Why did you move to France?
I am actually moving to France in 2012, right now I'm finishing my degree at university in Melbourne. I am in love with France and I want to teach English there.
How did you do it?
I married the love of my life, a French man, this year. I've studied French since highschool and I would practice speaking it to French players on XboxLive. One day I was on Halo when a group of French boys were put into the same match as me. Great group of boys and one of them turned out to be my husband three years later. He invited me to meet him in France in 2010, after which he came to Melbourne.
Getting a spouse visa for France is not very hard, but it takes a few months for them to make your "Livret de famille (family book)", after which you can get your visa - it's a very simple application.
Tips and Tricks
- Find a French or European boyfriend!
- If you can't do that, consider doing the French government's English assistant program which will let you stay in France for a year
- Do your research and know what your visa requires
Has living in France lived up to your expectations?
I've only lived in France for 6 months, and that small amount of time was enough to steal my heart. I know no country is perfect, but I really need to live adventurously and being in a foreign place is so exciting. I think France is beautiful.
What has surprised/disappointed you the most?
Everything about discovering a new culture is different, so I've often been surprised but never shocked or disappointed - I'm disappointed that I have to wait until next year till I'm back there!
Are most of your friends French or other expats?
I still have all of my Australian friends and when in France I do not plan to seek out other expats, my husband has a large family and I know so many French people through them.
