Je souhaite des conseils pour préparer une expatriation en Amérique latine, ou sinon en Indonésie, en Inde ou en Asie. Je suis un homme célibataire de 47 ans et je rentre juste d’un tour du monde de 2 ans (lire mon blog ici) dont 11 mois passés en Amérique latine et j’ai une énorme envie d’aller m’installer là-bas (j’ai eu un coup de foudre pour le mode de vie et l’état d’esprit latino), ou éventuellement en Indonésie, en Inde ou en Asie.
POUR BOSSER SOIT DANS LE PUBLIC
Je suis fonctionnaire administratif de catégorie A (équivalent du premier niveau de cadre dans le privé). Bien sûr, je vais postuler sur des postes de fonctionnaire expatrié (directeur d’une alliance française, secrétaire général d’un institut culturel, responsable administratif d’un lycée ou collège) mais la concurrence est vive et je n’ai aucune certitude d’y parvenir (d’autant que mon niveau de langues est correct mais pas excellent).
SOIT DANS LE PRIVE
Donc en cas d’échec je prendrai quelques années sabbatiques pour travailler à l’étranger dans le privé (dans la fonction publique on a droit à 10 années sabbatiques dans toute sa carrière, donc il m’en reste 8).
EN ATTENDANT DE PARTIR
Durant les 2 prochaines années j’envisage de me reconstituer une petite épargne (après mon tour du monde mes comptes bancaires étaient à zéro), de finir de rembourser (encore 2 ans) mon prêt immobilier de mon petit appartement afin de pouvoir ensuite le louer, de faire la formation DAEFLE (prof de français pour les étrangers) avec le CNED, d’améliorer mon niveau de langues vivantes pour passer des certifications en anglais et espagnol.
QUELS CONSEILS POUR RÉUSSIR ?
Quels conseils me donneriez-vous pour réussir une expatriation ? Quels sont pour vous les avantages et les inconvénients (les difficultés) d’une expatriation? Quels sont les pièges à éviter ? C'est dur de trouver du boulot en tant que français ? Et pour le visa de travail ça se passe comment ? Et pour les problèmes de santé ? Bref, que feriez-vous si vous étiez dans ma situation ?
LA CULPABILITÉ DE LAISSER SES VIEUX PARENTS EN FRANCE
Une des principales choses qui me freine pour ce projet d’expatriation c’est l’âge de mes parents (73 et 76 ans, pour l’instant ils sont en bonne santé) : si je pars, alors je ne les verrai au mieux qu’une seule fois par an…
_généralement monter sa boîte quand on bouge à l'étranger mais si on l'a jamais fait.Attention être patron c'est des compétences et un état d'esprit pas donné à tous le monde...
Les associations avec les locaux terminent généralement mal, on est considéré comme la vache à lait.Donc mieux vaut commencer petit et partir sur un commerce demandant peu d'investissement et se former dans cette branche ...
voilà vite fais ce que je peux te dire perso j'ai une préférence pour l'Asie
“Le temps sera le maître de celui qui n'a pas de maître.”
Attention être patron c'est des compétences et un état d'esprit pas donné à tous le monde...
ça c'est la vision particulière de la mentalité française, pour faire tourner une entreprise il faut faire des grandes écoles et avoir des diplômes, êre l'homme providentiel...ce qui n'est pas tout à fait faux non plus 😛
Etre patron c'est une chose faire tourner une entreprise c'est une autre mais j'écrirais une banalité, être patron ça ne veut absolument rien dire si l'entreprise ne fait pas un minimum de chiffre d'affaire et n'a pas de clients....
n'importe qui sortant d'une grande école de commerce peut se dire entrepreneur , moi aussi je peux très bien me dire entrepreneur.
Le problème encore une fois c'est qu'il faut se focaliser plutôt sur la manière de faire du chiffre d'affaire bref avoir un marché et une clientèle plutôt que de se dire entrepreneur...simple question de pragmatisme.
