What to Know: Moving from France to the US Made Easy
Relocating to another country always means recalibrating expectations. For someone coming from France to the United States, the differences in healthcare, education, and cultural norms are particularly sharp. Here’s what to expect—and how to navigate the new terrain.
1. Healthcare & Insurance: A Complex Landscape
Basic structure & key contrasts
In France, many assume universal access: healthcare is largely publicly financed (through Sécurité sociale) with supplementary private “mutuelle” coverage filling gaps. In the U.S., by contrast, there is no automatic universal healthcare—most people must actively enroll in private or public insurance plans. ISPOR.org
The U.S. system is better described as a mixed system: public programs like Medicare (for seniors) and Medicaid (for low-income) coexist alongside private insurance plans, often employer-sponsored or individually purchased.
Because coverage is not universal, many Americans struggle with healthcare costs: surveys show nearly half of U.S. adults say affording medical care is difficult, and one in four report that someone in their household has had trouble paying medical bills. KFF
Current trends and 2025 shifts
In 2025, the U.S. health industry is under pressure to balance growth, profitability, and affordability. Many health-system leaders expect rising revenues, but stress that consumer cost burdens and inequities must be managed. Deloitte+1
Legislative changes from the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act are reshaping eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare, adding verification criteria, and otherwise modifying how access works. Bloomberg School of Public Health+1
Despite demands for change, the U.S. public perception remains lukewarm: in 2025, nearly three-quarters of Americans gave the U.S. health system a grade of C or below, citing concerns about cost, access, and regulatory complexity. AJMC
Workforce pressures, clinician burnout, and staffing shortages continue to burden systems. Health organizations see 2025 as a moment to rebuild trust. American Hospital Association+1
What you’ll need to adapt to
Choosing and managing insurance: You’ll likely have to pick (or accept) an insurance plan with premiums, deductibles, co-payments, provider networks, and coverage limits.
Out-of-pocket risk and surprise billing: Even insured people sometimes get surprise costs—especially when “out-of-network” providers get involved.
No “default” coverage: Without employer plans or qualifying for public programs, you may have to seek insurance via the Marketplace (healthcare.gov) or state exchanges. HealthCare.gov
Variability by state/region: Coverage rules, Medicaid eligibility, and insurer options differ from state to state.
Delays, prior authorizations, and red tape: Getting approval for certain tests, procedures, or specialists often involves insurer hurdles—something U.S. policymakers are actively trying to reform. American Medical Association
Technological integration: Efforts are underway to make records more interoperable, use data sharing more effectively, and reduce administrative burdens. CMS
In short: unlike in France, healthcare in the U.S. is a system you must actively manage. Costs are higher, coverage is patchy, and complexity is baked into the experience.
2. Education & Schools: From Uniform Curriculum to Local Diversity
Education in France and the U.S. represent two very different philosophies—and transitioning from one to the other is less trivial than it may seem.
System structure & oversight
In France, education is highly centralized: the Ministry of National Education sets curricula for all schools nationally.
In the U.S., schooling is largely decentralized—each state, and often each local school district, controls curriculum, funding, and standards. This can result in large variation in quality and experience across regions. frenchquartermag.com+1
Because of decentralization, two children in different American cities may have vastly different school resources, class sizes, and academic paths.
Differences in pedagogy & student experience
French schools emphasize academic rigor, structured learning, centralized exams, and standardized progression.
American schools often emphasize student participation, projects, group work, electives, and continuous assessment rather than a single high-stakes exam.
Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, arts) in the U.S. play a big role in school identity and student experience—something less central in French schooling.
In French public elementary schools, something as small as the way lunch is served reflects cultural teaching: students use real plates and cutlery, water pitchers are shared at the table to teach manners. Frenchly
French students often follow a fixed program with less elective flexibility; in the U.S., students usually have more choice over electives, majors, and extracurriculars.
