It’s no secret—I love living in Paris. But life here isn’t all roses and butterflies. Let’s explore the pros and the cons!
Living in Paris: A List of Pros and Cons
9 Tips for Learning a New Language
Language learning is a passion of mine. It’s why I became a French teacher. I began studying French in middle school, immediately fell in love with the language, and knew I wanted to guide others on this same journey.
If you’re interested in learning a new language, check out these practical tips to get your language-learning journey off on the right foot.
OFII Integration Contract & Civics Classes
Depending on your visa category, you’ll have different requirements with l’Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII). When I switched to the carte de séjour vie privée et familiale (CdS VPF) after marrying my French husband, I had to fulfill more requirements with OFII. Namely, I had to pass a French language test, sign an integration contract (CIR), and attend four civics classes.
Things I Bring Back to France From the United States
I’m sharing my personal list of things that I bring back to France from the United States of America. Every time I’m back in the States, I reference this list so that I can stock up on my favorite food products, ingredients for cooking and baking, personal hygiene items, and pharmaceuticals. This list started out as a note in my phone and here it is now, in all its glory!
How to Fill Out a “Feuille de soins”
A “feuille de soins” is a reimbursement form for medical expenses. Most of the time, the “feuille de soins” is submitted electronically on your behalf via your carte vitale. However, in some cases, you will pay medical fees upfront at your appointment and in order to get a reimbursement, you will need to manually submit a request.
Confinement 2.0: Life During the Second Lockdown in Paris
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, France has been under a nationwide lockdown since October 30, 2020 and it is expected to last in some capacity until at least December 1st. This second confinement has been different in many ways from the first lockdown, and to be honest, a heck of a lot more confusing.
Emily in Paris: A Successful Disappointment
This Netflix series follows Emily, an ambitious young American woman from Chicago with a questionable sense of fashion, as she moves to Paris thanks to an unexpected job opportunity. It’s her first time in Europe, and I couldn’t help but feel excited for her wide-eyed initial encounter with the City of Light. Later on, as an American living in Paris myself, I couldn’t help but feel irritated by her overall ignorance and naïveté.
One Year Blog Anniversary
I launched Américaine in France shortly before leaving for Paris. Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to work for a period of time, I figured blogging would be a great hobby to keep me out of trouble when I wasn’t actively battling French administration, but it’s turned into so much more.
French Visa Terminology
Visa, titre de séjour, carte de séjour… What’s the difference? I often hear these terms being used interchangeably, but they’re actually different! Here’s a little guide to visas and residence permits for France.
How I Got the Carte de séjour “vie privée et familiale” Through Marriage
I arrived in France on a long-stay visitor visa, got married to a Frenchman, and applied for the carte de séjour “vie privée et familiale” (VPF) in Paris. This residence permit provides stability, allowing me to stay in France and work.