Et ceci contrairement à ce que la culture française veut bien nous faire croire.
et un état d'esprit pas donné à tous le monde...
dans la vision spécifiquement française oui , les entreprises sont régies par des "hommes providentiels" ( je ne citerai personne 😎)
Mais l'économie d'entreprise c'est pas du tout ça , le seul état d'esprit à avoir c'est la satisfaction du client et le chiffre d'affaires, les bénéfices bref des choses bien triviales
C'est essentiellement pour ces raisons que l'économie française fonctionne très mal et qu'il y a des chômeurs
Quels conseils me donneriez-vous pour réussir une expatriation ?
brièvement pour pouvoir s'expatrier il faut en avoir les moyens financiers évidemment à moins d'avoir gagné des millions au loto.
En gagnant des millions au loto évidemment on peut s'expatrier par passion et faire des choses par passion ( bénévolat, humanitaire..)
Mais étant donné que c'est l'économie de marché qui régit la planète ( c'est pas du tout politique ce que j'écris ne pas mélanger avec des notions comme le capitalisme merci), bref quiconque veut s'expatrier doit apporter des compétences particulières pour pouvoir être embauché dans une entreprise à l'étranger.
Ensuite il faut que les entreprises d'un pays soient en croissance économique sinon elles procédent à des réductions d'effectifs
Donc moralité il faut prévoir un plan B et retour en France
Là j'ai évoqué la dimension économique et professionnelle , la dimension sociale en est une autre...
la dimension sociale que l'on peut parfois négliger au détriment des questions d'emploi est à prendre sérieusement en compte également.
Bref savoir si on peut vraiment s'intégrer dans un autre pays, une autre société...
Non pas besoin de faire les grandes écoles de commerces je te rejoins sur tes propos.Y a des personnes qui ne sont pas faites pour être à leur compte pas l'état d'esprit.
Pour me faire comprendre comme t'en as qui n'arrive pas à voyager.
Sinon la situation française je veux même pas en parler c'est déprimant.Et c'est verrouiller de partout avec des tas de postes emplois
qui ne servent qu'à parasiter.Sur 100 € alloué pour un objectif y a 10 € qui va y arriver.
Bref!Cela va faire mal quand ça va se casser la gueule...😐
“Le temps sera le maître de celui qui n'a pas de maître.”
My name is Deborah, I’m French. I’m married and have two children. I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in psychotraumatology, and I’m also pursuing medical studies.
For some time now, I’ve been seriously considering moving to the United States. My long-term goal is to practice medicine in the U.S., with a particular interest in forensic pathology. I know the journey is demanding (USMLE, residency, fellowship, etc.), but I’m ready to commit to several years of hard work.
For now, I’m focused on building this project thoughtfully. I want to improve my English, better understand the American system, and connect with people who’ve already gone through this process or are living in the U.S.
I have a few questions:
- Are there any doctors or international students here who’ve successfully matched into a U.S. residency?
- When did you start preparing for the USMLE?
- What advice would you give to someone still in medical school?
- Which states would you recommend for a future career in forensic pathology, with a good quality of life and good schools for kids?
- Is it better to do an observership or a research fellowship before applying for residency?
- What are, in your opinion, the pitfalls to avoid when planning such a project?
Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to respond. I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!
Hi everyone, my son’s school is offering him a one-month Erasmus trip to Ireland, but he has to find a junior cycle school that will accept him and a host family on his own. Honestly, we’re struggling—we’ve contacted two schools and haven’t heard back! If you have any leads...
What price should I expect to pay for a modest small apartment or a large room in a bedroom community in Quito? Are restaurants and food expensive? And which airline is best to travel from Montreal? Thanks for your answers
I’m considering moving to Miami to live and work for a few years.
If anyone knows what the administrative formalities are—both for getting a work permit and for the steps and reputable organizations to contact (since I imagine there are scammers in this space) when buying a studio in Miami or Miami Beach—I’d love any info you can share!
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has already had the experience of working abroad?
I don’t have a specific country in mind yet, so I’m open to hearing about your experiences on this topic—the pros and cons, etc.
Hi there!
I’m a young Malian looking to work in Morocco. Besides a passport, what other documents are required at the **Moroccan** border?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there. I’m planning to move to Luxembourg around December 2025 or January 2026. I’ll be looking for a job and settling in. My question is: is it too complicated to find housing? Is the job market more advantageous and easier than in France? I’m open to any information that could help me.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences about marrying a Cuban and moving to Cuba (not the other way around!). Yes, some of us actually *want* to stay on the island! Is it possible to work there without too much hassle, or is it really complicated?
