Comments on: Expat Spouse Integration: Successfully adjust abroad with your partner

By: Ro

Ro — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 22:58:14 +0000

Hi. Thanks.
I’m a mess right now. I have moved to Catalonia with my partner who is from here. I am new to the language and trying hard to learn, but am just overwhelmed and tired. We live with other Catalans and they are lovely. But some days I wake up feeling OK and then hear them talking Catalan in the kitchen and I just can’t bring myself to get up and go out there. It took us some time to find a place and like minded people to live with. In fact we are sharing everything and trying to live like a family community. As if the whole moving and new language and culture thing wasn’t challenge enough. I wonder am I just not giving myself a chance here. Would living alone with my partner make it easier. So that I can choose somewhat when to go into the language immersion. I just feel tired as I can’t get a break from it. What do you think Charli?
Thanks again, this is the most difficult few months of my life so far.

By: Sophia

Sophia — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 21:50:21 +0000

Hello,

I found your article by accident and just wanted to say thank you. My relationship with my boyfriend has been uncertain as he told me he Is considering moving back to France. There’s a lot we need to work on still but your article gave me some hope that a future is still possible and a new life abroad is possible with a bit of work.

Thanks again!

By: Charli

Charli — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:59:50 +0000

In reply to Zoe. Thanks Zoe! Same, wish I had all this advice before I moved, but hopefully can help those who come after us!

By: Zoe

Zoe — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 21:06:33 +0000

Great advice that can apply to expats to anywhere! My husband and I both moved from our native Australia to Singapore and then to the US. It has challenged me far more than I was prepared for – especially being the “trailing spouse”. I wish I had read an article like this before we started out.

By: Charli

Charli — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:43:36 +0000

In reply to Carol Becker. So happy you found my blog! Yes, it is a constant learning process. Certain things get easier, but there is always something new to discover. Makes life endlessly interesting, if sometimes frustrating of course. Thanks for the comment.

By: Carol Becker

Carol Becker — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 09:38:19 +0000

I found your blog by accident. I decided to read your article because I want to see if you had the same experiences as me. What you wrote is very true. I came to France in 2010 to marry my husband. I am retired so working was not an issue due to my pensions. There have been many up and downs in the 9 years in adapting to the culture. I do not live in Paris but in Bretagne by a smaller city. When I came due to my lack of French my husband was very instrumental in getting me my French documents required. I attended all the sessions the government required. Yes even after 9 years I am still learning. and adapting. Since you are married I do not know if you know after 4 years not 5 you can apply for your carte de resident (10 years). I plan to make your site a must read. Thank you.

By: Charli

Charli — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 22:51:54 +0000

In reply to Graham B. Graham, that is so nice to hear, especially from someone with your experience! Thanks so much for taking the time to share.

By: Charli

Charli — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 22:50:54 +0000

In reply to Sharon. Sorry as an American I am not familiar with how the system works for Europeans. I believe it is quite different than for me.

By: Charli

Charli — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 22:48:25 +0000

In reply to Ariel. Thanks for reading and for the lovely message. Best of luck with your move :)

By: Ariel

Ariel — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 00:11:09 +0000

Thank you so much for these articles, Charli! I’m preparing to move to France with my soon-to-be husband (who is French). We’ve both lived in New York for over 5 years, but we’re excited about the change. Your blog has really helped me realistically mentally prepare and to make sure I’m not doing too much fantasizing 🙂