Relocating to a different country often unfolds as a powerful journey filled with challenges, surprises, and enriching experiences. This is true for an American family of three who decided to move to France two years ago. What started as a planned one-year sabbatical transformed into a permanent relocation, offering insight into the realities of embracing a new culture, adapting to a foreign education system, and finding a sense of belonging through friendships.
The Decision to Move
The family’s journey began in August 2022, when they left the United States with the idea of spending a year in France. This timing coincided with their daughter Juliana’s transition from elementary school to middle school, a change they felt was neither easy nor widely celebrated. They chose this moment to embark on this adventure, hoping that a fresh environment might ease the challenges of growing up and school transitions.
Once they arrived in France, their excitement only grew. The first months showed how much they loved their new surroundings, leading them not just to extend their stay but to buy a home. To support other families considering similar moves, they also started a YouTube channel sharing honest, practical advice about living in France.
Navigating the Education System
A key question many parents have when moving abroad concerns their children’s education. How will they adjust to a new school, especially if the language is unfamiliar? Juliana did not know French before moving. The family had about five months to prepare, during which they took some French classes. Despite their efforts, the limited time meant Juliana’s knowledge was mainly basic greetings and simple phrases.
Originally, the family planned to homeschool Juliana using France as a flexible base, but a recent law made homeschooling nearly impossible. The regulations allow only a few exceptions, such as illness or specialized athletic training, and impose complex administrative requirements on homeschooling families. This led them to enroll Juliana in a local public middle school, known as a “collège” in France.
Their assigned school was chosen based on proximity, not reputation, a departure from the careful school selection familiar in the United States. Remarkably, this “luck of the draw” placement turned out to be a positive experience. The French government requires children aged three to sixteen to attend school, regardless of their language skills. It also ensures schools provide language support through a program called FLE (“Français Langue Étrangère,” or French as a Foreign Language), similar to ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in the U.S.
The quality of the FLE program depends on the school’s familiarity with immigrant students. Some small village schools have minimal resources, but the collège that Juliana attended had many immigrant children and a strong FLE program. For the first year, she spent about half her school time in FLE classes to build her French skills. The rest of the time, she joined mainstream classes with native French-speaking peers.
Living in a Rural French Town
The family settled in a small rural community with about 2,900 residents, surrounded by two other small towns. The collège served approximately 500 students from this wider area. Juxtaposed against the expectation that one must live in a big city to benefit from cultural immersion and good schools, their experience tells a different story.
Juliana found that the smaller town setting encouraged closer relationships. She formed a tight-knit group of three friends who accepted her for who she was, embracing her status as an American and finding interest in her background. This community interest helped ease social challenges and fostered belonging. The town’s size and the school’s welcoming attitude combined to create an environment conducive to connection and learning.
Meanwhile, their son, Charlie, attended a high school that drew students from surrounding towns. To fully immerse himself in French culture and education, he lived in on-campus dorms during the school week. Though the family home was nearby, this arrangement maximized his exposure to daily French life and made it easier to adapt. For Charlie, the boarding experience was a practical choice that allowed him to build friendships and participate fully in school life.
Building Friendships and Cultural Bonds
Social integration plays a crucial role in making an international move successful, especially for children. Juliana’s experience in a smaller community meant people welcomed her curiosity and background. The friendliness of local students went beyond casual greetings. Her son found that everyone at his school—from fellow students to staff—cared about his success. They included him in WhatsApp groups, shared class notes, and offered support.
This level of care and attention surprised them, contrasting with the more individualistic atmosphere they were used to in the United States. The collective commitment to education in France means that schools actively encourage newcomers to succeed. Daily interactions, whether with the lunch staff or administrators, reflect a shared value placed on learning and community.
The family noted that in French culture, education and food rank as two of the most important things in daily life. Good food nurtures the body, while quality education nurtures the mind. This balance contributes to the country’s distinctive way of life, where families and communities enjoy meals together and children grow in supportive schools.
Experiencing French Culture Beyond School
Living in France gave this family many opportunities to absorb everyday French culture. From local markets to festivals and daily routines, they saw the charm of life in a rural French town firsthand. The slower pace compared to urban centers allowed them to build meaningful connections.
They embraced food traditions, language nuances, and social customs, creating a richer, fuller experience than a typical tourist visit. The family realized that cultural immersion extends beyond language classes or school attendance—it involves engaging with neighbors, sharing meals, participating in community events, and opening oneself to new ways of living.
Challenges and Rewards of the Journey
Their story shows that adapting to a new country comes with hurdles. Language barriers, navigating bureaucratic rules, and adjusting to educational expectations require patience and flexibility. Changing plans due to legal regulations about homeschooling required swift decision-making. Yet these challenges also brought unexpected gifts—strong friendships, access to supportive public education, and a greater appreciation for community values.
They illustrate that relocating as a family involves collective effort and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Successful adjustment often happens gradually and benefits from openness to different cultural norms. Being part of a smaller community made social connection easier and helped the children feel valued and understood.
Sharing Knowledge and Encouraging Others
Recognizing the many questions families have about international moves, this family began sharing their experiences on a YouTube channel called “Baguette Bound.” Their channel focuses on practical advice about living in France, including schooling, housing, language learning, and cultural integration.
Such resources help other families make informed decisions and reduce the anxiety of the unknown. Their honesty about both struggles and successes adds credibility and hope for those considering a similar journey.
Conclusion
This American family’s story reveals how embracing a new adventure in France has transformed their lives. From initial uncertainty to confident belonging, they found opportunities in education, friendships, and culture. Their experience shows that though moving abroad can feel daunting, the rewards of connection and growth can be profound.
Living in a small rural town with access to supportive schools and welcoming communities helped their children thrive linguistically and socially. Their openness to the French way enriched their understanding of education and culture, deepening their appreciation for the everyday joys of life in France.
For families thinking about relocating, this story offers a clear message: courage, flexibility, and willingness to engage with a new culture unlock the potential for meaningful experiences and lasting bonds.
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