Expatriating to London is an adventure full of discoveries, but also of challenges. Between cultural integration, language learning and professional opportunities, expatriate life offers a rich terrain of experiences. Amélie Prot, an expatriate for over 20 years, shares her experiences and advice on how to make the most of the experience. Amélie’s account serves as a common thread for understanding expatriation in London: what you need to know before leaving, how to adapt to everyday life and how to make the most of this international city.
London: the dream destination for the French?
London remains a natural choice for many French people: a cosmopolitan city, a dynamic job market, English as an international language and an incomparable cultural and gastronomic offering. For a Frenchwoman, London offers the opportunity to develop an international career while enjoying a quality of life rich in events, museums and varied neighborhoods.
“I immediately fell in love with London… a real melting pot with colleagues from all over the world.” – Amélie
The major advantages of living in London
- A cosmopolitan city: a true global crossroads, where cultures and nationalities from all over the world rub shoulders.
- A thriving job market: Professional opportunities abound, whether in finance, technology, design or entrepreneurship.
- The language of Shakespeare: Total immersion to perfect your English, a valuable asset on your CV.
The challenges of expatriation for a French woman
London may be a magnet, but expatriation comes with its own challenges:
- Learning English: essential for professional and social life.
- Culture shock and communication differences: more direct English, sometimes different professional codes.
- Initial isolation: leaving your network in France can take its toll; recreating a network is essential.
“The shock was not speaking English as well… I had to get out of my comfort zone and develop my multicultural network.” – Amélie
Practical advice: join French associations, take part in networking events, use local groups (meetups, professional associations) and take intensive English courses or language tandems.
To better face these challenges, it’s essential to forge links by taking part in networking events, joining Meetup groups or sports associations. Groups of French people in London are also an excellent way to find your bearings and feel more at ease. At the same time, improving your English makes integration much easier: taking courses, practicing with a language partner on a tandem exchange, or even watching TV series in their original language are all effective ways of making progress.
Daily life in London
Daily life is organized around a few key elements:
- Accommodation: Rents are high, especially in the city center. To find an apartment, use sites like Rightmove or Zoopla. Be prepared to pay a deposit (usually 5 weeks’ rent). Many expatriates opt for shared accommodation, an economical and social solution.
- Transport: The network is excellent, but expensive. The Oyster card or contactless payment with your bank card simplify journeys on the Underground, bus and train.
- Gastronomy: London is a gourmet’s paradise. Explore markets such as Borough Market or Camden Market to discover an incredible culinary diversity. For those nostalgic for France, specialized grocery stores and French restaurants can be found throughout the city.
- Leisure: free museums, theater, parks, sports and cultural events.
“I loved discovering the culinary diversity and sharing French cuisine with my British husband.” – Amélie
Practical difficulties: high cost of living (housing, transport), finding certain French products, and bureaucracy (banking, contracts, etc.). Tip: stay close to local markets and small French communities to keep your bearings.
Health and insurance for French expatriates
Healthcare is a key issue. Understanding the British system is essential.
The NHS (National Health Service) is the public health system. It is free for residents, but waiting times can be long, especially for specialists. To access it, you need to register with a GP (General Practitioner).
Many expatriates choose to take out supplementary private health insurance for faster access to care and private hospitals. As an expatriate, you can also join the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), which enables you to maintain a link with the French healthcare system.
“As an expat, it’s essential to have a strong healthcare system… a mix between France and the NHS works well for me.” – Amélie
Practical advice: register with the GP (general practitioner), maintain a complementary health insurance scheme, and check the procedures for the European card if you are still eligible.
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Professional opportunities and personal development
London is a driving force for international careers and entrepreneurship. The job market is international, offering numerous opportunities in multicultural companies, start-ups, finance, tech and the creative sectors. The city also stands out for its flexibility, where self-employment and remote assignments are widespread. Living in London also enables significant personal development: professional expatriation reinforces autonomy, adaptability and intercultural skills. As Amélie points out: “Being self-employed has enabled me to work anywhere and pursue my ambitions, while adapting to the local culture.” London therefore remains a prime location for anyone looking to boost their career abroad and seize unique opportunities.
“Being self-employed has allowed me to work anywhere and pursue my ambitions, while adapting to the local culture.” – Amélie
Discover the benefits of offshore banking solutions for expatriates.
To make a success of your expatriation to London, Amélie shares simple and effective advice based on her own experience. In her opinion, being curious and open-minded is essential: taking part in local activities and accepting unexpected encounters allows you to fully immerse yourself in London life. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone, whether by speaking English or exploring new professional environments, encourages adaptation and fulfillment. Integration also involves striking the right balance between the local network and the French community, offering support and cultural openness. Anticipating administrative formalities, such as obtaining a visa, opening a bank account or taking out health insurance, as well as logistical aspects such as accommodation and transport, greatly facilitates the transition.
As Amélie points out: “Be curious and reach out to others. Expatriation is a fabulous experience, made up of encounters that you’ll keep for the rest of your life.”
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to have your CV and certificates translated, open a bank account, take out health insurance, look for temporary accommodation and note down emergency contacts. These key steps will contribute to a successful and worry-free expatriation to London.
“Be curious and reach out to others. Expatriation is a fabulous experience, made up of encounters that you’ll keep for the rest of your life.” – Amélie
Administrative formalities: the checklist before taking the plunge
Anticipating administrative formalities is the key to a smooth installation.
Before you leave :
- Visa: Since the Brexit, French nationals need a visa to work or study in the UK. Find out more on the official British government website.
- Bank account: Opening a bank account from France can be complex. Some online banks, such as Revolut or Wise, make the process easier.
- Health: Take out your insurance and gather your medical documents.
Once on site :
- National Insurance Number (NIN): This number is essential for working and paying taxes.
- Employment contract: Read your contract carefully. Practices (vacations, working hours) may differ from those in France.
Moving to London
Expatriation to London is a demanding but profoundly rewarding experience. Amélie Prot’s story illustrates how preparation, curiosity and networking can not only overcome difficulties, but also make the most of the professional and personal opportunities the city has to offer. For any French woman considering a move to London: prepare yourself, surround yourself and let yourself be surprised.
Listen to the full podcast with Amélie’s testimonial to find out more, and check out our expatriate services on santexpat.fr for personalized support.
