Hi everyone,
I have been playing with the idea of moving to France for years and have now decided to take the plunge! After reading Dan Ravelle's journey (blog in SFN in 2011) on how he moved to Montpellier got me really excited! The responses to the blog were fantastic!
I am a high school teacher that teaches IB (international baccalaureate, IB) French and English in Edmonton, Alberta. My kids are in French immersion and my husband is a designer/builder who builds high end houses or specifics in a house. (solid wood doors/staircases, etc)
We would like to spend a year abroad and from all what I have read, Montpellier sounds great! We will be happy to avoid the Minus 20-30 degrees Celsius weather for a year!!! I am not too sure of neighbourhoods or jr high (college) schools for my children 12 & 13 - grades 7 & 8 in Canada. The biggest concern is affordable housing for us as we will have two residences for the the year. (Curtis will be flying in between contracts!)
Can anyone help out in giving us directions in finding a good neighbourhood/school and if anyone knows of a small house (with garden or terrace!) we would appreciate it very very much!
Secondly, if you have gone through the VISA process for a "long stay visa" for Canadians recently, please give me some suggestions- I heard it was an arduous task!
Looking forward to any info you can help with! A year to prepare will go fast!
Anne