| It's not as simple as you might think to be an American | | | | the U.S. in case of death. (Seriously.) If your current |
| living in Paris, but you can definitely handle it once you | | | | policy won't cover this, you'll need to get health |
| have the necessary information. Here are some things | | | | insurance from a company that specializes in expat |
| you need to know if you plan to live in Paris. | | | | and travelers medical insurance. |
| Did you know that to get a French visa, you need | | | | Did you know that you can't go to Paris on a visitor |
| apply at the French consulate that serves your region | | | | visa and look for a job? No one could hire you |
| of the country? Did you know that your designated | | | | anyway because you don't have the legal right to |
| consulate might not be in the state where you live? | | | | work there. There are a few job programs available |
| Find your state on the consulate map at | | | | for Americans who want to live in Paris: British |
| info-france-usa.org to see where you need to apply. | | | | Universities North America Club (BUNAC), Centre |
| You will need to appear at your consulate in person | | | | Internationale d'Etudes Pedagogiques Language |
| for your visa appointment. (Note: There's only one | | | | Assistants (CIEP), various Teaching English as a |
| "French Embassy" in the U.S., located in Washington, | | | | Foreign Language programs (TEFL), and |
| DC. The other French government office branches | | | | Interexchange. These programs each have their own |
| are called "consulates.") | | | | age, language, and skill requirements. Check them out |
| Did you know that you need health insurance for your | | | | and see if you qualify. Otherwise, you'll need to secure |
| entire stay in France that will cover medical costs of at | | | | other means of income or financial support. |
| least $40,000? This is a requirement for getting a | | | | Did you know there's a separate Paris Metro pass for |
| French visa. If you have current coverage that you | | | | non-residents, including Americans living in Paris on a |
| can keep, check with your insurance company to see | | | | temporary basis? If you're in Paris on a French visa (or |
| if they will cover you abroad. You also need to make | | | | just staying a month or so with a U.S. passport), you |
| sure that your insurance policy covers medical | | | | can save money on Metro fare with what's called a |
| evacuation back to the States in case of an | | | | Passe Navigo Decouverte. It will cover you for |
| emergency and repatriation of your remains back to | | | | subway rail and bus trips within Paris. Voila! |