I moved to France after falling in love with it during summer visits. Nothing could've prepared me for living here full-time.

"I'm originally from the Bahamas, but my love for France began while working there as an English language camp counselor every summer from 2011 to 2014. Year after year, I fell more in love with the country - and, soon, the seed of a plan to live here began to sprout its roots. In August 2015, I finally packed my bags and made my dream of living in France a reality. However, no amount of prior experience coming here for short spurts could've prepared me for moving to France and actually living there."

"I underestimated how tough navigating the language barrier would be. Living in a foreign country can be a daunting shock to the system when you don't speak the native language. I knew my French being limited to phrases like "hello" and "thank you" would put me at a disadvantage - but I still wasn't prepared for the frustration I'd feel and the judgment I'd get for being no better than a toddler trying to communicate."

"Once I arrived in Rennes, where I'd chosen to move, it became clear to me English was not prevalent, and that I would need to navigate all my administrative procedures with limited French. To navigate day-to-day transactions, such as opening a bank account, I used Google Translate to create a script. It was challenging, but I managed to get things done. This experience taught me to never underestimate a language barrier or assume you can rely on English abroad - not even in big cities."

Originally from the Bahamas, summers teaching English in France from 2011 to 2014 sparked a plan to move. The move happened in August 2015, with Rennes chosen as the new home. Adapting to a more laid-back lifestyle proved pleasant, but the language barrier and limited store hours were harder to navigate than expected. Limited French phrases led to frustration and occasional judgment while handling administrative tasks. Practical coping included using Google Translate scripts for transactions and learning that English could not be relied upon. Taking language classes six months to a year before moving is recommended for smoother integration.

Read at Business Insider