5 Ways the International Day of Living Together Inspires Integration for Expat Partners
Picture this: you step off the plane, bags in hand, with that unmistakable blend of excitement and anxiety swirling in your chest. A new country, a fresh start—but also the unknown. The language sounds like music, but you don’t know the lyrics yet. The streets curve in unfamiliar ways, and even the way people smile feels just a bit different. Being an expat partner isn’t just about moving; it’s about building something entirely new from scratch. A new life, a new community, a new version of you.
And what better time to celebrate this brave journey than on May 16th, the International Day of Living Together? A day that goes beyond borders, promoting peace, inclusion, and understanding—ideals that resonate deeply with anyone navigating life in a foreign land. This global celebration is also a perfect symbol of integration for expat partners in France.
1. Breaking the Isolation
Moving abroad often means leaving behind everything familiar—your friends, your routines, even your favorite café where they know your order by heart. In France, the language barrier, cultural nuances, and even small interactions like buying bread at the boulangerie can feel monumental. According to a 2023 study by InterNations, 52% of expat partners struggle to make local friends, and 48% report feelings of isolation during their first year abroad. It’s not just about mastering French verbs; it’s about finding your place in a community where you truly belong. Successful integration for expat partners starts with breaking this isolation.
One place where this magic happens is during Absolutely French’s cooking classes. Every week, expat partners come together—not just to learn French, but to cook, to laugh, to share stories. Kneading dough side by side with someone from a different corner of the world creates bonds that go deeper than just learning a language.
2. Simple Invitations Lead to Connection
Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest impact. A neighbor waving hello and asking if you want to join them for a local market trip. A fellow student in your French class inviting you for coffee after class. Joining a cooking session at Absolutely French, where food and language intertwine. These moments are like stepping stones, small gestures that make those first intimidating steps in a new country feel just a little easier.
A report from the OECD shows that expats who engage in community events are 33% more likely to feel integratedwithin their first year. Why? Because when you join in when you say yes, you open doors. Doors to friendships, understanding, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. This is where true integration for expat partners begins.
Discover how we support expat partners in building their life in Paris.
3. Building Bridges Through Community Activities
Joining community activities isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to build a life. The International Day of Living Together is a beautiful reminder that peace and connection start with small, everyday actions. Whether it’s joining a walking tour of Paris, attending a history lesson in the heart of Montmartre, or playing interactive language games at Absolutely French, each step brings you closer to feeling at home. These activities are the foundation of integration for expat partners in France.
4. Embracing Cultural Diversity
Living together in France means embracing the rich cultural diversity that surrounds you. Whether it’s sharing stories over a cooking class or learning the history of Paris while exploring its streets, these moments shape your journey and deepen your understanding of what it means to truly live together. Understanding and appreciating this diversity is key to integration for expat partners.
5. Finding Your Place in a Global Community
The International Day of Living Together is not just about coexisting; it’s about truly connecting. For expat partners, it’s a reminder that living together is possible when you open yourself up to new experiences, new friendships, and new ways of seeing the world. True integration for expat partners means not just adapting, but thriving in your new community.
Embracing the Journey
The International Day of Living Together is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action. For expat partners, it’s a reminder that living together means truly connecting—not just coexisting. It’s about opening up, reaching out, and embracing the journey, with all its twists and turns. Because when you do, you don’t just live in France, you become part of it. And that is the essence of integration for expat partners.
For more inspiration, check out our article on Café Poussette in Paris, a perfect example of how community spaces can help you feel at home, one cup of coffee at a time.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris