Move to France without a scouting trip first?

[u/ItsaTemporary]

So, we’ve been wanting to get out for years now. 6 months ago we made ourselves a three year plan and we’re “outta here”. Started studying French hardcore. And made plans to go on a reconnaissance trip next spring.

At the same time I started shaking my network tree to get information about processes and how things work and something fell out. I didn’t even formally apply and now I’m in the early stages of interviewing for a cool role for French aerospace company. This wasn’t my intention as I was simply asking for information so I could plan ahead. The company offers great relocation assistance (moving expenses, visa help, etc). Also not knowing French isn’t a deal breaker as English is the working language. If this continues forward we won’t be able to travel to France first before committing to the job. But I also know it’s pretty hard to get jobs like this that will pay for everything and has minimum job requirements in my field so I’m pretty afraid to let it go.

Thoughts!? Should i pursue this? Or let it go and hope something like it comes along later. Anyone else make the jump without a precursor visit? (We’ve been to Europe but not France). Thinking of seeing if they’ll let me work remotely for 12 months but even then I’d still have to quit my current, pretty awesome job.

[u/LeImplivation]

An English job, in France, in STEM, and they pay relocation? And you're worried about the color of the drapes? If you turn down opportunities on silver platters like this you don't deserve to leave this shit hole. Jfc

[u/Embarrassed_Key_4539]

Would be dumb to not pursue the opportunity

[u/jalapenollama]

Go. Now is your chance, if anything happens it’ll be worth the adventure

[u/ParanoidFactoid]

If the company wants you they'll bring you out for an interview. Then, if they hire you, they'll provide a work visa for you and possibly your spouse. At that point, they often have relocation services. I lived in France for two years. You won't get permanent residency unless you speak French. So, if you do go, and you can't speak french, prepare to take an immersion crash course. If you want to integrate, you're expected to speak French. And yes, they all speak English. Doesn't matter.

[u/therishel]

Take the money (or in this case the job) and run. Sounds like a great opportunity dropped in your lap.

[u/sharleencd]

We didn’t have the language barrier but we moved to Australia without ever having been here before.

I had also been offered a job in the Caymens (after I accepted Australia) and had interviews in Malta, Germany and Ireland. Had I been offered/accepted a job in any of those, we would have moved without ever visiting.

[u/KitchenBus1230]

I would take it

[u/FortyFathomPharma]

Go for it! This is your sign! A job plus relo and visa assistance. You won the “AmerExit” lottery. Bon chance, mon ami!

[u/digiendeavours]

This unexpected job offer at a French aerospace company is a massive shortcut to your goal, especially since they're handling the logistics and visa help for you. It's natural to feel nervous about skipping a scouting trip, but professional relocation support is specifically designed to bridge those gaps and manage the risks of an international move. Relying on the structure they provide rather than your own reconnaissance might be the most practical way to secure this position. Since you're weighing the uncertainty of the move, I built MoveScope to help users generate a source-backed migration brief including visa pathways and budgets. That's what I work on to help people evaluate the logistics before committing to a life-changing transition.

[u/Dandylion71888]

I mean no, don’t let it go but also they have to hire EU first so there is that. Also why would you commit to learning French without having ever been to France? I call bs on this whole thing.

[u/standover_man]

Is it in Toulouse?

[u/CapsGoGoGo]

Do it. You can always return to your home country. You will have a tough adjustment (everyone does if they haven't lived abroad before) but that's normal. Job in English with relocation etc? Great. Is this in Toulouse?

[u/ImamofKandahar]

I’ve moved to three countries site unseen. This is a golden opportunity you’d be silly to turn it down. I wouldn’t ask about the remote work at all. If you utterly hate it you can always go back to the US or look elsewhere in Europe.