by Elsa Thenard-Segantin (current MS&PC member from France)
Hello! I am Elsa, a French native from a tiny village in the northeast of France (so small it only has about 80 people and 500 cows). Two years ago, I found myself in a situation much like yours. Leaving my home country and moving to the USA seemed unimaginable, but in August 2022, my husband and I made the big leap to Cambridge, MA. What a transformation!
As you might already know, expatriation is both exhausting and stressful. Back in your home country, you are buried in paperwork, navigating the visa process, saying goodbye to family and friends, and possibly leaving behind some of your belongings. It feels like you are leaving a significant part of your life behind. Upon arriving in a new country, you face the challenge of finding a new home, registering with the consulate or embassy, setting up a new bank account, getting a new phone number, and adapting to a different culture—all in a language that might not be your own. It is a daunting process, and it can take time before the most stressful period begins to ease.
Despite the challenges, I can confidently say that this has been the most incredible project of my life. If you are here now, you have already accomplished so much, and you should be proud of yourself. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the to-do list, but take a moment to appreciate what you have achieved so far. The rest of the list will get done, one step at a time. And remember, there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate this new environment. MS&PC (MIT Spouses and Partners Connect), LCE (Language Conversation Exchange), MIT employees, and your partner’s colleagues are all here to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; we have all been in your shoes and are more than willing to offer advice and assistance.
Living here also presents a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. The cultural diversity is truly remarkable. While dealing with paperasse (aka paperwork in French) might feel daunting, remember that you are doing this to experience life in the Boston area. Boston is a vibrant city offering shopping, social events, sports games, and parties, while Cambridge provides a more intimate setting with its parks, cozy restaurants, and quaint shops. Both cities have their unique charm. If you are a nature enthusiast, take advantage of nearby destinations like Cape Cod, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. For those more interested in night-life, culture and big city vibes, New York City is also close enough for a weekend trip.
There is always something to do and discover in and around Boston and Cambridge. You will have the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds and immerse yourself in new cultures through food, events, and festivals.
I hope you find comfort and excitement in this new adventure. Life here is beautiful! Embrace your time here, whether it is for a few months or years, because this kind of experience is truly rare and special.
“Take every chance you get in life, because some things only happen once.” Karen Gibbs