I’m heading to Bangkok for a 5-month internship, and I’m wondering about the budget because I’ve read all sorts of things—so I decided to post here to get answers tailored to my situation! :D
I found housing that costs me 7,000 baht (I know it’s a bit pricey, but it’s super convenient...), which works out to about 160 € all-inclusive. So, I was wondering if it’s realistic to live on 500 or 600 € per month, and if so, under what conditions? Is that enough, considering I’ll be working 40 hours a week?
Thanks in advance for your replies—I hope they’ll reassure me!
WEP offers loads of different projects, including one I really like: helping and volunteering on a farm, particularly in South America (Peru or Argentina).
I’d love to know if anyone has tried this project or knows someone who has... or has done something similar? I’d like to get some feedback before diving into the adventure.
If so, could you share your thoughts on the project, any tips, etc.?
Hi there,
Our departure time is getting closer (we have less than 2 years left—it’s both a long time and so short!). To start preparing seriously, we’ll need quite a bit of info. If anyone knows the rates charged by movers for a crate to French Polynesia, or what pitfalls to avoid (I know you can get quotes directly from movers, but I’d love insights from actual customers😉).
Are there any special requirements before leaving France (aside from taxes...)?
Thanks to everyone for your help—every bit of info is useful. We’re aiming for a departure around 06/2010 (just need to save up a little more...).
Thanks again!
Hi, I’m a self-employed physiotherapist in France, and as my wife (a nurse) and I look into working abroad in about two years, I’ve been offered an equivalence to become a respiratory physiotherapist in Switzerland. Actually, I’m currently doing a postgraduate diploma in pediatric respiratory physiotherapy and want to specialize in that area. Anyway, that’s not the main point—could anyone explain the pros and cons of doing this job in Switzerland? Based on the paperwork I’ve received, the equivalence seems purely administrative or almost... What about working conditions, quality of life, salaries, etc.?
Thanks for your replies.
PS: Same question for my wife, a nurse, regarding her integration.
I’m looking for information about jobs in early childhood in New Caledonia. I’m currently a childminder in a MAM (multi-accueil) and I’ve also worked for about 6 years in several daycare centers as a childcare assistant.
In the summer of 2026, my husband is being transferred to New Caledonia. We’ll be living near Nouméa. Do you know if the early childhood sector is a good field for jobs there?
Can’t wait to discover this island! Right now, we’re in the middle of all the administrative paperwork for our 3 kids, finding housing, bringing our cat to the territory, and so on!
Thanks for your feedback!!
Hi there,
I’ve been living in Bali for a month now, but unfortunately on a VOA visa. I’m looking for a European company that’s set up in Indonesia. I’m in electrotechnical maintenance—air conditioning, cold rooms, 220V/380V electricity. I’ve been a tradesperson for 3 months and can bring my full professional toolkit. If anyone’s interested, let me know!
You can send me a message.
Best regards,
I’d love to go to Japan to travel, and if things go well, work there too.
Has anyone tried finding a job there? Is it even possible without speaking Japanese?
I’m thinking of starting out in restaurants (dishwashing or serving) and then moving into my field, IT.
I’d like to move to Spain, specifically to Málaga.
To do that, I’d like to know if I’ll need any official documents from France to work there, or anything like that...
I’d also love to hear from people who’ve moved to Spain for work—do Spaniards like the French? Is it hard to fit in? What are the salary ranges for a ready-to-wear salesperson? And is it easy to find housing?
My partner and I currently live in Antibes—we’re both freelancers working remotely. We’re thinking about potentially moving to Italy.
We’d like to settle near the French border, between Ventimiglia and San Remo (this is important because we need access to Nice Airport twice a month). ✈️
I’d love to hear about life in this region! We’re looking for a quiet spot close to the sea. Any recommendations? As for the paperwork, is it difficult to get everything official? Is finding housing tough in this area? What kind of guarantees are usually required? If any kind soul could shed some light on this, we’d really appreciate it! 🥺🏻
I'm looking for an au pair who'd like to come to Bournemouth in the south of England, and I'd love to know what the best websites are to find one, please.
