Bonjour!
I'm an American and I'm interested in learning more about everyday life in France and would like get to know new people. I've been to Paris only once, unfortunately, but I am planning to return (perhaps forever). I am curious to learn about French and(or) Parisian culture from native French or fellow France enthusiasts/travelers.
A job counselor asked me why I majored in French in college, and to simply say that because it was irresistable to me sounded like my heart was ruling my head. She gave me the impression that in today's economy in addition to socio-cultural factors pertaining to the region where I live, learning French could be in effect just a hobby. My sister criticized me based on that idea, mostly because she's aware of the degrees of seperation concerning me and opportunities to actually use French, especially in person with native speakers from France. My mom doubts the possibility of me earning money from knowing at least enough French to carry a "trivial" conversation, or small talk, and I remember a former French professor in college (who was not a Frenchman) told me that a master's degree is absolutely necessary to attain French-related employment, especially the kind that grants opportunities to be an expat in France. I don't have one, and there's no way I could get one because of financial reasons. I went home hoping he was wrong. I don't want to deem my learning of French to have been a waste, only to be used merely as a thing to sound cute at parties with!
And I was disappointed to learn from research that it takes more than just fluency in French, some money, and a passport to be able to go to France with enough time to actually accomplish things there and develop a social (and dating) life there. It seems like the rules now are harder than ever and that Americans who are interested have to be among the ones who get lucky enough to be selected by the company they work for (the visa thing, etc.) or something else with similar conditions.
Even worse for me, where I live is a place where chances to meet actual French people visiting America are few and far between. I've always been starry-eyed at people who have been to France even as only temporary visitors, and wondering to what degree their level of French gained them favor, receiving nice treatment, and maybe even a friend or two. I remain most in awe of American people who manage to marry into the culture, as if they were movie stars or something, even if I don't meet them in person. To me they are the exceptional among francophiles.
Anyone here have any thoughts or advice on this? It's a big deal for me while I don't want to commit myself to a career where getting involved with the French would be unlikely, and I don't want to keep my knowledge of the language limited to being just something "frivolous" I enjoy and am willing to pay money for, like recreational horseback riding.
Comments
Bonjour!
Bonjour!
I'm an American and I'm interested in learning more about everyday life in France and would like get to know new people. I've been to Paris only once, unfortunately, but I am planning to return (perhaps forever). I am curious to learn about French and(or) Parisian culture from native French or fellow France enthusiasts/travelers.
Thanks for all your time,
~Layla~
salut
Hi my name is Sabrina I am 17 years old I live near Paris I'm looking correspondent who lives in USA if you want to know more leave my e-mail
what about london
will you consider a guy in london for a friend.if yes,let us start some frindship.you will not regret it
Learning The Language Beforehand
A job counselor asked me why I majored in French in college, and to simply say that because it was irresistable to me sounded like my heart was ruling my head. She gave me the impression that in today's economy in addition to socio-cultural factors pertaining to the region where I live, learning French could be in effect just a hobby. My sister criticized me based on that idea, mostly because she's aware of the degrees of seperation concerning me and opportunities to actually use French, especially in person with native speakers from France. My mom doubts the possibility of me earning money from knowing at least enough French to carry a "trivial" conversation, or small talk, and I remember a former French professor in college (who was not a Frenchman) told me that a master's degree is absolutely necessary to attain French-related employment, especially the kind that grants opportunities to be an expat in France. I don't have one, and there's no way I could get one because of financial reasons. I went home hoping he was wrong. I don't want to deem my learning of French to have been a waste, only to be used merely as a thing to sound cute at parties with!
And I was disappointed to learn from research that it takes more than just fluency in French, some money, and a passport to be able to go to France with enough time to actually accomplish things there and develop a social (and dating) life there. It seems like the rules now are harder than ever and that Americans who are interested have to be among the ones who get lucky enough to be selected by the company they work for (the visa thing, etc.) or something else with similar conditions.
Even worse for me, where I live is a place where chances to meet actual French people visiting America are few and far between. I've always been starry-eyed at people who have been to France even as only temporary visitors, and wondering to what degree their level of French gained them favor, receiving nice treatment, and maybe even a friend or two. I remain most in awe of American people who manage to marry into the culture, as if they were movie stars or something, even if I don't meet them in person. To me they are the exceptional among francophiles.
Anyone here have any thoughts or advice on this? It's a big deal for me while I don't want to commit myself to a career where getting involved with the French would be unlikely, and I don't want to keep my knowledge of the language limited to being just something "frivolous" I enjoy and am willing to pay money for, like recreational horseback riding.
Carolyn