Info about working in France...

Hi there,

I'm thinking about moving to France on a one year working visa for (hopefully)professional work experience. I have already done a visa in the UK but at the time just worke in bars/restaurants. I have been to France a few times and I also do speak french (but at this time it doesn't flow as nicely as France french).

My question is, has anyone had experience in France in getting professional jobs? Also, due to me obviously not being a permanent resident or citizen, would this pose a problem for me to find decent experience (or permanent jobs)? How does the country accept immigrants/non-citizens?

Any help or info from anyone would be really appreciated!

Hey, if you find out anything, be sure to let me know too.

I'd love to know as well!
I'm finding the whole Visa process very difficult :s

Hi guys,

I'm currently situated in ottawa, canada (hi Candace MArie! yay, someone else from ottawa.boring town, lol).will be going to france in october (exact areas i'm working on now), but if there is anyone who is interested in going to do the work hunt thing or finding a place to stay, or just hang out with another familiar canuck, please feel free to let me know.email address beebz79@yahoo.ca

look fwd to hearing from u guys!

sefia

Hello,

Out of you all who posted your messages in this thread, is there anyone who actually got to France to start looking for a job?

I find it extremely difficult too. Many places tell me they must see me first before deciding. So it looks like we'd have to be there to have a good chance. Not surprising, try finding a job here in Toronto without meeting them, let alone being thousands of miles away without a work permit yet.

Everyone planning on going away for a full year? Travel insurance seem to cost just over $800CAD and some even $1300CAD.

Irene

Hi Irene, should i land a job in france, i will be going for the year, next year, asap. for now, i'm only going for networking purposes for the month of october, so when i return to france a job is already lined up for me.
S.

Canadians would have difficulty getting work without some prior connection or introduction - eg recommended from an associated company or something like that - because we are not European Union citizens. The French (and other highly developed members of the EU) must give priority not only to their own citizens but to other EU nationals.

Probably the best bet for young Canadians is to tap into bilateral (Canada-France) exchange programmes such as the Working Holiday Programme. Info on this can be found on the websites of Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada and of the Canadian Embassy in Paris. John

Hi John,
Thanks for sharing imp. info, i am aware of their internal vs external hiring. however, i am a EU citizen and already have interviews set up, so its simply a qtn of when and where, at least in my case.

i agree, it is a great idea to go thru DFAIT and existing joint programs, esp for students. it never hurts to try!

S.

So jealous of your EU passport. I just got back from 3 years and would love to go back. What kind of jobs are you looking at?
Anyone without EU passport find work and if so how? and what kind?
Erin