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Infa1871

Bonjour tout le monde (Hello, everyone):

I would like to move to Bordeaux, France by September of 2010 (It is now February 2010). I have two main concerns about making this decision:

1) I speak basic French but I am not yet fluent. How proficient must I be in the language before I move?

2) How much money should one save before moving to this part of France, or France in general?

3) What kind of jobs are available for newcomers, in general? Does everything above being a cashier (no offense intended) require formal instruction?

4) How are non-citizens treated?

My purpose for moving is to do something new and more fulfilling. I have read about the culture, I enjoy the language, art, etc.

Merci (Thank you),

Infa1871

mikeefos

Salut,

The thing about not being fluent with a language is that if you don't jump in you'll never learn to swim well.

If you keep in mind that you are here for a good time to expierence things, rather than a long time it may help you over come hesitations about communication.

Jobs for new comers are more than likely going to be unskilled (ie: pub work, restraunts, handing our papers, etc) unless you have a degree in the field you want to work and a decent grasp of the language.

There are a lot of English and Irish pubs in Bordeaux that are happy to hire native english speakers as it acts as a charm for the place.

The more money you have before you move is always going to be good. Keeping in mind if you want to start hiring an apartment you need to have the depoist and a job reference. If not you can try to look for share accomidation. As Bordeaux is a big university city there are student accomidation that functions like this.

Non citizens are treated with difference depending where you are from. As I'm Australian, I am usually greated with interest about my country, why I am in France, etc... English, American, Irish, etc would usually be in the same boat.

Hope this helps.

equestrian

I don't know if I want to move to France, but want to check it out.  Is everyone on this blog either a student or under 35 years of age?  I'm 60 so am looking for people my age to connect with.  Anyone out there?

mikeefos

Hi,

I'm not a student but I am under 35.

I believe there is a great number of people around your age. Perhaps you should contact this community as they seem to have numerous events.bordeauxbritish.com

equestrian

Thank you very much.  I will try this.

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