soholly

I'm not familiar enough with London to make a comparison, but I've been under the impression that it was easier to find more affordable housing in Paris, judging from friends' experiences. Paris is a smaller, more compact city than London, too, so even if you live in an outer arrondissement or a suburb to economise, you will not be far from work. Very generally speaking, the lower numbered arrondissements (1-9) and 16-17 are more expensive than the other ones, but it also depends on neighborhood and finding a good deal. As you speak French and will have a work contract (CDI, I hope), you can try finding a place on pap.fr, which has the best deals for apartment rentals, but likely you will need to put up a guarantor. If you're looking for a share situation, don't have a guarantor or want more flexible lease terms, Paris craigslist & FUSAC are better but likely more expensive. As to the prior poster's comment that many people commute 1.5hr to Paris, this is true, but for many reasons that don't apply to you. Alot of people would rather have a yard and house for their kids (I'm guessing you're single), have a less urban lifestyle. There are plenty of people paid the SMIC (min wage) who live in Paris proper (but usually with a flatmate or in a tiny room). And alternatively, there's much cheaper housing in the nearby suburbs (plenty of which are safe) only 20-40 min from Paris center by RER. For other expenses, there are always ways to economize! As a paid worker, I don't think you have to worry too much about affording Paris, so long as you know how to be reasonable in your spending habits.

Does this diploma have any name recognition value or the like that would be useful for getting a job in France or elsewhere? I have work experience & a university diploma in economics/finance plus a masters in a related field. I will (hopefully) get my diploma next week at the Sorbonne's French language program for finishing their highest level course. The DFA would attest to my knowledge of "business French" language-wise and of French business. I am leaning against going for a DFA for a few reasons. One, it's expensive (755 euro for both prep course & test). Two, I have a business background already & can read to bone up on the French economy & business French. The main reason I'm hesitant to write off the DFA outright is because I don't know if this sort of diploma would carry any weight. My Sorbonne diploma's not chicken feed, but it doesn't have a business or practical bent. Another thing is my lingering suspicion that the DFA is just an empty certification designed to get foreigners to spend money. The prep course is only 3 weeks long (15hr/week) so it can't attest to a whole lot. And a prospective employer can gauge from a person's CV then from the interview a candidate's oral/written French skills, and to an extent, knowledge of French business (if even important). So what does the DFA really add? Does anyone have any familiarity with the DFA or know someone with it who could shed some insight? As to employment market in France and internationally? I would be looking for a job in business or law (yeah, vague). Thanks!