Whether out of culture or courtesy, some French people no longer want to leave the UK to go to their native country. adobestock
TESTIMONIALS – If for some, living far away can reinforce a feeling of belonging to their country of origin, these long-term expatriates have gradually severed all ties with France.
Out of sight, out of mind, this is how Jacques sums up his feelings. “It’s been so long since I left that I can’t find anything in common with France anymore”, confesses the one who is now called “Jack”. This Frenchman has lived in the UK for over 35 years and feels good there. First arriving in London after two years of studying law and aiming to perfect his English, the 50-year-old never left. “I immediately liked the English culture and life, the friendliness of the people, the fact that everything is possible here, at least more than in France”he explains.
Married to a British woman for almost 30 years, he is the father of two adult children, who have not acquired French nationality. “We never did the process, they were born here, with my wife, we consider them to be full British.”. He did not apply for a French passport again. “I decided to take British citizenship as soon as I could. It was normal for me to know that I was building my life here and that I was not going to live in France again. I know this may sound shocking to some, but that’s how I felt and I’ve never regretted it.”
read alsoExpats in London: How to successfully maintain your children’s French culture
Even with Brexit? “I voted against the country leaving the European Union in the referendum. But for me it doesn’t change anything, on the contrary even, since I’m British so I don’t have worries about coming and going.» «I lost my parents a few years ago. Before we were going to spend a few days on vacation with the children to go see them, but now I don’t have to go back. My life is here”says Jacques, who after more than 35 years in the UK speaks French with a slight British accent. “We can say that the integration is total”he smiles.
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Impression that France is “drowning”
Silvia feels “less and less French at heart”, as she says. An expatriate in England for more than 15 years, the forty-year-old believes that France has “too much changed” AND “It didn’t go in the right direction.” “Living abroad Lets you take a step back…
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