What is your name?Ivan Ojounru
What is your current age or age range?
42
What country are you native to?
England
What area of France do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Melun
How long have you lived in France?
3 years
When you moved to France, did you bring your family? What do they think?
I moved here alone.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Yes, any seperation from family can be difficult, but where I moved from is only an hour plane journey from Paris, so my family and friends visit me, and I visit them often.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
I just wanted a change, and thought it a good idea at the time ;)
Why did you choose France, or what factors helped you to decide to choose France?
It's not that far away from England and it is somewhere I always thought of visiting.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
As France is part of the EU, I can live, work and retire here without restriction.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
The language. People often say English is difficult to learn, but I'm sure French is much more difficult.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in France?
Not learning enough French!!
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Finding French freinds who want to practice their English.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Possibly, but I would still like to visit France if that happens.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Speaking English with English people is what I miss the most. Language is much more than words.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
The noise. Where I live now is quiet. It's funny, but I miss living in a big city in a funny sort of way.
Are there the same recreational activities in France?
Yes much the same as in England.
How easy has it been to make new friends in France?
Very easy, it's not wise to generalise I suppose, but all the people I have met up to know have been helpful, warm and patient, especially when it comes to my trying to converse in bad French :)
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Traveling this lovely country.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
Family, friends, routine.
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
Doom and gloom news, negativity, bad weather,
Do you speak the language of France?
Yes, badly :)
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in France, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
You can get by for a while with a little knowledge of the language.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
The E11 card still covers me...I think.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
FUSAC magazine.
What are the top ten things you like about France?
Weather, people, pace of life,
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about France?
Why the shops close early, not open mondays, and closed all day Sundays.
List some things that are more expensive in France
Cloths, food.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Very friendly.
What is the best thing about people in France?
They ar muched more relaxed in general.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to France?
Learn French before you go!
