Wherever you go, there you are. You take your problems and challenges with you in addition to experiencing a new culture and language. It’s like jumping from relationship to relationship expecting a different outcome. Work on yourself before you take the plunge. Love your videos!
Another helpful video, thank you Patricia! I’m learning so much from your videos. Having expectations is another big mistake that is easy to fall into. Be observant to learn and not judge or compare.
I agree with your advice….especially about the importance of resiliency . You have to be prepared for not being able to “adult” in the ways one is used to in one’s home country…most especially if you do not speak the language when you first arrive. Take French lessons with a teacher…you will get great cultural insight along with communication skills. Yes and contact a coach like yourself that can provide valuable tools to help you to adapt. I also think it’s vital not to purchase a property before you travel around a bit and stay in a place to try it out for a while before taking the plunge.
Hi Patricia. Thank you for your sound advice. I’m a senior man who has been to france dozens of times and has basic language skills and understands the culture. Last year I spent 2 weeks in January in Paris and then 5 weeks in September/October spending 5 nights each in the Marais, Saint Malo, Angers, Caen, Issy les Moulineaux and the last week in the Latin Quarter before my return. All of my transportation was by local buses and trains, TGV, Uber and especially on foot. Now I’m exploring moving to Brittany or southwest of France. I just postponed my flight etc to france for 3 weeks due to an illness and orthopedic problem. Prognosis is very good but I didn’t think it wise to go at this time. I am very comfortable in France and interacting with local people. I’ve learned how to shop local and am not looking for the US experience. I have no expectations of finding the US lifestyle or culture in France and candidly I don’t want to. The Capricorn in me says to rent in the village I’d be most interested in buying a house in. But the Cancer in me looks at the romantic part of buying sooner and going for it. Anyway, my hair isn’t on fire and I’m planning on going the rental route first. Thank you for your channel and wish you the very best. Joe and Gigi (my rescue Frenchie)
Fantastic video. I noticed that some expat groups in France tend to create enclaves and keep to themselves without trying to integrate much. My hubby and I intend to integrate more into the French community we live in and speak French more than English anytime possible. The cultural differences like the one you experienced with your lost purse are frustrating, and I felt your anxiety as you were sharing that story. I would have felt the same way. But I did notice that the French are less demonstrative in general. Even if they feel it, they keep it tight to the vest. My adult daughter is actually like that, so I feel like I understand it. She’s not cold, she just feels and demonstrates/emotes things a little differently. Thank you for sharing your insights and advice. You probably don’t realize the lives you are touching. ☺️
You hit the nail on the head. I think this is especially true in situations with strangers. Had one of the people I encountered with my purse ordeal been a friend or maybe an acquaintance, there might have been a little more concern. Going in with the intention to build community with French locals will definitely enrich your experience. Bon courage!
I have to admit that it does feel surprisingly different to learn that the French wouldn't offer a simple amount of empathy for a person who might be experiencing a challenging moment. That seems odd to me. And I've lived in over ten different states in America. I've lived in NYC and all the way across the United States. And no matter how fast the pace has been, people still show a certain level of decency and care for even a stranger in America. And I've heard from friends and family members that have been to France, how many French people don't like to get involved if they see a person being harassed or harmed. But refusing to demonstrate basic human emotions for someone who has lost a wallet or pocket book, shouldn't be that taxing. I always thought the French would be quite passionate people on a whole host of topics. But I guess it's true to say we don't know a situation until you experienced it. I'm definitely considering a move to Europe. And France is one of my top options. I'm considering France, the Netherlands, UK, Ireland and Portugal. Hope to start traveling early next year.
@riderskater7248 yes. But if it's not taught it's normal to have that response or non response. Perhaps if I weren't a stranger. I know my french friends would have shown empathy to me.
Bonjour! Thank you for the excellent and informative videos. Our condo is finally getting interested buyers. So, our plan to move to France is becoming real. Perpignan looks perfect for us: calm, and peaceful, charming but not chaotic, English-speaking, and not far from the train. Plus affordable for us as retired educators. Do you have thoughts or experiences about Perpignan? Merci! Dean & Cindy
How wonderful. I know that "getting real" feeling. Having the train in Perpignan is a definite plus. I do miss not being a three minute walk from it. There is also a bus that you can pay 1 euro that takes you lots of different places. Not sure what you mean when you say English-speaking. It can be very windy there which surprised me. I haven't lived there in about six years so don't have much more than this. Bon courage !
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst Bonjour, Carol. We booked our Airbnb in Perpignan Jan-March. Submitting the online Visa application tomorrow. On our way! Merci! Dean & Cindy
What are some other mistakes or missteps you've heard expat make?
Wherever you go, there you are. You take your problems and challenges with you in addition to experiencing a new culture and language. It’s like jumping from relationship to relationship expecting a different outcome. Work on yourself before you take the plunge. Love your videos!
Exactly. Work on yourself before you go and continue that work once you arrive. 😀
Another helpful video, thank you Patricia! I’m learning so much from your videos. Having expectations is another big mistake that is easy to fall into. Be observant to learn and not judge or compare.
