Interview With an Expat: Yasmine (Paris, France)

Hey hey! Meet Yasmine!

We spent a semester of university behind a barista counter together, steaming frothy milk and discussing our international dreams (we actually did the same semester program in London, although during different semesters). Add being internationally inclined with being a ridiculously hard worker, and it’s no wonder that Yasmine managed to relocate her life to Paris straight out of college. Read on to find out how she did it!

*answers have been edited for length and clarity
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Why France?
When I attended Pacific Lutheran University, I did a study away program in London. Since I was in 3^rd grade I dreamed of going to London so when I got the chance to go I jumped on it. During the program my roommate at the time asked if I wanted to go to Paris. I think I said something along the lines of “Oh I am not really interested in Paris. It just seems so overrated.” We went to Paris and my first view of it was coming out of the RER station Saint-Michele and seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was love at first sight. When I went back to the states to finish my senior year of university I missed Paris not London! I knew as soon as I got back I was going to move to Paris after graduation and five days after the ceremony I moved.

What was your greatest fear/hesitation before moving?
Honestly I had no fears or hesitations before moving that were major. I think my biggest fear–which is hilarious to look back at now–was that I would miss the person I had a huge crush on behind and they would continue their life without thinking about me as much as I thought about them. They say traveling is the best cure for love issues and I guess it’s true because I got over it within a few months. The other fear was agreeing to be a family’s AuPair and wondering if it would work out without them being serial killers. Guess what? It did work out! And I am still alive.

What things do you look forward to most during the week?
Right now, the thing I look forward to most during the week is sleeping. It is a new ball game living abroad, working, and doing my Masters. If I were to choose a fun thing to look forward to it would be hanging out with my friends. We also go to cafés, expositions, or go on walks. I love just chilling out in a café for hours with a friend, talking to each other, and people watching.

Where do you hope this experience will take you?
I hope this experience takes me to running randomly into Timothée Chalamet while walking along the windy roads of Montmartre. I am wearing a very fashionable outfit that makes me look very smart. He looks into my eyes, we automatically fall in love, and we run away into to French sunset and lots of babies. I know this will happen, so I am not planning any other future. Just kidding. I plan on committing to getting to a C1 level in French, so I can do my PhD here into two years. I probably will try to learn German or Italian before applying for a PhD program. Something you will learn while being abroad is speaking 2+ languages is no big deal.

Any advice for those looking to move abroad?
Advice for those who are looking to move abroad…  Know from the start that it isn’t some fantasy land and it isn’t for everybody. There is a HUGE difference between visiting a place and living in a place. You have to do all the things you would have to doing at home but in another country. That means dealing with forms in another language, learning how the national systems work, what your rights are, working in a place you imagined was just a holiday, and learning another language!! There is nothing that hurts my soul more than listening to expatriates who live in another place for more than two years and do not bother to learn the language because “they get by with English.” I find it very rude to live in another country and still expect to be catered to.
Also, know that it is okay to be homesick when living in another country and wanting to go home! No one should feel forced to keep living abroad because they are told this is the only time in their lives they will be able to do this. You are not failing anyone by deciding to return home because you’re making the choice for yourself.
Also, come to the country with a savings account because you will blow your money even if you tell yourself you won’t. Remember: you cannot have champagne taste on a beer budget.
Okay, now that I am done with my lecturing…The great thing about living in another country is adapting to the culture that comes with it. In France I go to the marché (meaning a market NOT a store) to do my shopping. I have to go to separate places to get my produce, meat, dairy products, etc. I never run for anything even if I am in a hurry because I learned to accept being tardy to things. I love the friends I have met here and the stories of how we met because they are unique. We got to bookstores, coffee shops, expositions, and concerts together on the regular. Living in France is my intellectual self’s’ dream. I now tuck my shirt in, wear hoop earrings, and buy staple items to look trés chic. I make noises to tell the person walking in front of me they are pissing my off by not moving to the side. I fight for a metro seat. My PNW appearance and self is slowly being taken over with my new fierce Parisian self.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Thanks for reading about Yasmine’s road abroad! Could you see yourself as an Au Pair? Here’s one site to get you started!