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Comment by upen | Hacker News Reader

Is French language proficiency mandatory for this program?

No mention on the website that I can see, but my guess be they won't explicitly require French language exams for the visa, but not speaking French in France is going to be difficult, particularly in the North (including Paris).

It may well be that the right firm, in the right part of France (the South is normally a little friendlier), you're going to be fine. In Paris though? It seems like it is almost a national sport to be a little rude to non-native speakers, and a lot more rude to people who just try and get by in English.

But if you're planning to move to France, to start a French start-up business, and employ French employees, it is probably a good idea to learn some French.

As an English speaker, the michelthomas.com courses point out that you already know a lot more French than you think. :-)

I was looking into this for Canada and English or French proficiency is necessary. It would be odd to take a proficiency test for English but that is the rule.

i highly doubt it, especially if you speak english.

Don't a lot of people in France look at you badly if you only speak English? I read that this is especially true in more "proud French areas" like Paris etc.

Short answer: no.

This may have been true at one point in time, but it's certainly no longer the case. I think this myth comes from a mix of two things:

a) differences in intonation that some people (mostly Americans) interpret as aggressive or hostile, when really they're not

b) the possibility that this was true in the past (e.g. during the 50's, perhaps because the French were eager to see stationed GIs leave)

Yes and no. It was still there in the late 90's and early aughts. That said Parisians just don't like anyone not from Paris. They look down on other French people not from Paris. When you're from Paris, then you'll be judged on your arrondissement. Basically, Paris is a really judgy place but the rest of the country isn't. This isn't all that different from other countries' major cities (NYC, London, etc).

That said, you'll get by, meet a lot of nice people from all over, get to vacation regularly in places which are "once in a lifetime travels" for most Americans, etc.

> b) the possibility that this was true in the past (e.g. during the 50's, perhaps because the French were eager to see stationed GIs leave)

Or amybe, you know, because of the historical rivalry between France and England :)

Very true. Silly of me to overlook this obvious point! :)

Clearly not in start up environments. What do bother some shopkeepers or restaurants owners for example, is when tourists speak english to them very fast and naturally assuming everybody speaks english. But then if you ask first politely "i'm sorry i don't speak french", then you'll only receive warm welcomes.

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