Moving to another country: your experiences

Hello, My wife and I want to move to another country. Please share your experiences and give us some advice. See you soon

Congrats to the newlyweds! 🎉

My advice: pick one or more destinations that inspire you, research job opportunities, and go there solo for as long as possible. If it clicks, why not?

Depending on your skills, Quebec is looking for French speakers, for example. But you’ve got to love the cold 🥶 Good luck with your search

Thanks, that's kind of you.

Do you have any information? ;)

Type “immigrating to Quebec” into Google. Here’s an example: https://www.canadavisa.com/quebec-skilled-immigration.html.

It's been 20°C for 5-6 days now... and with climate change, winters are already less cold (the secret to surviving winter: get outside and do winter activities)... and summers are less hot than in France

Hello,

It would help to be a bit more specific in your introduction so we can give you constructive answers. Details to clarify: Your work situation once expatriated (self-employed? remote work? qualifications?...) Your cultural and intercultural interests: which part of the world? What experiences have worked well or not? What socio-economic level? Social security questions (it doesn’t exist everywhere). Do you have children? Schooling considerations to plan for. Etc.

And then, the question we often forget when planning to move abroad: the conditions for returning home (avoid coming back empty-handed—it’s something to think about before leaving).

Best regards, Murielle

Hello,

Thanks for your feedback.

That’s right, we’re a family of three: my son will be 7 soon.

The part of the world we’re interested in is one with a rich culture and open-minded people, especially where sharing and mutual aid are essential values.

So, which country combines both sharing and humanity?

Every country has its strengths and flaws.

As for our return: we own property, so coming back would be easy if needed.

I’m a lawyer and a self-employed professional in this field.

Help us leave a country plagued by hatred of others and contempt for people: France (I’m being realistic, unfortunately) seems doomed to failure and the destruction of cultures and respect. A country without a soul is a country in decline.

We need more details. What languages do you speak, for example? Are you ready to learn a new one? How far are you willing to go? (max X hours by plane), which countries do you like? The ones that appeal to you, etc.

For my part, I live in Japan, so I don’t think my experience would interest you, even though it has a rich culture and is very human.

Every country has a rich culture, and every country has citizens who live by values of sharing and humanity. Just like in France, for example. And every country has its limits when it comes to the richness of its culture and the notions of sharing and humanity. Just like France, for example.

The grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. To realize this for yourself, you need to start with a stay of several weeks, renting accommodation (not Airbnb, mind you—by going there in person and facing reality: business relationships, negotiations, visa issues, the cost of an internet subscription or an electricity bill, health problems, neighborly relations, etc., and immigration laws, which ALL countries have).

Check out expat-dedicated websites, where you’ll read about life experiences—some beautiful, but also ones that involve administrative problems, safety concerns, difficulties integrating, and more.

Hello,

Japan might interest us too—tell me more about it!

Thanks, that’s really kind!

Hello, I think you’re starting off on the wrong foot: generally, people who want to move abroad (when they’re not sent by their company or government) are first drawn to a country (or region, city) they’ve discovered and enjoyed during trips, for example. They then take steps to settle there because they know the environment, have made contacts, explored job opportunities...

"Help us leave a country riddled with hatred for others and contempt for humanity: France (I’m being realistic, unfortunately) seems/appears doomed to failure and the massacre of cultures and respect. A country without a soul is a country in decline."

I’m sorry, but I don’t see my country that way! What about all the volunteer associations working in culture, homework help, welcoming refugees, and so on?

And I agree with Murielle:"Every country has a rich culture, and every country has citizens who live by values of sharing and humanity. Like in France, for example. And every country has limits to the richness of its culture and the notion of sharing and humanity. Like France, for example." The grass isn’t greener elsewhere.

Otherwise, you’re left with throwing darts at a world map! 😉 Christiane

Hello,

We’re not here to debate which country has the best culture, etc.—that’d never end, given everyone’s feelings and knowledge.

My job, which I practice (and I’ll keep the name to myself), gives me a broader perspective on today’s French society and, more importantly, how it’s evolving.

What about the medical aspects (healthcare, hospitals, etc.), education, the justice system (among others)—the foundations of a society—where very concrete indicators are showing a decline? (And I can attest to this, as I deal with all of these daily—and more.)

I’m not here to be pessimistic (and I swear that’s not my nature, quite the opposite), but simply realistic. I don’t watch Hanouna or his ilk, have a Facebook account, or vote for Mélenchon or the extremes to express my dissatisfaction.

Every day, I see the breakdown of our society from every angle (the economic aspect isn’t part of this decline or my perspective).

The foundations that make up our wealth (and my God, it’s vast) are crumbling, and divisions are becoming the norm.

What we’re looking for is a country or place with values and morals—in the noblest sense of the words—untainted by trivialities.

I don’t know what you include in "values" or "morals" (and I respect that), but whatever it is, they’re no longer mine here.

So, please share your experiences to help me shape my own.

Thanks, that’s sweet! Tell me all about Japan—we wanna know everything ;)

You're never as well served as by yourself!

Do your homework and come back to share with us!

Hello,

Sorry? I didn’t understand

A few bits and pieces about expatriating to Japan: - First, you need to find a job, and the company has to sponsor your visa with the authorities to be allowed to immigrate (you also need a certain level of education or X years of experience in your field). - Residence permits range from 1 to 5 years, and permanent residency is granted after 10 years. - Speaking Japanese is essential. - Education isn’t free. - Medical expenses are reimbursed at 70%. - You can buy property, but it’s impossible for a foreigner to take out a bank or mortgage loan. - The provinces are much more affordable (and, in my opinion, friendlier) than the capital. - It’s an ideal country for kids: everything is designed for families, and the Japanese are extremely kind and tolerant toward children.

Thanks so much for this info! :)

Hello,

I think several participants have tried to hint at what they didn’t dare say outright, out of respect and good manners.

Generally, forum members are happy to help complete a traveler’s itinerary, offer additional advice to supplement their research, or answer clear and specific questions.

In your case, what do we have: - A first question so vague and general that, theoretically, the answer could be anything or nothing at all. - A request that seems contradictory with your other message, where you appear to focus exclusively on Quebec. - With all due respect, your wording gives the impression that you feel entitled to information and that you’re not at all open to answers that don’t fully align with your expectations.

From an outsider’s perspective, it comes across as a demand like: "I drop a vague statement, now go find everything I mean by that."

I would’ve gladly suggested Costa Rica, Cambodia, or Croatia, depending on the situation, but what can we advise without knowing your tastes, dislikes, health, or budget? Remember, we don’t have the pleasure of knowing you personally.

On the other hand, if you’d rather avoid doing any research yourself, there are service providers who can put in the effort and satisfy your needs after some tedious legwork. Of course, that will cost you.