Just Arrived in France as an Expat Spouse?

You followed your partner to France. A new country. A new language. A completely different life.
And now… everything feels unfamiliar.

You might be wondering: Where do I even begin? How do I meet people? Will I ever feel at home here?

These are real, valid questions — and you’re not alone.
Many expatriate partners go through the same emotional rollercoaster.

That’s exactly why this programme was created — by an expat spouse, for expat spouses.
And for over 10 years, it has helped hundreds of people like you integrate, connect, and rebuild a meaningful life in France.

What You Really Need to Feel at Home in France

🗣️ Learn French — not just the words, but the way people speak

Understanding the language is the first step. But that doesn’t mean endless grammar. What you really need is to:

Speak confidently in shops, with neighbours, at school gates
Understand everyday conversations (including slang and onomatopoeias like “hop”, “tac”, “bof”)
Learn the gestures and tone that make communication flow naturally in France

Every lesson helps you interact like a local, not just translate like a tourist.

🇫🇷 Decode the culture and unspoken rules

French culture is beautiful — but also full of invisible expectations. You’ll discover:

What to say (and not to say) in different settings
How to handle bureaucracy with patience and precision
What’s considered polite, formal, informal, or rude (even a “bonjour” can change everything!)

The small things that help you avoid awkward moments and build trust.

🏙️ Understand your new environment — really understand it

Through our Stroll & Learn sessions, you explore your new city (especially Paris), discover hidden places Parisians love, learn the history that helps you understand the culture better, and speak “for real” with French people — in the streets, in shops…

All while learning how things actually work. Examples include:

How to separate recycling (yes, it’s complicated)
How to get a parking permit for your neighbourhood
Where and how to sign up for local sports clubs or volunteer groups
How to navigate public transport, services, and even find affordable healthcare or activities for your children

You won’t just visit France — you’ll become part of it.

🤝 Build your network — faster and deeper

Isolation is one of the hardest parts of expatriation. That’s why community is at the heart of this programme.

At Absolutely French, the groups include only expats and expat spouses — because your needs are specific, and your learning process is too.

To start your network, your group will include just 4 to 7 people from all over the world.
You’ll connect quickly — because you’re living the same experience at the same time.
You’ll play, learn, and laugh together.

You’ll join a welcoming, diverse group of international spouses who:

Share the same questions, hopes, and challenges
Meet weekly during language and culture classes
Join monthly events, workshops, and outings
Often become friends, collaborators, or even business partners

Building your network here is not optional — it’s essential.
And it happens naturally here.

💼 Plan your next steps — professionally and personally

Whether you want to work, volunteer, study, or start a new project, you’ll need to:

Understand how to write a French-style CV
Learn how job interviews work in France
Get support to define your professional identity here
Access networks, recruiters, and resources tailored to international profiles

You may have paused your career to follow your partner — but that doesn’t mean it ends here.
It’s just evolving.

This is for You — But Provided by Your Partner’s Employer

This programme is part of the relocation support package offered by many international companies.
It’s designed specifically for accompanying partners — and your spouse’s employer understands how important it is for you to feel supported too.

👉 Ask them if Absolutely French is available.
If not, we can help you explain why it matters.

✈️ Not arrived yet and don’t know where to start?

You’re still abroad, but your mind is already racing.
What will your life look like in France? Will you be able to work, find your place, understand the culture?

Preparing your expatriation is just as important as managing your life after the move. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

That’s exactly what Absolutely Ahead is for — a 4-week online preparation programme created specifically for expat partners, to help you start this new chapter with clarity and confidence.

You’ll get:

Guidance to define your goals (personal, professional, or both)
Tools to understand your new environment before arriving
Insights into what to expect — culturally, emotionally, logistically
Real-time support from coaches and peers who know what you’re going through

Absolutely Ahead helps you get ready before you even pack your suitcase — so your first steps in France feel grounded and empowering.

Whether you want to build a career, launch a project, or simply feel in control of your next chapter, this programme is your starting point.

And yes — it’s also included in many companies’ mobility support packages.
👉 Ask your partner’s HR if you can benefit from Absolutely Ahead before the move.

You’re not “just the spouse.”

You’re a person with talents, dreams, and a whole new life to create.
And with the right support, you’ll do it faster — and feel stronger.

Let’s make your time in France something truly meaningful.