Living & Working in France
Whether you are going to France for work, study or pleasure, this book is definitely for you. Informal and original, it welcomes you like a friend. Living & Working in France shines a practical, political and cultural spotlight on French values and customs. Genevieve Brame gives you the keys to unlock the mysteries of the country she knows best - her own. She introduces you to your new surroundings and helps you find your way through the labyrinth of administrative and immigration...
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Whether you are going to France for work, study or pleasure, this book is definitely for you. Informal and original, it welcomes you like a friend. Living & Working in France shines a practical, political and cultural spotlight on French values and customs. Genevieve Brame gives you the keys to unlock the mysteries of the country she knows best - her own. She introduces you to your new surroundings and helps you find your way through the labyrinth of administrative and immigration procedures. Sections on the socio-economic environment, the European Union, language, travel, health, home, education and the French lifestyle will provide answers to all your questions. Since 1999, Living and Working in France has made many friends around the world. Their advice about France and the French will interest you, as will the opinions of private and public companies.
About the authorixForewordxPrefacexiAcknowledgementsxvIntroduction11.The French way--les Francais: les usages et les humeurs3Who are the French?4Social contacts and relationships5Courtesy and conformity7The art of living... and living well--art de vivre... et bon vivant13Mode et couture23What gift from France?262.France29Overview30French institutions31Diplomatic relations39France's population in numbers40French but also European44An economic point of view5222 metropolitan regions55100 departments: 96 in the Hexagon58City folk and country folk64A detour in the Ile-de-France673.Living and working in France--resider et travailler en France75Changing places: an old story76French law76International organizations in France95The legal structure of French companies95Organization and hierarchy97Employee representation100Company representation103Foreign representatives104An outline of social legislation104Social security107Taxation--fiscalite113The rhythm of life115Professional ways and customs--us et coutumes professionnels1194.A few words about the French language131A French conversation132The French language132The keys to communication140Learning French143Deciphering codes146The French media1505.Home comforts--accueil tout confort161Where?162Searching for a home163Rental/lease contract--contrat de location/bail167House and personal insurance--assurances du logement et des personnes168Moving in and moving out--demenager et emmenager170DIY173Communications174Dogs and cats181French weather1846.Buyer beware!--consommateur averti!189Money and currency190Shopping198Useful hints203Legal advice--conseils juridiques206Cars and traffic208Security and the police219Travelling2207.For the young--enfants et juniors235The French family236ABC for the little ones238French school241Nursery school--l'ecole maternelle247Primary school: from maternelle to the ecole elementaire248Secondary school: from 6th to terminale251College and lycee252International studies253Studying in France255Higher education256Private schools257European programmes257Things to know2598.Let's talk about health263The French and their health264Choosing a doctor265Hospital or clinic--public or private?268Some medical and paramedical specialities270Nursing care273The chemist's shop--pharmacie273Emergency--24 hours a day275Healthy children277'Prevention is better than cure'281Mineral water: do the French put water in their wine?2839.What to do when you are not working--loisirs et temps libre285Free time286Throughout the year286Pastimes and passions291Entertainment293Weekends300Holiday time304Once a year309Bistros and cafe terraces31610.Comme chez vous... en France323At home... in France324An enriching experience?324Four phases of adaptation326The spontaneity of children329Homesickness and nostalgia331Friendly places332Useful information335Key dates in the history of France335Political and economic organizations340The metric system341Forming a company in France343Social security provision344Index345
