Being an expatriate spouse, Ana’s testimony.
My name is Ana, I am 40 years old and I am Spanish. Since August I am expatriated in Paris with my husband.
On a personal level, I am a hard-working and persevering person, I love helping others. I have done volunteer work to accompany elderly people during All Saints’ Day in Spain. On a professional level I have given up my job in Spain and I am currently studying for a master’s degree in a Spanish
Is this your first expatriation?
Yes, this is my first expatriation with my husband.
Why did you accept the expatriation?
I really think that this opportunity is a gift, to live a new and very different experience in another country. To learn a new way of life, a new culture and a new language. It is really an opportunity that came to me and my husband, we had to take it.
What did your family think of your expatriation?
Of course at the beginning it was complicated, they were a little sad to see me leave but they know that it is a chance for me and that I am happy.
Is there anything that could have prevented you from accompanying your spouse in his expatriation project?
I don’t think so, I didn’t see any problem either before the departure or even once I arrived in France.
Do you think it is more complicated to be an expatriate woman than an expatriate man?
I don’t think so. Finally, there are inequalities but they come more from society than from the expatriate world itself. In many countries, there are still disparities between men and women, and expatriates are simply subjected to these inequalities that are already present, I think.
How would you compare the equality between men and women in France to your country of origin?
The situation in Spain is very similar to that in France. Over the last couple of years the mentalities have evolved a lot and people are less discriminating. But there are still some improvements to be made.
What advice would you give to an expatriate woman?
The first and most important thing is to enjoy the experience.
To develop personally and professionally in the country of expatriation. To enjoy the local culture, to participate in the activities of the Company. It is essential to be independent from your husband and to do things that you like to do.
Bonus questions:
3 words to describe Paris:
Love
The Culture
The gastronomy
The most magical place in Paris:
Le Louvre museum, because I love art.
Your favorite French word
Âme soeur
Read more testimonials from expatriates or expatriate spouses:
- Iwona tells us about her first experience as an expatriate woman:
https://absolutely-french.eu/first-expatriation-abroad-testimony/
- Find here the explanation of the life cycle of an expatriate:
https://absolutely-french.eu/conjoint-d-expatrie/
- Sur tells us about her experience as an expatriate spouse and the difficulties she had to face:
https://absolutely-french.eu/etre-ou-ne-pas-etre-conjoint-dexpat/
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