Leaving the US for France | Facing Fear and Chasing Dreams

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Leaving the US for France | Facing Fear and Chasing Dreams ! Dean and Cindy used Fab Insurance to help them get settled in France, if you would like to contact them, here are my affiliate links: https://www.fabfrenchinsurance.com/r/livingwell Email = [email protected] Moving to France as American Expats - Dean & Cindy’s Inspiring Journey In this episode, I sit down with Dean and Cindy Ramer, an American couple preparing to leave the U.S. for a new life in France. Their story is both practical and deeply personal—covering everything from the French visa process, health insurance, and learning French, to how grief and health challenges inspired them to pursue a more meaningful life abroad. From their first experience living in Ukraine, to choosing France for its healthcare, culture, and slower pace of life, Dean and Cindy share the highs and lows of becoming expats in Europe. Along the way, they debunk myths about French culture, reveal how saying a simple “bonjour” changed everything, and explain why intentional living and community are at the heart of their move. 💡 Whether you’re considering retiring in France, relocating to Europe, or just curious about expat life, this conversation is filled with valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt lessons about embracing change. If you're looking to improve your French, I highly recommend one-on-one lessons with iTalki. Here's my affiliate link: https://www.italki.com/affshare?ref=af28243923 If you need to move money to France, open a Wise account and get your first transfer up to $600 free using my affiliate link: https://wi.se/livingwellinfrance (New customers only). Highlights – From Ukraine to Europe: Expanding horizons – Visa challenges & French bureaucracy explained – Health insurance & managing MS abroad – Overcoming grief & finding courage – Learning French & cultural etiquette (bonjour matters!) – Life in France vs. the U.S. – Building community & finding purpose If you're planning on moving to France, then you'll need to learn some essential phrases before you leave. Paste this link into your browser for your free 15 Essential French Phrases PDF : subscribepage.io/Livingwellinfrance1 🌍 Key Topics Covered Moving abroad as American expats Navigating the French visa & healthcare system Learning French & adapting to cultural etiquette Retirement planning in France Healing through change, grief, and new experiences Finding expat communities & making connections abroad Work-life balance & lifestyle differences in France vs. USA 📌 If you’re dreaming of moving to France or retiring in Europe, this episode is a must-watch! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring expat stories, practical guides, and cultural insights. #MovingToFrance #AmericanExpats #RetirementAbroad #ExpatLife #LifeInFrance #LivingAbroad #FrenchCulture #VisaProcessFrance Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Why we chose France 17:35 - Getting a Visa for France 19:25 - Leaving behind children and grandchildren 20:41- Writing Your Visa application letter 25:13 - Booking Accomodation before you arrive 26:21 - Getting Healthy in France 32:34 - Choosing where to settle in France 36:38 - Learning French 40:30 - Dreaming of your ideal future in France 43:32 - Living Life to the Full and Facing Fear 💬 Question for you: Have you ever considered moving to France? If so, why? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss more videos about living well in France, and chasing big dreams. You can view my available artwork here: www.jdyachtpaintings.com Books I recommend: These are affiliate links. If you purchase via this link, I will receive a small commission, at no extra fee for you. Thank you for helping support this channel! The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed https://amzn.to/3HyJ6Yb The Culture Map https://amzn.to/45ktWPl Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear https://amzn.to/45jW2u6 1000 Years of Annoying the French https://amzn.to/3HynGue Chez Nous: An easy guide for preparing to move or retire to France and the things to consider when planning to move abroad. https://amzn.to/47xTiKY A New Life in France: A Guide to Relocating from the US https://amzn.to/4oDSzxZ Contact Dean and Cindy here: [email protected] [email protected] French travel writer Sylvain Tesson- https://youtu.be/vBuZT1TI5C4?si=rHsiQ6WH5f9_yTHC Artist Didier Colomès-Didier Colomès (France), Contemporary Painter Artist | ArtMajor Poland: Polish artist Maciej Majewski - Majewski – AntipodyTeam Estonia: Indrek and Katrin Rahi: Nümen Consulting - About Ukraine: Durham Humanitarian- Emmy and Rocky- Supporting Humanitarian NGOs Worldwide Dean Ramser, Ed.D. | LinkedIn Dean Ramser, Ed.D. - California State University, Los Angeles