Q & A

Subject: Might be moving to France.

Question: My husband works for Motorola and he has been offered a chance to move to France. We have six year old twin boys and all my concern is how this will effect them. Most of my concern is for their education. Also they are very much Americans kids with a love of video games and McDonalds. I must admit I have not traveled at all and I am a little scared as well. How difficult will this be for us? I am so confused on what will be the right decision. Any advice you have would be much appreciated. Thank You

Answer: From what I know about French education it’s as good as in the states, maybe even better. Depending were you move to, you should be able to find an international school, that teaches in English. All children in France, no matter theirs or their parents nationally, have the right to a free public education.
Americans culture is everywhere in France, including video games, PlayStation Xbot etc and McDonalds. As are Americans, here in Alsace where I live, there are organizations for Americans living here. This weekend my family and I are going to a fourth of July party put one by one. I know that the same is true for Paris. Therefore, you should have no problem finding other Americans. Of course that could be two sided, as it could make you more home sick. My first time in France I tried to stay away from Americans, go native was my theory. That might not be for you, but it seemed to work for me and other Americans I knew.
Your kids will more than likely have the least problem with the move. I have found that kids seem to take to a new culture easier than adults. But you will more than likely have some type of culture shock, as the French do things differently than in the states, hopefully you received that impression from my web site. Be prepared to learn and try to be open to new things.
If you do move, I would make sure that Motorola, helps you find a place to stay, school, French lessons and other things that you will need on arrival. Also depending on your length of stay, ship as much as possible, furniture is very expensive in France.

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Related Link:
http://www.americansinfrance.net/MovingPlanner

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