fitasahunter:

geeky-n-fit:

I am considering moving out of the US and living elsewhere before or possibly after college, depending on my life situation.
It is my understanding that healthcare is free in most European countries, but does it ever not cover anything? Are groceries more expensive? Post?
I’m pretty much asking…

I really would like to know as well!

I lived in Paris studying abroad for a year, but I’m def going back to europe after I’m done with school. Here’s some basic info from my year abroad (i’m from California btw).

Parisians are known for their cold demeanor, but in fact Americans tend to react/interact different than a lot of other people, for instance: we are usually immediately friendly, open and like to get to know people. The French are not. We have little “walls” between us and others initially, but the closer they get to us the more we protect ourselves and put up higher walls. The opposite is true with the french, they start out with high protective walls (built by formal culture, class systems still in place, situations in life, how you’re introduced etc) and the more you get to know them, the more those walls come down and they remain true friends for life. Americans can switch friend groups multiple times a year, and this confuses the french and they tend to get hurt by it. Wherever you go, look into how that culture interacts with each other and take your cues from that. Brits tend to seem standoffish too, but keep in mind that our exuberance and casualness as a culture can intimidate/put off people from other cultures. Also - the french are rude because you don’t follow their social etiquette - learn it! Don’t ever ask “How are you?” unless you actually want to hear about their day!!! When you are checking out at the grocery store say “Bonjour/Bon soir Madame/Monsieur” and “Merci” or something along those lines. Hello and thank you, no conversation!

The weather will vary wherever you go, Paris weather is hot and humid in the summer and prone to thunder/lightning storms, foggy/overcast/cold in the autumn/spring/winter and can snow a lot of a little and is coldest in February. It is inland, so if you are used to living near large bodies of water (I’m from SF Bay Area and now I live in Chico, CA and I miss the ocean breeze and freshness of the fog) be aware that when you’re inland the air just…. sits. Dunno how to explain it. 

Housing/housing market/cost of living: expensive as fuck. Like seriously. 10 euros (14 dollars) for a cocktail in a fucking bar. HOWEVER if you’re a young lady the chances of finding an au pair job are good (especially if you’re studying in France) and that can help with free rent, electricity, water and heating. It’s the only way I was able to afford Paris so well and manage to travel so much. Upside: free room and board, etc, help with cost of living. Downside: dealing with children, maybe a wacko family or a kid that hits you etc although my family was fantastic. 

Job opportunities for native english speakers are pretty good, but you should know some french. Try and use it as much as possible. Trust me. I improved soooo much, but I still could’ve done more and I really miss it now. 

My program let us choose our university, and there were like 13 to choose from. They were all french universities an all of our courses were in French. If you’re not going to do full immersion, never fear! Parsons (design school) has a campus there and summer programs available, and there are American International schools too (and probly british) that will have classes only in English. You will still need french for everyday life. The french may be rude if you don’t speak it well, but don’t be a tool and not speak any at all. They are very proud of their language, and they should be.  Fun fact about France, they’ve had an Academy that literally does nothing but perfect/keep the french language proper since the 1600s. It’s called L’Academie Francaise and famous authors like Victor Hugo have been member. Also, they wear funny hats. :)

If you are a student studying at a french university, get an ID card, this will get you into most museums for FREE!! If you are in London, I’m pretty sure all the museums are free anyway. If you are under 26 you will get fantastic discounts on things! Like traveling, rail passes, movie tickets etc. The easiest visa to get is the student visa, and France is cheaper to get into than the UK. Be aware that as a non EU (European Union) you will get stopped by immigration and have to do separate entry cuz you’re american/chinese/australian/etc make sure you accommodate time for that. I had the most trouble (with lines, questioning by attendants, what have you) getting in and out of the UK. Also, usually one bag of liquids allowed and DO NOT ever check a bag if you can help it!!! Use Easyjet and Ryanair if possible, it’s cheap as fuck. 

If anyone has any questions that go beyond the novel I’ve written above, message me. Study abroad students tend to take any and all opportunities to talk about their experiences. ;) 

I’m gonna stop procrastinating now. Later y’all! :)

icoulduseinsouciantmaybe:

euclase:

I had a disturbing exchange with a high school-aged person today that prompted this…

• Beer, wine, mead, and cider are fermented beverages.
• Mead is made from honey.
• Cider is made from apples.
• Beer is made from grains.

• Beer tastes like beer…