Moving Abroad for A PhD: What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to France

When I got accepted into the AUFRANDE program, I was beyond excited. Doing a PhD across France and Australia sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But as I packed up my life in Spain and prepared to start at ICMPE in Paris, I quickly realised that moving abroad is not just about research. It is also about adjusting to an entirely new way of living.

Now that I have had time to settle in (and make a few mistakes along the way), here are some things I wish I had known before coming to France.

Bureaucracy Will Be Your First Research Project

Let’s get this out of the way: French paperwork is no joke. Even as an EU citizen, there are still plenty of administrative steps to handle. From registering with the university to applying for social security and opening a bank account, expect lots of forms, photocopies, and…waiting.

Tip: Start early, make digital backups of every document, and do not be shy about asking colleagues for help. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but it gets easier.

Housing in Paris Is Competitive

Finding a place to live in the Paris area can be tough. Apartments are small, rent is high, and landlords often ask for a long list of documents even if you are on a funded PhD program.

Tip: Use platforms like Crous, Studapart, or local Facebook groups. If you are looking for short-term stays at the beginning, check out student residences or shared flats. It might take time, but you will find something (and probably have a few funny stories along the way).

Speaking French Helps

While many researchers speak English, day-to-day life in France still requires some French.

I have a Duolingo streak of over 500 days in French. And still, I have had moments where I completely froze at the pharmacy or misunderstood official documents. Real-life situations are nothing like app exercises, and learning the language is definitely a long process.

But here is the good news: most doctoral schools in France offer free French classes. I signed up for several, and they helped me a lot not just with grammar, but also with confidence. Plus, it is a great way to meet other international students and make friends.

Tip: Do not worry about being perfect. Use the resources available, and practice whenever you can. People usually appreciate the effort.

Lab Life Might Feel Different

At ICMPE, I noticed some cultural differences in the lab, especially in communication and daily routines. For example, taking a proper one-hour lunch break is normal and encouraged.

Tip: Observe how others work, ask questions, and do not hesitate to share how things were done back home. These exchanges can lead to fun conversations and even improvements.

Finding Community Makes Everything Easier

Moving abroad can feel lonely, especially during the first months. But finding a group of people you connect with makes all the difference.

For me, that community came from the other AUFRANDE fellows at my institute. Even though we do not work in the same field or even share the same office, they have become some of my closest friends here. Whether it is sharing a meal, exploring different neighbourhoods in the city, or just complaining about paperwork together, it is always better with them.

Tip: Get involved. Whether it is language classes, lab socials, or AUFRANDE events, showing up helps you build your support network one small connection at a time.

You Will Grow in Unexpected Ways

Doing a PhD abroad is about more than just research. You will learn to navigate systems, cultures, and challenges you never expected. And through it all, you will grow more independent, flexible, and resilient.

Tip: Embrace the journey, even when it feels chaotic. Celebrate the small wins, like successfully mailing a letter or understanding a conversation at the bakery. They add up.

Final Thoughts

Starting this PhD has been one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my life. There are good days and tough days, moments where I feel completely at home, and others when I miss Spain deeply. But looking back, I would not change a thing.

To anyone preparing for this adventure: be patient with yourself, ask for help, and say yes to new experiences.