American expat Katie's childhood dream to live in Europe has become reality: she now lives and works as an English teaching assistant in Besançon, France. She describes the steps she took to acquire her job, her thoughts on speaking French, and what for her are the pros and cons of living in France.	Katie

-Where were you born?

New York City, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

Besançon, France

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I'm living with my boyfriend. My family is back home in the States.

-How long have you been living in France?

1 year

-What is your age?

23

-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?

I've known that I've always wanted to live abroad, notably in Europe while I was young. The first time that I was sure about the idea was when I took a high school trip to France and Italy. I absolutely loved France and wanted to return. In college I studied abroad for a semester and met my boyfriend. 2 ½ years later we're still together and I'm back in France!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Yes, it can be hard, but for me it was very simple. However, I was able to get a job as an English teaching assistant beforehand which facilitated the visa process.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, it was relatively easy but it just takes a long time for your request to be processed. For about 150 euros I will be reimbursed for all medical costs for one year. I've been hired by the government so it's easy for me to get health insurance. I'm not sure what its like for other expats in France. Contrary to the US, health insurance is very affordable here in France.

-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?

I'm working as an English assistant at the primary level. I found this job through the website www.frenchculture.org while still in the US. There is an online application that I filled out and sent in. About 6 months later I heard through the mail that I was accepted. I make about 740 euros per month after taxes and social security are taken out. Last year I was given a 7-month teaching contract at the primary school level. This year I received a 9-month contract. It's not a very demanding job and considering the small amount of hours that I work, I get paid decently. You are expected to work 12 hours per week but you have at least 5 weeks of paid vacation throughout the school year! It's great!

-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes, It's extremely important to speak the local language. The first few months when I studied abroad in France I was completely lost because I couldn't communicate or understand anything in French. It's very frustrating when you can't express yourself in another language. You feel like a part of the country and the community when you can speak the language. If you don't speak it, you are excluding yourself from a lot of great things and experiences. As we all know the French are very proud of their language so they love when foreigners know how to speak French!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Of course! I miss home every day. I enjoy just walking around the city that I live in and meeting new people. There are all different kinds of activities here. I started going to a public pool for some exercise and I also want to start biking. Anything you can think of, they have it. Shopping and traveling are of course my favorite activites.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

As far as travel plans go, I basically want to visit as much of Europe as possible. I've only visited a handful of countries here. Of course I would LOVE to go to other continents, but I'm waiting for some real revenue before I do that. I'm always thinking about what I could do for a career. Teaching English is fun but I don't know if I want to do it forever.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I'm renting a one-bedroom apartment with my boyfriend. Our rent is 440 euros per month plus utilities which include water, heat and a few other things. To buy a home in the Besançon area is anywhere around 90,000 euros to 300,000 for an average size house I‘m estimating.

-What is the cost of living in your area in France?

It's cheaper than Paris!

-What do you think about the French?

Everyone is really nice. I've never had any problems. I love talking to the locals here. They are very interested in foreigners, especially Americans. There is also a university here so there are lots of young people.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?

I think about 100 books have already been written about the good and the bad things about the French.
Let's see, the positive aspects would be:

• Cheap health care!
• The food!
• The wine, the cheese etc etc etc
• The beautiful country and the history
• Good public transportation
• Government aid for underprivileged people
  

Negative aspects:

• Stores are always closed on Sundays, between 12-2pm during the week, and closed after 7pm. Growing up in the US of course there's ALWAYS something open until late at night or even all night.
• There are never enough employees for customers, i.e.; the Post Office, the Bank, the super market, etc. etc. etc., so you always wait forever to get something done.
• Strikes, all the time.
• All English/American movies and TV shows are dubbed in French. I prefer watching VO (Original version).
• The French don't give a crap about the laws; example: if there is a handicap parking space, without a doubt someone will park there who isn't handicapped.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?

• Try to integrate with the French and don't just stick within your comfort zone of other English speakers.

• Travel as much as possible not only in France but all over Europe.

• When in France, do as the French do...

• Try all of the French specialties and wines.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?

Yes, here's my blog: http://nouvellevieenfrance.blogspot.com

And for anyone who is interested in doing the English assistantship in France here are the websites: www.Frenchculture.org, www.assistantinfrance.com.