In France, having a car is often not a necessity. Driving is not typically a part of daily life, except for in the most rural regions. This was quite the opposite of my experience of growing up in Texas, where … Continue reading
Life in France
How to Find a Certified French Translator
My search for a certified French translator began when I decided to trade in my American driver’s license for a French permit. I am still in the middle of that process, thanks to a few mistakes I made in the … Continue reading
Living in France as a Retiree: Part 3: Taxes and Succession
Don’t miss Part 1 and Part 2 of this series on Living in France as a Retiree France has rather rigid laws, especially when it comes to taxation and succession. They are also quite unclear. Disclaimer: I am not an … Continue reading
Living in France as a Retiree: Part 2: Health Insurance, Medical Care, and Nursing Homes
Don’t miss Part 1 of this series on Living in France as a Retiree Health Insurance When you first apply for your long-stay visa for your first year in France, you are required to prove that you have health insurance. … Continue reading
Living in France as a Retiree: Part 1: Participating in Daily Life in France
In two previous TAIP posts (here and here), I explained all the steps needed to start a life in France as a retiree. In the next three posts, I will explain what you need to take into consideration… very carefully. … Continue reading
True or False: Teaching English in France
When I first learned of TAPIF, the Teaching Assistant Program in France, it was the fall of 2023. I had been on the hunt for a way to work in France for a few months by that time and meeting … Continue reading
On Living Two Lives
I’ve heard of people going back home after living abroad for a while and feeling self-conscious, out of place. As if they can no longer relate to the people from their hometown. It’s isolating, I imagine, to feel disconnected from … Continue reading
How I Keep My American Phone Number While Living in France
My first year of living abroad in France, I was quick to get a French phone number. Not only is it necessary for banking and other local services, but French phone plans are very reasonably priced. However, instead of ditching … Continue reading
Life in France with Dogs
Once you’ve figured out how to move to France with dogs, the real question begins: what is it actually like to live there with them? Beyond paperwork and logistics, living abroad with pets means navigating daily routines such as walking, … Continue reading
Moving to France with Dogs: Finding a Dog-Friendly City and Apartment
About a year ago, my husband and I sat down at the dining room table and mapped out a checklist of the characteristics we wanted in our next city. “Dog-friendly city” was one of the first things we wrote down. … Continue reading