After 14 years living in France, American Andrew Guck shares his thoughts on how he has successfully integrated into his adopted country
In December 2010, inspired by a childhood friend who had graduated from the American University in Paris, I embarked on a challenge to learn French – a decision that would utterly transform my life.
Six months into my language journey, I took my first trip abroad to the south of France.
It was there I met Alexandra in person for the first time after we had connected through an online language exchange programme, where she was enhancing her English and I was deepening my French. Our initial meeting was filled with anticipation and excitement.
Before this adventure, I was entrenched in the typical rat race, my experiences limited, and my world view shaped largely by media portrayals of other countries. During three magical weeks together, Alexandra introduced me to French culture, traditions and etiquette – a glimpse into what would soon become my new life. After a heartfelt goodbye, I returned to upstate New York where I was attending my last semester at a university.
Over the next nine months, Alexandra and I maintained our connection through frequent communication, culminating in our marriage © ANDREW GUCK after I proposed to her when she came to visit me in New York. Following this, I navigated the complex process of obtaining a long-stay visa, sold all my possessions, quit my job, and relocated to France to be with her.
Now, 14 years later, I am living happily in France with French nationality, enriched by a new culture, language, and a profound understanding of what it means to be a global citizen – all stemming from that pivotal decision to learn a new language.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Initially tempted by the convenience of languagelearning apps, I soon realised they often taught vocabulary that wasn’t relevant to everyday life or practical for a beginner in French. Moreover, these apps gave me a false sense of proficiency, leading me to believe I was more advanced than I truly was in real-life situations. This realisation prompted me to seek out more effective learning methods.
After deciding to make France my permanent home, I committed to mastering the language and fully immersing myself in the culture. Each day, I took a scenic bus ride to my language immersion classes, engaging in conversations with the bus driver and fellow passengers. The class was a melting pot of nationalities, including Moroccan, Algerian, Japanese, and Cuban participants. I was the only native English speaker, which enriched the experience and helped me not only to improve my French, but also to appreciate diverse cultural perspectives. The classes
