5 Ways the International Day of Living Together Inspires Expat Partners in France

Picture this: you step off the plane, bags in hand, with that unmistakable blend of excitement and anxiety swirling in your chest. A new country, a fresh start—but also the unknown. The language sounds like music, but you don’t know the lyrics yet. The streets curve in unfamiliar ways, and even the way people smile feels just a bit different. Being an expat partner isn’t just about moving; it’s about building something entirely new from scratch. A new life, a new community, a new version of you.

And what better time to celebrate this brave journey than on May 16th, the International Day of Living Together? A day that goes beyond borders, promoting peace, inclusion, and understanding—ideals that resonate deeply with anyone navigating life in a foreign land.

1. Breaking the Isolation

Moving abroad often means leaving behind everything familiar—your friends, your routines, even your favorite café where they know your order by heart. In France, the language barrier, cultural nuances, and even small interactions like buying bread at the boulangerie can feel monumental. According to a 2023 study by InterNations, 52% of expat partners struggle to make local friends, and 48% report feelings of isolation during their first year abroad. It’s not just about mastering French verbs; it’s about finding your place in a community where you truly belong.

One place where this magic happens is during Absolutely French's cooking classes. Every week, expat partners come together—not just to learn French, but to cook, to laugh, to share stories. Kneading dough side by side with someone from a different corner of the world creates bonds that go deeper than just learning a language.

2. Simple Invitations Lead to Connection

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest impact. A neighbor waving hello and asking if you want to join them for a local market trip. A fellow student in your French class inviting you for coffee after class. Joining a cooking session at Absolutely French, where food and language intertwine. These moments are like stepping stones, small gestures that make those first intimidating steps in a new country feel just a little easier.

A report from the OECD shows that expats who engage in community events are 33% more likely to feel integratedwithin their first year. Why? Because when you join in—when you say yes—you open doors. Doors to friendships, understanding, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

3. Building Bridges Through Community Activities

Joining community activities isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to build a life. The International Day of Living Together is a beautiful reminder that peace and connection start with small, everyday actions. Whether it’s joining a walking tour of Paris, attending a history lesson in the heart of Montmartre, or playing interactive language games at Absolutely French, each step brings you closer to feeling at home.

4. Embracing Cultural Diversity

Living together in France means embracing the rich cultural diversity that surrounds you. Whether it's sharing stories over a cooking class or learning the history of Paris while exploring its streets, these moments shape your journey and deepen your understanding of what it means to truly live together.

5. Finding Your Place in a Global Community

The International Day of Living Together is not just about coexisting; it’s about truly connecting. For expat partners, it’s a reminder that living together is possible when you open yourself up to new experiences, new friendships, and new ways of seeing the world.

Embracing the Journey

The International Day of Living Together is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action. For expat partners, it’s a reminder that living together means truly connecting—not just coexisting. It’s about opening up, reaching out, and embracing the journey, with all its twists and turns. Because when you do, you don’t just live in France—you become part of it.

For more inspiration, check out our article on Café Poussette in Paris—a perfect example of how community spaces can help you feel at home, one cup of coffee at a time.