kantboy

Thanks all so far.... some fantastic advice and great stories of people transferring their whole lifes to another country. Odile, what a fantastic story, I hope you are very happy now. tinabee, funny - thats exactly what I was thinking, that Airbus is made in Toulouse so they must have plenty of work for programmers. For those in IT, I'm not exactly a programmer, Albert the InfoGipsy perhaps, I'm a DBA and SQL developer, but I can also work as a Business Analyst. dave, you say you're not in France to get rich, and I have the same attitude. I just have a passion for all things French and want to live my life in France as if I were born there. I want to eat french food (here in Ireland I have cassoulet, foie gras and charcuterie in my cupboards anyway!), I want to speak French as if it were my first language, and I want to have a family in France.  In France, of course, I'll always be an Irishman, but it is this unique position - being both a local, and a foreigner, that is somehow strangely attractive. That, and the fact that it is the home of my ancestors (and my girlfriend) Oh, and of course the weather.... for all you ex-pats, we've just had the dullest, wettest August for over 100 years. That should make you smile. [:)] Anyway guys.... keep it coming. I didn't expect such as response! It's a great community you have here.

Thanks guys... good advice so far about networking. Because my girlfriends family is from the south-west I will be over and back quite a bit so I'll start to make contacts. Even in the beginning I have ma copine to translate if necessary. Can you tell me a bit more about ANPE? Is that like a job agency? Can they find me a job in IT? I have heard that the French would prefer to give work to a a native, rather than a foreigner - which I suppose is fair enough, but will it be very difficult? Also, which is a good bank to open an account with and do I need a French address or can I open one now and start putting money in it? Oh, and don't worry about rose-tinted glasses! I have a dream, but my feet are firmly on the ground... I know this will be a hell of a lot of work! Thanks again so far, I look forward to hearing more advice, and also stories oof people in a similar position who have uprooted on their own and moved to La France!

Hi all, I am a 32 year old computer programmer in Northern Ireland. My grandfather was French, although I never knew him (from Laval), and I seem to have had a connection to France all my life in one way or another. I have been quite a few times, all over. I met a French girl a while ago, from Hautes-Pyrenees, and I intend to move to France to live with her. I had always intended to move anyway, but this has obviously given me the incentive to get things moving. She is currently living with me here in Ireland for the next year or two to help me get my French up to a good standard, as well as improving her own English. I also have a house to sell, which in the current climate could prove difficult. Basically, what I am looking for is any kind of advice on moving to France in terms of language, employment (in the south-west), somewhere to live (probably rented), and the rest.... The problem you see is that all of the websites, books, and any other information seems to be aimed at retirees with a bit of money looking for property, or young students with no responsibilities looking to work in a bar, not at people like myself - 32, plenty of debt, house to sell, no extra cash, basic French.... looking for a nice place to rent, a half-decent job, etc. Perhaps you will say I'm dreaming (and it's true!) but remember, I have 1-2 years to work on the language and hopefully get my house sold, clearing any debt I have. This will leave me young (enough), free and ready for adventure.... (I'd go tomorrow if I could!) Anyway, enough of my rambling. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chris