Challenges when transitioning
Academic alignment: Students moving from France may find gaps (or overlaps) in math, language, or science content depending on the U.S. region.
Grading style & evaluation: French grading (often out of 20, with fewer “top” marks) contrasts with U.S. letter grades or GPA systems, where curves, extra credit, and continuous assessment are common.
Transcript equivalence & credit transfer: U.S. schools will want prior transcripts, and translation or equivalency assessments may be needed.
Language & cultural immersion: Even proficient French speakers may need time to adjust to English instruction and American classroom norms (participation, class discussion, presentations).
Choosing the right school environment: Many expatriate families explore bilingual schools, French-American schools, or international programs to smooth the transition and preserve French language/education continuity.
Ultimately, while the French system is uniform and rigorous, the American system gives more choice, flexibility, and local variation—which can be both a blessing and a headache to navigate.
3. Culture Shock: The Invisible Layer That Shapes Everything
Beyond systems, the everyday cultural norms between France and the U.S. play out in small ways that often surprise newcomers.
Form & friendliness
Americans tend to default to open friendliness, small talk, and customer service enthusiasm—even between strangers. In France, people may appear more reserved, and interactions often adhere to social protocols (greeting shopkeepers with “bonjour,” using formal speech when appropriate).
The notion of service is different: many American businesses compete intensely for client satisfaction; “the customer is always right” is a more prevalent mindset.
Tempo and pace
The U.S. often moves faster in business, work life, and daily errands. Efficiency, convenience, and timeliness are heavily valued.
In France, meals, rest, leisure, and downtime are taken more seriously. Things often move slower, and there’s more tolerance for “la pause.”
Americans tend to multitask more, expect quicker turnaround, and have denser schedules.
Individualism vs collective norms
American culture emphasizes individual initiative, personal ambition, and self-reliance.
French culture places more value on collective norms, social solidarity, public services, and quality of life.
You may find Americans more comfortable “selling themselves” (job interviews, networking) than many French are used to.
Formality, manners, and politeness
In France, social niceties matter: greeting, polite speech (“vous”), manners at the table, and protocol are deeply ingrained.
The U.S. is generally more informal: first names even in semi-professional settings, casual dress norms, and more relaxed social boundaries.
But note: American politeness can sometimes feel superficial; people are often polite outwardly, even when stressed or busy.
Food, dining, and daily rituals
In France, meals are cultural rituals—not just nourishment. Dinners are often slow, intentional, social.
In the U.S., meals can be more utilitarian: “grab-and-go,” fast food, quick dinners.
Food culture in U.S. cities is broad and international, but expectations around mealtime may differ drastically from French norms.
Work-life balance
The French labor system affords more protections (paid vacations, shorter workweeks, stronger social safety nets).
In many American jobs, longer hours, fewer vacation days, more demands are normalized.
The “hustle” and productivity mindset is often stronger in U.S. corporate culture.
Final Thoughts & Survival Tips
When you relocate from France to the United States, you’re not just changing address—you’re stepping into a system and culture that demand more personal navigation, more choices, and more initiative.
Here are a few practical tips:
Do your homework on health insurance: know your options, read the fine print on deductibles and networks, and plan for surprises.
Visit local schools (if you can) before choosing: sit in classrooms, talk to staff, compare curricula, and assess whether bilingual or international models make sense.
Be patient with cultural translation: things will feel “fast” or “weird” at first—allow time, ask questions, observe, and adjust.
Stay connected with community: join expat groups, French cultural associations, or local networks to ease transition and get practical help.
Keep parts of your French identity alive: a taste of French cooking, continued French reading, staying in touch with French friends—these small anchors help with stability.
The U.S. offers great opportunity, diversity, and flexibility—but because the systems are more fractured and variable, your success will often depend on how well you adapt your expectations, build your resources, and learn to advocate for yourself. Over time, you may find that you weave a hybrid life—drawing on the strengths of both cultures to build something uniquely yours.
