Q & A

Subject: Organizations that help with cultural integration.

Question: I was wondering if you knew of any organisation that help with "cultural integration" of Americans in France, especially Paris. Also, would you know how many americans there are in France? Thanks in advance, Claire

Answer:

The easy questions first, there are around 100,000 Americans living in France. Now the hard questions, there are some American organizations in France, see http://www.americansinfrance.net/DailyLife/Clubs.cfm for a list, that can help newcomers to France. Now I don't know if that means "cultural integration" as you define it? Here in Alsace the local American organization, Americans in Alsace, as does Americans in Toulouse, has put together a booklet about living in France explaining things like health care, education and so on, some members also help with moral support. The Toulouse booklet is on-line at, http://www.geocities.com/AITonline/contents.html.
There are also relocation specialists than can help to easy the transition to living in France. If I read your question right you were looking for something inexpensive and relocation specialist are not that. Hope this helps, Jeff.