It is not a secret that starting a business in France is a challenge. There was an article on CNN Money about how talented young entrepreneurs are leaving France to open their doors in more business-friendly areas, such as Silicone Valley, CA. My husband even tried to convince me that we should move to the UK! There are many theories to why entrepreneurs are leaving France, … [Read more...]
Financial Assistance for Childcare in France
The French government provides several options for childcare financial assistance for children between 2.5 months until 6 years old. Children are able to attend nursery school for free at the age of 3 during the day, but can qualify for additional assistance for outside of nursery school hours or for an alternative to nursery school. While most children enter nursery school … [Read more...]
Switching to a French Spouse Visa – Part II
After submitting my paperwork to our local mairie to switch to a French spouse visa, I was told that I would receive a confirmation of receipt from the Caen prefecture within 3 weeks, or by July 26. This receipt would be proof that my visa is processing and that I am here legally since my student visa expires July 22. I would then receive notice from Caen's prefecture before … [Read more...]
Le Livre Bleu is Valuable to First Time Mothers
A sage-femme (midwife) at the hospital I will be delivering at recently provided me with a little book called Le Livre Bleu: L’Enfant du Premier Âge. It is published by the Comité National de L’Enfance for public distribution. I started reading this book and am finding that it is loaded with heaps of useful information. It is divided into three segments: avant la naissance … [Read more...]
Switching from a Student to Spouse Visa in France – Part I
Switching from a student to a spouse visa in France should be a simple task, however, let me introduce you to the French administration. The application process seemed painless while in Bordeaux so we thought we were prepared when we arrived to our new home in Lantheuil. Apparently, every prefecture has its own requirements. So what was true in Bordeaux is now useless … [Read more...]