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France (Page 2)

To The Millennial Abroad, France is… home. Since 2018, I have lived in this country, learned its language, and (sort of) learned how to “be French.” As an American, living here has been extremely eye-opening, for a number of reasons.

Although France and the US are historically exceptionally close allies, the countries are often exasperated by one another. Many Americans find the French to be rude, inefficient, and snobby, while the French often find Americans alarmingly loud, abrupt, and nosy.

As an American who spent the formative years of my young adulthood being shaped by French and US expat culture alike, I have a unique view on many things pertaining to American culture as it relates to the French. For example, living and working in the US to me is now an almost-inconceivable idea because I simply cannot fathom living in a country where affordable, universal healthcare is not considered a basic human right. Moreover, the role that money plays in everything from personal life to political influence is, quite frankly, obscene.

I am also intrigued by the difference in collective vs. individual mentality. The French are exceptionally community-minded, though they are not necessarily warm and personal people. They are polite, and they take note of and care for their neighbors. They generally act in the spirit of goodwill for the group rather than themselves. Americans, on the other hand, hold a dog-eat-dog mentality that is inextricable from the fundamental lack of health and safety that comes from living in the country. I get it, and yet, again, cannot imagine living there. So welcome to France, from my perspective. I hope you find the information useful and thought-provoking in equal measure.

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People sitting on a French terrace.

Moving to France from the US: How to Plan as an American

2023-04-12
By: Claire
On: April 12, 2023
In: France

Unlike citizens from countries in the European Union, Americans cannot simply purchase a plane ticket, come to France, and stay indefinitely. Moving to France requires thorough and strategic planning, so don’t hesitate to dig into this comprehensive guide.Continue Reading

Saint Guilhem le Déset

Saint Guilhem le Désert: A Tiny Town with Rich History

2022-10-13
By: Claire
On: October 13, 2022
In: France

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is an offbeat travel and postcard location with something to offer solo travelers, couples, and families. Hikers will find accessible trails ringing the area, as well as many artisan shops to wander in and out of. Continue Reading

view over mountain landscape in Gorges d'Heric

Great Hikes Near Montpellier, France

2022-02-23
By: Claire
On: February 23, 2022
In: France

“So far, the hikes around Montpellier have not disappointed. There is a great range too, from leisurely walks to challenging and technical routes.” Continue Reading

Classic Haussmanian architecture in the 7eme Paris

Being an Au Pair in Paris: Things You Should Know

2021-05-11
By: Claire
On: May 11, 2021
In: Paris

Life in France happens in French, even if you’re in Paris. Here’s how you can come in ready to hit the ground running.Continue Reading

A French cemetery is a fitting metaphor for how treacherous it is to get a work visa in France.

How to Get a Work Visa in France (Not)

2021-03-23
By: Claire
On: March 23, 2021
In: France

“Back in the fall, I wrote about how I found a job in France. I remember exactly how I felt when writing it – proud, and excited to start working hard… Two months later, my contract got cut.”Continue Reading

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Meet The Millennial Abroad

Claire Naughton

Claire Naughton

Hi! I'm a current US expat and longtime traveler based in Strasbourg, France. I'm here because I fell in love with a Frenchie, and I think and write a lot about the identity implications of loving someone so much that you make lasting changes for them. But that's just part of my story. I have deep backpacker-adventure roots and love hiking and sports, including running, horseback riding, and soccer. In recent years, I've also developed a taste for slow city travel and never take for granted an opportunity to explore a new place and indulge in a delicious meal. Finally, I am also an enormous animal enthusiast and adore opportunities to safely and responsibly interact with them. Nothing puts this complex and beautiful world we all share more into perspective than being in nature.

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