These are good ones, too. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with your advice….especially about the importance of resiliency . You have to be prepared for not being able to “adult” in the ways one is used to in one’s home country…most especially if you do not speak the language when you first arrive. Take French lessons with a teacher…you will get great cultural insight along with communication skills. Yes and contact a coach like yourself that can provide valuable tools to help you to adapt. I also think it’s vital not to purchase a property before you travel around a bit and stay in a place to try it out for a while before taking the plunge.
Thank you. Resiliency will take you far wherever you find yourself. Thanks for sharing and watching.
Hi Patricia. Thank you for your sound advice. I’m a senior man who has been to france dozens of times and has basic language skills and understands the culture. Last year I spent 2 weeks in January in Paris and then 5 weeks in September/October spending 5 nights each in the Marais, Saint Malo, Angers, Caen, Issy les Moulineaux and the last week in the Latin Quarter before my return. All of my transportation was by local buses and trains, TGV, Uber and especially on foot. Now I’m exploring moving to Brittany or southwest of France. I just postponed my flight etc to france for 3 weeks due to an illness and orthopedic problem. Prognosis is very good but I didn’t think it wise to go at this time.
I am very comfortable in France and interacting with local people. I’ve learned how to shop local and am not looking for the US experience. I have no expectations of finding the US lifestyle or culture in France and candidly I don’t want to.
The Capricorn in me says to rent in the village I’d be most interested in buying a house in. But the Cancer in me looks at the romantic part of buying sooner and going for it. Anyway, my hair isn’t on fire and I’m planning on going the rental route first.
Thank you for your channel and wish you the very best.
Joe and Gigi (my rescue Frenchie)
Wonderful. It sounds like France is for you. You have really done your exploring. Go Capricorn!
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst thank you for your encouragement. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hey Patricia, I’m super excited to attend the workshop, and to meet you! I am departing today, arriving tomorrow. 👍🏽
So wonderful meeting you on Sunday. When you return home, the work begins. You can do it!
Great advice Patricia. I think learning the language, and some of the cultural differences may be my biggest challenges. Thanks!
We'll discuss this at the conference on Sunday. I look forward to meeting you there.
I want to make mistake #5 though, since I want the next phase of my life to start as soon as possible 😜
Patience is a virtue. Plan, prepare, and make your move with a level head. Best wishes with your plans.
Excellent pointers, Patricia! Thank you
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
Fantastic video. I noticed that some expat groups in France tend to create enclaves and keep to themselves without trying to integrate much. My hubby and I intend to integrate more into the French community we live in and speak French more than English anytime possible. The cultural differences like the one you experienced with your lost purse are frustrating, and I felt your anxiety as you were sharing that story. I would have felt the same way. But I did notice that the French are less demonstrative in general. Even if they feel it, they keep it tight to the vest. My adult daughter is actually like that, so I feel like I understand it. She’s not cold, she just feels and demonstrates/emotes things a little differently. Thank you for sharing your insights and advice. You probably don’t realize the lives you are touching. ☺️
You hit the nail on the head. I think this is especially true in situations with strangers. Had one of the people I encountered with my purse ordeal been a friend or maybe an acquaintance, there might have been a little more concern. Going in with the intention to build community with French locals will definitely enrich your experience. Bon courage!
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst ☺️
Brilliant!
Thank you!😀
Great tips thank you!
Thank you. Glad they are helpful.
I have to admit that it does feel surprisingly different to learn that the French wouldn't offer a simple amount of empathy for a person who might be experiencing a challenging moment. That seems odd to me. And I've lived in over ten different states in America. I've lived in NYC and all the way across the United States. And no matter how fast the pace has been, people still show a certain level of decency and care for even a stranger in America.
And I've heard from friends and family members that have been to France, how many French people don't like to get involved if they see a person being harassed or harmed. But refusing to demonstrate basic human emotions for someone who has lost a wallet or pocket book, shouldn't be that taxing.
I always thought the French would be quite passionate people on a whole host of topics. But I guess it's true to say we don't know a situation until you experienced it.
I'm definitely considering a move to Europe. And France is one of my top options. I'm considering France, the Netherlands, UK, Ireland and Portugal. Hope to start traveling early next year.
@riderskater7248 yes. But if it's not taught it's normal to have that response or non response. Perhaps if I weren't a stranger. I know my french friends would have shown empathy to me.
Bonjour! Thank you for the excellent and informative videos. Our condo is finally getting interested buyers. So, our plan to move to France is becoming real. Perpignan looks perfect for us: calm, and peaceful, charming but not chaotic, English-speaking, and not far from the train. Plus affordable for us as retired educators. Do you have thoughts or experiences about Perpignan? Merci! Dean & Cindy
How wonderful. I know that "getting real" feeling. Having the train in Perpignan is a definite plus. I do miss not being a three minute walk from it. There is also a bus that you can pay 1 euro that takes you lots of different places. Not sure what you mean when you say English-speaking. It can be very windy there which surprised me. I haven't lived there in about six years so don't have much more than this. Bon courage !
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst Bonjour, Carol. We booked our Airbnb in Perpignan Jan-March. Submitting the online Visa application tomorrow. On our way! Merci! Dean & Cindy
Do they use the credit system there and how is thr healthcare?
Is there a way to get a copy of Connections?
www.connexionfrance.com/