A few days (18 exactly) from my new expatriation in Toronto I wanted to introduce you my expat friends, that they tell us what they live. Tonight we travel from the United States to Japan passing through Canada and Spain, 6 different stories of mine but meeting at a point, we are all happy to have dared. While you are about to leave, thinking of leaving, already gone or out of love for the trip, I hope these testimonials will resonate in you and help you follow your dreams.
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Caroline, 25, lives for 4 years in Los Angeles, California, USA. Co-founder of the girlfriends community Hey Les Copines. Virtual girlfriends for almost 3 years she was looking for info on Toronto, I had been living there for a few months, first expat ‘virtual girlfriend, I love her Snapchat on Los Angeles buses!
A funny anecdote about your departure? I do not know if it’s very funny but I arrived on December 31, 2012 in the middle of the day. Between stress, travel and jet lag, I spent my first Californian New Year … to sleep!
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation? I think I will say my maturity!
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? Shopping with Jessica Alba!
The most surprising product you’re missing? The Doliprane without hesitation!
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? Even if nothing is worth a pretty postcard, I recognize that the Internet is a real happiness when one is expat. Between messages, Skype and blogs, we can now share everything from our daily life without the distance really being felt. But be honest, nothing will ever replace a real hug 🙂
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? Well it’s a bit embarrassing but during a course at UCLA, I needed an eraser. In France, one learns English British, and in British, an eraser is called “rubber”. Until then, no worries, I knew the word! Where it becomes embarrassing is that “rubber”, in American English, well it means … a hood! So, without pressure asked a condom to my teacher in a room of 40 people!
Advice for future expats? One word … Preparation!
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? Worry, hang up and promise, you’ll be in Los Angeles! (Since I was 12 years old I dreamed of studying at UCLA).
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? It’s very Secret Story, but expatriation is a unique experience that changes you forever. It is encounters, travels, moments of doubts but above all the unknown, discoveries in everyday life and moments that I will never forget.
A word for the end perhaps? Whether you have cravings from Asia, London or Brazil, go for it! Put your fears aside because it is only the happiness that awaits you on the other side!
Follow Caro in LA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and of course her blog carolinethecity.com. Also on Hey Les Copines: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et le blog.
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Maëve, 27 years old, lives in New York, USA for 2 years. A neighbor since Mademoiselle is Lyonnaise. After months on Twitter, Facebook and iMessages we crossed the screen at the end of the year meeting in Lyon for a shooting of madness (which I shared you here). Maëve is a big blow of heart like that.
A funny anecdote about your departure? I left on the day of the biggest snowfall on NY of the last 10 years … Maëve and his 3 suitcases wandering in Manhattan under the snowstorm searching for his way, it was worth the detour!
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation? To adapt to the New York lifestyle. It’s such a city apart, if you do not have energy, you’re screwed!
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? Never be afraid to make an important decision that can change the course of my life.
The most surprising product you’re missing? Frankly ? Y’en so much !! But I would just say BREAD (reasonably priced hahaha)
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? That the distance with the close ones is less difficult to support. They are a message / FaceTime away, anywhere, anytime.
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? Whenever I have to spell my first name (I give you my surname ULTRA French-French …). It seems very commonplace, Maeve being a first name in English (Irish) base, but spelling M-A-E-V-E (M-AYE-I-VI-I) I’ve already found myself with stuff like NARWE. BUT WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR HEAD ?!
Advice for future expats? Do not be afraid. This is probably one of the best decisions of your life.
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? You did it.
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? (Stars filled with eyes) the most beautiful human experience, professional, personal development, that will teach you more about you than all schools / jobs combined. You will never regret having lived an expatriation, short or long (from a few months to a few years).
A word for the end perhaps? Am I objective in saying that New York is the most fantastic city in the world? 😉 – more seriously: everything happens for a reason. My mantra.
Follow Maëve on Instagram, Twitter also on her special New York Instagram Fly Me To The Cool and Facebook ;).
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Lisa, 30 years old, lives in Canada since 2010, Toronto then 2 and a half years ago Calgary, Alberta. Like me, she came back to France a few months to go back to Canada. We have been following each other for a while and I love the true look she brings on expatriation in Canada. I look forward to visiting her in Calgary!
A funny anecdote about your departure? I’ve been a lot of times over the past 6 years. I admit I have no funny anecdote in mind! I remember especially that it was quite difficult to leave his family;)
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation? The lifestyle ! Finish at 4pm and eat at 6pm, I love it !!
