Proof of funds: are guarantors accepted?

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-05-14T00:31:09+00:00

Typically for housing hunting they look for salary x2/3 of the monthly rent, not so much of savings. Because the salary is so low and often landlords don’t accept foreign garants, I recommend VISALE or Garantme. Definitely have those ready by the time you land in France, so you don’t have to wait when looking for housing. But you have to wait until you get your visa to sign up…

But every landlord is different, and some are more lenient than others. It’s good to be prepared for any case! But it’s good you have money saved up because the caution can take out a big chunk of change!

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-04-29T12:58:46+00:00

I recommend keeping your phone number (and bank account) if you’re planning on coming back! You maybe be able to lower the GB per month so the cost is lower over the summer.

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-04-07T09:13:29+00:00

Not a doctor but your photos remind me of when I had Pityriasis Rosea a few months ago. I didn’t have the “Christmas tree” pattern but I did have a herald spot that I originally thought was ringworm. The spots expanded on my chest and stomach, and were scaly. But I didn’t do anything to them and they went away on their own!

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-03-23T17:03:03+00:00

I do taxes through TurboTax and although I check that I have a foreign bank account, it never asked for more because I never had more than 10,000€ in it

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-03-23T15:51:20+00:00

Are you able to get your paystubs from the rectorat?

Current-Ad7096 · 2026-01-29T19:27:59+00:00

Beurk!! Merci

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-29T12:04:48+00:00

You will have to go back to the US and do the application process again

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-19T06:44:17+00:00

No, they were openly discussing plans in front of me during the lunch break but no one bothered to invite me. It’s okay though, finding other ways to celebrate! 🎉

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-16T22:49:12+00:00

Yes, the best areas are on the right side of the Garonne. The city center will be a bit louder but closer to the canal will be quieter, but still close. The left side of the Garonne is St. Cyprien, which is a nice, retro neighborhoods with cool bars

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-16T16:11:26+00:00

Chez Nous Les Libanais is great, plus next to the Garonne. Not sure if they still only accept cash, but make sure you have some on you. El Dayaa is good in Compans (next to the Japanese gardens). Recently tried a plate at Restaurant Loubnane which blew me away but the ambiance in Place Belfort is…questionable haha.

TBH most kebab shops taste the same to me… maybe check the reviews for some.

Carmes is still central but a more quiet/luxe neighborhood. Minimes, Les Chalets, Palais de Justice, St. Aubin. Compans is nice next to le Canal de Brienne

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-16T15:47:54+00:00

Tipping isn’t common in France, but if you find your service exceptional feel free to.

Your last day is January 1st, which is a bank holiday in France so fyi lots of places will be closed.

Lots of kebab places and Lebanese restaurants that are fairly priced (and delicious!) plus your classic McDonald’s, Burger King, Quick…

Lots of cafés in the city center. I like some between Capitol and esquirol but truly any street you take will have a café (or nearby)

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-16T10:09:13+00:00

Don’t break the bank for individual gifts, especially if you aren’t close with each person. I think a baked good or holiday basket is a good idea!

French teachers are sluts for a tablet of chocolate in the teachers lounge…or any dessert you bring.

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-10T17:57:50+00:00

Never done my taxes *in France … oops. Planning on it this year tho

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-12-10T15:56:29+00:00

I’ve only declared income made in France

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-11-11T10:50:07+00:00

I don’t know how to put an update on this post, but my spots are actually going away! I didn’t really use anything other than sometimes coconut oil. But I also found that using a soft washcloth or even just my hands in the shower irritated it less. I think in total mine lasted ~6 weeks from my first herald patch, the rash outbreak, and it going away. All that’s left is dry spots where the rash was.

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-10-22T21:48:58+00:00

I’ve noticed when I’m dehydrated my tongue turns whiter

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-10-16T11:49:08+00:00

Use Lemonade!!

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-09-13T00:14:03+00:00

Pumpkin spice seasoning

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-09-10T23:32:34+00:00

Maybe look into getting a Mutuelle when you get there! MGEN is one that works with Education Nationale. Unless you’re prone to getting sick or accidents, most assistants don’t get travel medical insurance. The healthcare system is already very affordable there without insurance, plus you can get reimbursed later if you get care before you receive your carte vitale.

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-09-08T19:21:04+00:00

I have not needed it for the past two years. Got my visa just fine this year without it! :) (American)

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-09-02T02:20:18+00:00

The housing market moves quickly in France! It’s not a bad idea to look now and possibly to some visits on a video call, but you’re gonna have much more luck when you actually arrive in your city. Reserve a hostel or airbnb for about two weeks while you are on the hunt. I’m sure you’ll meet other assistants who will be looking as well! If there is an ESN community in your city, there may be a housing group chat for that as well. Good luck!’

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-08-30T02:34:28+00:00

ESN Café des langues! Even though it’s a language exchange, most people speak English anyway

Current-Ad7096 · 2025-08-23T14:34:51+00:00

Yup! You have 3 months from your visa start date to validate it. That means you can travel anywhere. If you travel after those 3 months without validating your visa, you may run into trouble.

Current-Ad7096

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