| Pat is an American woman living with her Moroccan husband and their children in Paris, France. Starting out in a new country was anything but easy, and challenges are still being faced every day in her life as an American expatriate in France. Nevertheless, it's the place where she feels at home now. For Pat, the cost of living and language problems aren't insurmountable, and members of the local community make their French experience an even more pleasant one. |
 Pat Zraidi |
September 07 2006
-Where were you born?
Born and raised in Connecticut, USA. I lived there my entire life until moving to France.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am with my husband Mohamed (originally from Morocco) and our two boys - Nezar, who is 10 years old and Samir, who is now 8-1/2 years old.
-In which country and city are you living now?
In Ivry Sur Seine, France (southeast border of Paris)
-How long have you been living in France?
7 years now - since July 1999.
-What is your age?
I am 47 years old.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?
I originally met my husband in Paris. He came to the States to live, where we were also married. During his 5 years of living there, he would frequently talk of moving back to Paris. He could never quite get used to life in the USA. My lifelong dream was to live in Paris but never really got up the nerve to actually move there. Well, in April 1999, just out of the blue, I said to my husband, "Let's move to Paris!!" Within two weeks, he had a shipping company booked. He was so thrilled to be heading back "home." I was very nervous and very excited at the same time.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Ours is a very long story! In short, we are still fighting the préfecture here for my "carte de résidence." My husband has the legal right to live and work here but I do not. It has been a long battle and I'm not sure at all when it will end. Of course, this is something that you should definitely handle at your nearest French Consulate BEFORE moving to France. However, because of certain circumstances, I came along without the "proper" paperwork.
-Was it hard for you to get medical insurance before you went to France or when you first got there?
I did not have medical insurance when I arrived. After being here for a bit, I obtained "aide medicale état" (state medical aid) for people who are "sans papiers" (without papers). You obtain this through the local "mairie" (City Hall) of your city. This all ties into my very long fight with getting my papers here. Otherwise, with doing a bit of research, you can obtain medial insurance here as a foreigner. There are companies that offer it. However, it may be a bit expensive.
-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?
At this time, I am not employed in France. I am a stay-at-home mom and do a lot of volunteer work for several organizations here in Paris.
-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I arrived in France with no knowledge of the language at all beyond "merci"! After getting my children settled into school, I began attending classes to learn the language. Although I still struggle at times, I believe that it is very important to speak the local language. It certainly helps your life here in making you feel a bit more like you belong. But just so that you know, you can live quite easily in Paris in an "English" world. In central Paris, you will find many people who speak English, including doctors, store owners, repairmen, etc. There are also many Anglophone associations that keep you all networked in the anglo community. This is really good in some ways, but has certainly been one of the reasons why my language skills have not progressed as far as they should have.
Although we do not observe all of the local customs here in France (our home is a real mix of American/Moroccan cultures), we do respect those around us and their culture.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
The longer I am in France, the less I miss things back "home" in the USA. However, I do greatly miss my family. Because of the distance and the cost, we do not get back as often as I would like. I have made some really good friends here that I consider my "family" in France. We try to do American things together to combat any homesickness - such as having a yearly Thanksgiving dinner.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
Our immediate plans are to remain in France at least until our children are finished with school. And of course travel as much as we can around Europe. Long term, we hope to purchase some property in Morocco for future vacations and eventual retirement.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We currently rent our apartment. And because it is "rent controlled," we pay very little per month.
-What is the cost of living in France?
I find the cost of living here in Ivry to be very comparable to things back in Connecticut. In fact, many things are less expensive here, including grocery items. Shopping for your fruit and vegetables at your local open-air market is a big bargain and money saver. Utilities can be higher here (such as electricity) and of course, gas is way more expensive here. But, after just spending this past summer in the States, I can say that there are many, many things that we can get much cheaper here.
-What do you think about the French people?
The local community where we live has been really great towards us. We have fit right in here and have never had any problems. I really feel at "home" here in Ivry.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?
I think the fact that people here actually enjoy life is a huge positive. It is a much slower paced life - people are not working two jobs, 60-hour weeks, etc. The healthcare system is another HUGE positive, along with the education system. I think the only real negative for me is the bureaucracy here. It takes MOUNDS of paperwork to get anything done!
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?
Definitely learn the language! Also, do come with an Open Mind. Just because your way may be different than someone else's, it does not mean that it is better.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?
Firstly, there is my blog: A View From Ivry!
MESSAGE Mother Support Group - this was my lifeline when I first moved to France, and has continued to be a big part of my life here.
Paris Daily Photo - a blog by Eric, "a friendly Parisian." This is his description of the site: "You love Paris? You have never been to Paris but you would like a sneak preview? Then come here every day and you will find a brand new picture, taken by one of its inhabitants: me!"
The Paris Blog - a group blog in English about life in Paris.
Expatica - I read all of my French news here, in English!
