American expat JouJou's dream of living abroad became reality when she moved to Tunis in Tunisia earlier this year. Here she shares what it's like to live and work in Tunisia, a country whose beauty, people, and culture fascinate her. JouJou also gives some tips on learning Arabic and French there, and gives us a glimpse into Tunis cost of living.	JouJou

-Where were you born?

-In which country and city are you living now?

Tunis, Tunisia  

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I am currently staying with my best friend's family but will get my own apartment in January.

-How long have you been living in Tunisia?

About 6 months. 

-What is your age?

 25 years old

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

I have ALWAYS wanted to live abroad. I was supposed to move to Paris when I was 21, I even had the plane ticket, but alas...situations changed things. It actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise (as things like that often do). I was living in Dallas at the time, then moved to Chicago, then to Austin, then back to Dallas. I grew, had a better understanding of who I was and what I wanted, turned 25 and knew that it was time. I have not looked back since.

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

No, if you really want something badly enough you find a way. Anything is possible. You have to ask yourself "Am I willing to make sacrifices and endure hardships for this dream?" If your answer is yes, then you are ready.

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

Tunis' health care is actually quite cheap. It also helps that my friend's family has 3 doctors in the family.

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

I actually do commercials, print ads (modeling), and voice overs here. It is great money and is enough for me to pay for intensive French courses. The only problem is that it is sporadic. The great thing about Tunis is that there are always people who are dying to take English classes from an American. So there is always that to fall back on.

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

I'm learning French and picking up Arabic as I go. Arabic is the national language and French is the second language. I would say about 90% of Tunisians speak French. I think it is extremely important to at least have a working knowledge of French. They have a different dialect in Arabic (it is considered the hardest dialect of all in Arabic) and it is highly unlikely that you will pick that up right away unless you have a talent in that area. It IS possible to get through the first couple of months on just English alone, but you will be forced to pick up French after a while.  

Tunis IS a muslim country but it is super liberal. I was actually surprised how liberal it was/is. I would consider it more European than Arabic. You just have all the warmth of the Arabic culture. It is the best of both worlds.   

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Yes, I will be here for a year and a half, then I move to France!!!  

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

Housing can be quite cheap here. It can run anywhere from $350.00 a month to $1500.00 and up, depending on the level of luxury you want. Right now I don't pay rent but when I move to my own apartment I will most likely move into a full furnished apartment for around $350-$400 a month in a nice area in Tunis. Location determines the price.

-What is the cost of living in Tunisia?

Very low, but you also get paid less than in the US. It is all relative.

-What do you think about the locals?

With any country you have the good and bad. It is just a matter of being conscious that you are in a FOREIGN COUNTRY. It isn't going to be like home (whatever country you moved from).

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

The negative aspects are that there is absolutely no concept of lines here. You don't wait in line, you fight your way to the beginning. There is also no concept of personal space. People have no problem getting super, super close to you whether you are waiting in line, shopping at the grocery store...etc. Also the men here are VERY open about commenting on women's beauty. Very much like Italians and all Latin men really. I am half Latina so I was already used to that cultural trait. IF that sort of thing really bothers you, don't come here. It also gets very crowded during the summer (one of its main sources of income comes from tourism) so expect a lot of commotion during that time. (Great thing is that the night life is extra lively!)

The positive aspects are that the people are so warm and caring. I have never experienced such hospitality and I am very well traveled. Tunis is RIGHT on the Mediterranean and about 2 hours away from Italy by boat. It really is the gateway to Europe. (Carthage is here, of course.) It is absolutely beautiful here and the life is beautifully simple. Also French courses are dirt cheap and they are all taught by French Nationals. If you want to learn French for dirt cheap in a French speaking country, Tunis is the country to do it. Tunis also just signed a contract with SamaDubai worth 30 billion dollars to expand a luxury part of Tunis, so it really is just getting better and better.  

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

You just have to REALLY want to be here, because there are vast cultural differences. You should read up on Islam, remember that you are in a foreign country and you will be fine. Also forget about personal space!

Tunis is not for everyone and I really don't think many Americans (who didn't already have a working knowledge of foreign countries...especially Arabic countries) could live here for extended periods of time. If you are knowledgeable about Arabic countries and recognize that it isn't YOUR country, you will succeed. I've seen other Americans come here and hate it simply because they were not mindful of this.  

-Do have any favorite blogs or Web sites about Tunisia?

You can read more about my adventures at www.joujoulovesyou.blogspot.com