- Reality: Many expats arrive with basic French
- Solution: Commitment to learning upon arrival
- Tips: Start now, be patient with yourself, embrace mistakes
"I won't find work"
- Reality: Job market varies by sector and location
- Solution: Network before arrival, consider transitional work
- Tips: LinkedIn France, specialized job boards, professional associations
"I'll miss home too much"
- Reality: Homesickness is normal and manageable
- Solution: Build new community while maintaining home connections
- Tips: Regular video calls, find cultural communities, create familiar spaces
"French bureaucracy is impossible"
- Reality: It's complex but navigable
- Solution: Preparation and patience
- Tips: Keep copies of everything, use expat forums, consider paid assistance
"Healthcare seems complicated"
- Reality: French healthcare is excellent once you're in the system
- Solution: Temporary private insurance until established
- Tips: Research Carte Vitale process, understand reimbursements
"My qualifications won't be recognized"
- Reality: Process exists for most professions
- Solution: Start recognition process early
- Tips: ENIC-NARIC for degrees, professional bodies for licenses