Paris English Forums

sarinka

I'm a 33 year old female. I've only been to paris once but didn't want to leave. I've been thinking for a while about moving there.
So how do I get a VISA?
Is it easy to find a job there?
What are the salaries in comparison to US? Expenses?
Thank you.

flower_curator · Paris Forums Visitor Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 70

In general, salaries are lower than they are in the U.S. and as you have probably realized already, prices are higher than the U.S. in many categories such as fuel, clothing, and taxes.
On the other hand, if you are working for an American company and getting paid in US$, it might work out for you.

politicgirls

Rent is getting ridiculous!!! Most places expect up to three months rent in advance as a deposit ... appartements are small, it's quite normal to find couples living in 320ft square. And paying your utility bills is no more fun in Paris than anywhere else in teh world but ... I love the place and can't see me leaving for a long while yet.

sekopunt_pr

Heh, living somewhere and visiting are two totally different experiences. Life becomes life again, really fast...

Nikollas · Paris Forums Visitor Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 67

All of the above are true. Paris is expensive. Going as a student may be your best option. Accomodations are small. Will it be easy? No!
Many things in life are difficult but we do them anyways.
Is it different visiting a place than living there? Yes.
If you want it enough you will find a way to do it.

flower_curator · Paris Forums Visitor Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 70

I have thought of moving to Paris myself. However, it's not easy as I have a family. Next up I don't even speak fluent French. And I understand that you need to get a job first or have one lined up. If not then you'll need alot of funds to live off from. And it's not easy to get an apartment as well. But you are single and young and if you've got determination anything is possible.

Nikollas · Paris Forums Visitor Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 67

As a UK citizen, I could move to Paris any time I want! But the problem is, you could only afford an out-of-town appartment. To be honest, if you go too far outside of Paris, the outskirts aren't all that nice. If you can afford an inner city apartment, find some work in Paris and apply for a temporary works visa.

sarinka

wow im getting more and more excited everytime i check this! Okay so this is my plan so far. The hardest part is going to be saving up money so i wont need to struggle with finding a job.
If i only go for 3 months (which sounds like the easyest way) I am thinking i'll need to save up at least $10,000 (please let me know if you think ill need more or less) I've heard that you can rent apartments in paris for vacations, do you think it would be possible to rent one for 3 months? this way i wont have to worry about furnishing it. (does anyone know of any websites for a place like that?) I'm hoping that i can find one for about $1,000 a month. that will leave me with $7000 for everything else. does anyone know if utilities are included in vacation apartments? what else will i need to spend money on besides food? (I dont eat very much so im not planning on spending that much on food) alot of people keep saying to go as a student. I dont want to go for school i want to be able to just take in all that paris has to offer without worrying about homework or tests. however i would love to take a french class. i was thinking about taking one before i go, but it might be easier to learn while im there. will taking one class make me a student? able to get all the cool student discounts? Well thank you all again for all the info. And for all of you who are telling me to go for it while im young and still can, as long as i can save up the money I'M SO GOING!!!!!!