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? To spend 6 winters to curdle the loaves and tell me that in fact (after 5 winters eh, must not decry ^ ^) one gets used more or less!
The most surprising product you’re missing? The most amazing? Hmm I think I did not eat anything amazing haha! Ah, that said … The dumplings! This is something I adore and that does not exist here. (Well, I know, I could make them myself …).
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? Be able to learn well before going to leave and ask questions to people already on site especially! When I see Frenchmen disembarking completely by saying “oh well but must speak English in Canada? “, how to tell you…
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? (Like me who says yes to a KFC sauce for my fries and who finds me with a plum sauce ^^) Ah ben yesiii plum sauce! Here it is a great classic;) Once I remember using the word G-spot talking about something to a colleague … It was at the very beginning of my immigration I let you watch what c ‘Is;) Well I had to look very stupid for a moment! Fortunately I think my colleague had not tilted too much!
Advice for future expats? Do not forget who we are (and where we come from) but do not play his big French here, it does not work at all! Conflict, ranting, feet in the flat etc, no, no and no.
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? Ambition.
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? There are many obstacles and days when you are going to ask yourself what you are doing there but if the expatriation is for you (it is really not for everyone’s attention!), You will really enjoy it And learn about you and others every day.
A word for the end perhaps? Do not be afraid of the unknown and especially, have to adapt! The key word of an expatriation if you really want to live like the local 100%. Living between French and French is not very healthy when I live abroad!
Follow Lisa on Facebook, Twitter and of course her blog frenchwithbenefits.fr
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Anne Laure, 23, Canada for 3 years, for almost 2 years Tokyo, Japan. This young lady is the little news, I had never exchanged with her before having the idea of this article, the magic of social networks!
A funny anecdote about your departure? That way, I do not know. I’ve had so many anecdotes and problems, it’s the game! Haha.
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation: My desire to travel and to undertake (not necessarily at the business level but at the level of various projects). Since I went abroad I have realized how easy it is to travel when you give yourself the means, and how wonderful and interesting it can be. I have a looongue bucket list of travel and as many person ready to show me their city / country (in parallel my circle of friends has become internationalized).
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? Speak 3 languages and go from one language to another without difficulty within a single sentence and go back pack trip without making reservations in a country where I do not speak the language. To bathe naked in public baths and adore it. Survive by -40 degrees.
The most surprising product you’re missing? Anthesite and everything that is licorice-based in general.
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? Google map has changed my life in Japan, it is the most indispensable tool. After to plan or better organize, the net is full of blog about the experiences of expatriation, it became very easy to provide information and to meet. To be able to communicate also (online dicta and translation).
Otherwise I think especially that it serves a lot to keep in touch with family, friends, and passing encounters etc.
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? It would be a little complicated to explain, but there are registers / level of politeness in Japanese language, and wanting to use one of these forms with a client to my part time I finally managed to invent an insult And it made all the staff laugh behind.
Guys looking for google romantic stuff to get me out in French … it’s magical.
Advice for future expats? Well get organized but not plan your life in the slightest detail, anyway once you get there you will be lost and this is where you will discover the most. Another thing, arriving in its new city, the first days one wants to discover everything, do not lose your taste for the discovery in benefit of your routine. Always keep a little time to discover new streets in your city, a weekend in the country with a friend etc. You never really know how long an expatriation will last! (And you will have plenty of time to rest haha later!).
Not yet decided? DONATE!
You will always be able to return home if things go wrong, but you will have learned a lot in the meantime.
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? GOOOO (But organize a little bit more your first expatriation …).
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? After several experiments, I avoid saying what I do and where I go unless the person asks because people tended to say that I vented etc. In the end, what they do not understand is that it is my daily I do also work / school metro dodo, I have taxes and responsibilities as if I were in France, they are not Extended vacation. After I do not hide that my daily life is not exactly the same since I do not eat the same things, speak the same language, do not go out to the same places and so on. By dint of rubbing shoulders with expat friends, expatriation in itself becomes extremely normal.
Otherwise I would only talk about it well, because that’s how I saw it. Personally the distance with my loved ones is not a few things I live wrong, and it makes my reunion in France much more intense !!
A word for the end perhaps? A big thank you to Astrid for this article and these questions that made me think a lot about why I left, and from time to time it’s nice to remember how fantastic it is!
