connect with people. Here's how you can build your social network and find relevant events:

Join Expat Communities in Paris:

Associations and cubs like the American Club in Paris and the American Women's Group of Paris are significant for finding events and meeting fellow expats.

Attend Meetups and Networking Events:

Look for social gatherings, networking events, and professional meetups related to your interests or industry. You can find many events on Meetup, Apéros Frenchies, InterNations page, etc.

Taking classes and workshops

Taking classes and workshops in Paris is a great way to make friends because they bring together people with shared interests, providing a natural basis for connection. These environments encourage regular interaction and collaboration, making it easier to build relationships over time. Plus, by engaging in activities like cooking, art, sports, or language lessons, you meet new people and immerse yourself in French culture, which helps foster deeper connections with locals and fellow expats. The Alliance Française de Paris regularly hosts fantastic events and workshops, such as walking tours, charity clothes swaps, culture workshops, exhibitions, etc. 

Rent an apartment in Paris as an expat

Due to the competitive housing market, finding a place to live in Paris is challenging for foreigners and French people alike. Therefore, since French people have an advantage thanks to speaking French and knowing the culture, working with a Real Estate Agency that assists expatriates might be a good idea. 

Paris Rental is an English-speaking agency that has been helping expatriates find Long-Term Furnished Rentals in Paris since 1987. Paris Rental's multilingual team offers personalized assistance to ensure your accommodation is tailored to your needs and preferences. Your personal Client Relations agent will help you prepare your rental file, communicate and negotiate with landlords until the lease is signed, and then organize the inventory of fixtures, and the electricity, gas, and Internet subscriptions. At the end of the lease, Paris Rental assists you with terminating subscriptions, returning the Internet box, preparing the inventory of fixtures, and much more.

Living in Paris as an expat comes with challenges, but it can also be a fantastic adventure. Embrace your experiences and dive into local culture, and you'll find that Paris is full of opportunities to connect and enjoy the city to its fullest. You'll improve your French, meet new people, and feel at home!