Rand

Thank you for both of your responses.My educational background – I have a Bachelor of Science degree measuring in Computer Science and Physics (honours). I also have a postgraduate degree in Business Administration. I have 5 years working experience in market research as well as engineering management consulting. I consulted mainly to mining houses that are involved in the mineral extraction and downstream beneficiation of various commodities such as platinum, gold, iron and steel, etc. This is a big market in SA as the country is rich in mineral deposits. I don’t suppose there is a big commodity market in France, I have never known France to have a lucrative mining and metals industry. I’m not at all interested in pursuing Computer Science as a career. I would much rather prefer to switch to something business administration related, but I have no idea what sorts of jobs to target in this area in France.

Howzit, Hallo, Molo, Sawubona, Thobela, Dumela, Lotsha, Ndi matseloni I’m new to this forum, although I’ve been reading it for quite a while. I’m South African, currently still living in SA. My boyfriend is French, and he lives in South of France, in a small village called Pezenas, not too far from Montpellier. I will be moving to France next year (2008) hopefully on a permanent basis. I’m currently taking French lessons at the local alliance francaise here in Pretoria to prepare for my migration. I’m a beginner. I currently have a very decent job that pays me a good salary. I earn in the region of R340K per annum. I do not have any children, I’m 28 years old by the way. My biggest concern about moving to France is job prospects, especially in South of France as I’m not too sure there are that many International companies there compared to a more cosmopolitan area such as Paris. My boyfriend is not too keen to move away from the sea to Paris, so it seems as though we will be settling in the South. I’ve also read here that getting a visa and sorting out the paper work is a nightmare. In your experience, would it actually be more easier for me to get a work permit if my boyfriend and I were actually married? We didn’t want to get married just to simplify this process, we want to do so for the right reasons. Do I need to secure employment first before I can apply for a work permit or does it work the other way round? How much time should I allow for this process? I actually prefer to get all of this sorted out while I continue to live in SA, and will only move once I’ve secured employment and all the papers are sorted. Is this something possible? Any advice? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I welcome any thoughts. Thank you.