In August, I left my position at the French Library and moved to Paris to pursue a master’s degree in Digital Marketing and Data Analysis.
Moving away from home is exciting, but it can also be challenging, particularly in the first few weeks. Even when you’re given a wonderful opportunity, it’s normal to feel guilty for feeling unsettled or homesick. Finding a routine and starting to build a community takes time.
Here are three tips for adjusting that I recommend if you’re moving abroad:
Exploring your new city on foot isa simple way to feel more at home. Wandering through neighborhoods, discovering local cafés, parks, and markets not only helps you get familiar with your surroundings but also gives you a chance to reflect and decompress. If you are feeling lonely, there are plenty of tip-based walking tours you can join to better understand the history of your arrondissement!
Hobbies are a great way to enjoy your time and meet people with similar interests. I signed
up for a bachata dance class, joined a gym for step classes, and tried attending English-speaking events. Whether it’s a cooking class, a local sports club, or a creative workshop, getting involved helps you build connections in your new city! Next, I want to try a paint and sip class.
Moving abroad is a journey with ups and downs. By exploring, connecting, and creating new habits, you can make the transition smoother and even discover unexpected joys along the way.
Now, I find myself not only settled into a routine but with a busy schedule and a bustling social circle. I've even discovered the theater scene thanks to my new position at the French Theater Project! It took time to reach this level of confidence and to truly feel that Paris is home, but I'm so glad I took the steps to put myself out there and embrace this city, despite the overwhelming nature of starting over in a new country.
Settled in Boston but missing the vie en rose? Let Paris come to you — and come to The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History, an author talk with Violaine Huisman! Her latest novel, The Monuments of Paris, follows two towering figures at the center of her family story: her father and her grandfather, exploring the myths and contradictions that shaped her inheritance and whose legacy continue to shape French cultural life. Coming to Boston May 12th - don’t miss it!
Moving away from home is exciting, but it can also be challenging, particularly in the first few weeks. Even when you’re given a wonderful opportunity, it’s normal to feel guilty for feeling unsettled or homesick. Finding a routine and starting to build a community takes time.
Here are three tips for adjusting that I recommend if you’re moving abroad:
1. Take lots of walks
Exploring your new city on foot isa simple way to feel more at home. Wandering through neighborhoods, discovering local cafés, parks, and markets not only helps you get familiar with your surroundings but also gives you a chance to reflect and decompress. If you are feeling lonely, there are plenty of tip-based walking tours you can join to better understand the history of your arrondissement!
2. Find new hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to enjoy your time and meet people with similar interests. I signed
up for a bachata dance class, joined a gym for step classes, and tried attending English-speaking events. Whether it’s a cooking class, a local sports club, or a creative workshop, getting involved helps you build connections in your new city! Next, I want to try a paint and sip class. 3. Engage in small, comforting activities
Sometimes, the best moments are simple ones. For me, this meant signing up for newsletters to stay informed about local events, enjoying silent reading by the Seine with the Offline Club Paris Chapter, or attending English-language comedy nights. Little rituals like these help create a sense of routine and make a foreign city feel more like home.
Moving abroad is a journey with ups and downs. By exploring, connecting, and creating new habits, you can make the transition smoother and even discover unexpected joys along the way.
Now, I find myself not only settled into a routine but with a busy schedule and a bustling social circle. I've even discovered the theater scene thanks to my new position at the French Theater Project! It took time to reach this level of confidence and to truly feel that Paris is home, but I'm so glad I took the steps to put myself out there and embrace this city, despite the overwhelming nature of starting over in a new country.
Settled in Boston but missing the vie en rose? Let Paris come to you — and come to The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History, an author talk with Violaine Huisman! Her latest novel, The Monuments of Paris, follows two towering figures at the center of her family story: her father and her grandfather, exploring the myths and contradictions that shaped her inheritance and whose legacy continue to shape French cultural life. Coming to Boston May 12th - don’t miss it!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I miss the French Library and the team ❤️
I particularly love the pieces/articles where contemporary French novels are reviewed, even mentioned, a boon for those among us who read contemporary French lit. MERCI!