Follow Anne Laure on her blog, Twitter and Instagram.
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Zoë, 25 years old, lives in San Francisco, California, USA for 5 years. This is THE surprise 2016 on social media. Find by chance a French blogger who lives in SF and who is from … Valence. Yes, you read correctly. Good they say of Valence but like me it is Ardéchoise;) A good reason to return to San Francisco, that I had adored in 2015, to speak cheese and sausages. (Even without telling you where she was you would have guessed through one of her answers below).
A funny anecdote about your departure? On leaving for California my suitcase was full of t-shirts and shorts, I quickly realized that San Francisco had its own climate …
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation: My professional situation: I work in a Consulate with the French community, which allows me to rub shoulders with other expats who have taken the same way of life as me.
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? Travel as much and discover all these new landscapes.
The most surprising product you’re missing? Something I would never find abroad, already that it is not always easy to find everywhere in France: The ravioles. I dream of a good gratin of ravioles.
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? The ease with which one can communicate and stay in touch with loved ones. Skype, Whatsapp, Messenger, otherwise expatriation would be much less easy to live on a daily basis.
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? When I arrived in the USA I did not speak a word of English. I admit to having often had moments of solitude with the barrier of the tongue. I think back to the day I wanted to order a Coca Cola Light at the restaurant, instead of a “Diet Coke”! Why did you translate the English version into English?
Advice for future expats? Do not abandon. The expatriation is not an easy choice to assume every day, there are ups and downs but the game is worth the candle. But my advice number one would be to find out before you make the decision to go: get information about the country, visas, the cost of living, and so on.
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? Do not hesitate, go!
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? It is an incredible experience, sometimes hard with some compromises, but so great to live.
A word for the end perhaps? Your second life begins when you realize you have only one.
Follow Zoë on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and her blog fewmilesaway.com
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Julia, 26, lived in the US and Mexico. Since 2 years lives in Barcelona, Spain. Co-founder of the girlfriends community Hey Les Copines. After months of virtual exchanges real meeting in Lyon with Maëve. Julia is like we know each other for years, it’s the spontaneity of a call like that because she wants to chat. It is honest conversations and plans for the future to end.
A funny anecdote about your departure? “Chance does things right” I was in Los Angeles, I had to go through Barcelona and I decided to stay there!
The most important change in your eyes following your expatriation: I am in my third expatriation so I do not have the same challenges today as 5 years back. If I had to choose a recent one it would probably be the arrival of my boyfriend in this new country.
A crazy thing you would never have imagined live / do before expatriation? Launch my business! A dream for a few years. First with the @heylescopines community that I co-created with Los Angeles expat girlfriend (big up Caro) and then her extension: my mini studio accompanying the brands in the creation of creative content (photos, Videos, social media). I meet expats entrepreneurs on a daily basis and is that of happiness.
The most surprising product you’re missing? The brilliance Savarin but it’s good I finally found, at Carrefour! Otherwise when I arrived, I did not find any good jam or compote (Andros please).
It is often said that the Internet has changed expatriation, for you it means what? Today it is rather easy to stay in touch, to see the daily life of our loved ones on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat. One feels therefore less the lack, one can join easily. We also realize that there are many in the same situation.
A funny situation that you experienced because of the difference in language? A misunderstanding that is today a funny story? The funniest thing is to be French, to speak Spanish with a Mexican accent, with Catalans: it is very funny to see their reaction and this question “pero de donde eres?”. Every day his dose of haha adventures.
Advice for future expats? When you arrive in a new city, say yes to everything. This is the mood in which I went to each country and it was he who allowed me to live incredible moments.
If you could say a word to your 15-year-old in relation to your current situation? “You see I told you” I realize a little all my dreams of expats of the time. I did not know where or how, but I wanted to discover the world, to speak several languages in my daily life.
Finally if you had to explain your feelings about expatriation to someone you meet in the street, what would you say? I think that expatriation is the best of adventures to get even closer to his homeland and realize how lucky we are to be French.
A word for the end perhaps? Hasta luego chicos. Nos vemos en Barcelona!
Follow Julia on Instagram and Twitter. Also on Hey Les Copines: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et le blog.
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Thanks to the girls for sharing their experiences, for making us travel a little tonight, beautiful continuation to all and for those that I have not yet met in real soon! I loved reading.
Belle soirée mes petits loups à frange.