I’d like to get some information about my eligibility for the DV Lottery.
About my background:
• I earned a *Bac Pro* through VAE (*Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience*), issued by the *Éducation nationale*.
• I also have a professional certification as a *Conseiller en Insertion* (Employment Counselor), issued by the Ministry of Labor.
• Altogether, this adds up to a *Bac+2* level.
I’d like to know if this level qualifies me to apply for the DV Lottery.
Regarding my work experience:
• I work as an *Employment Counselor*.
• I checked on O*Net Online for the classification: Job Zone 4, SVP Range: 7.0 – <8.0.
• I only have one year of experience, but I handle similar tasks in business creation.
So my question is: can I apply for the DV Lottery despite my relatively short experience, given that my job falls under Job Zone 4?
I’m looking for info on villages around Aix, like Fuveau, Bouc-Bel-Air, or even Éguilles and Venelles?
We’re a couple with a child living in the Paris region, and I’ll be relocating to Aix-en-Provence in spring 2026. We’d love to swap our apartment for a house with a pool within 20-30 minutes max of central Aix, with a budget of around 650k €.
In terms of climate and geography, I’ve read that Aix is in a basin where it can get really hot. What about the surrounding villages that are a bit more elevated, like Venelles? Is it just as stifling?
Starting this spring, we want to settle near Aix-en-Provence. We're tired of living in the mountains with all the snow—we really need some sunshine and a fresh start. Is it hard to find a house to rent there? What about prices? If you have any great tips or useful info about the area, we’d love to hear it. I work in education and want to do prevention work in Marseille or Aix—are there jobs in the social sector?
Anyway, we need tons of info, but we’re sure we’re going to take the leap—no hesitation, adventure is adventure!!!
Thanks for your help and any experiences you can share.
I’m an osteopath and I’d like to set up and open an osteopathy practice in Thailand. I don’t have a precise location in mind yet, but I’m thinking maybe Hua Hin.
I saw there’s an osteopath based in Phuket, so I wrote to him for some info, but he still hasn’t replied🤪!
So I’m reaching out to people who live there or know the country well:
I’d like to know what the best ways are to advertise and get known in Thailand. Are there any local classifieds newspapers?
First, I’d like to practice from my apartment. Is that allowed in Thailand?
Ideally, I’d like to work part-time in a private hospital as an osteopath. I’m thinking that in Thailand, the medical field is much more open than in Europe!!! Has anyone seen an osteopath or chiropractor working in a Thai hospital? Do you know the price of a consultation?
Any info you can share will be super helpful! Thanks in advance[;)!!!]
Hello everyone,
We’re a small family from the south of France, with a 2-year-old little boy, and we’re dreaming of starting a new adventure abroad by opening our own business. For now, we haven’t chosen a specific destination yet.
We mainly speak French, with a basic level of Spanish and English, and we’re ready to improve these two languages if needed. We’re looking for a multicultural, safe country with quality healthcare and good schools accessible for our son. We’d also love a pleasant place with a mild climate where life is good.
Our idea is to travel to different countries to explore, compare, and refine our project. We’d be really happy to read your tips, experiences, or anecdotes if you’ve already undertaken a similar project or if you know key points to anticipate.
Thanks in advance for your shares and help—it would really help us move forward with our project! 😄
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Dublin as an au pair in a few weeks.
I’m looking for a reputable language school. It’s so hard to choose! Has anyone already done a language stay in Dublin? Any tips? Thanks so much! :)
Hi everyone, so I’m planning to go study at a community college in the U.S., but the only snag is which one—there are so many options over there! I’ve heard about one in California, Diablo Valley College, and another in Florida, Valencia College. I know both states are super attractive for tourism, but my main criteria are teaching quality and price. I’m open to any advice, comments, or suggestions—thanks in advance! The start of the semester is coming up, and I’m a little nervous...
READY, SET...... GO...... TO YOUR KEYBOARDS!!!!!!!! lol
Hi! I’m looking for an apartment in Malaga from September (2025) until January for my Erasmus exchange, but I’m not finding much, and it seems like there are a lot of scams. Does anyone have any leads or tips? Thanks!^^
