There is this idea that it's very different from the French point of view to work in America blah, blah, blah. But I think it's different from one person to the other, not from one country to the other.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Being and working in America, it's very important to work hard, work smart and work in a certain way. France and Europe has, with the tradition and culture, it's slow-moving and it's not always good.
I find it very beautiful to work in different countries because I see the mentality differences there. It is so rich, one always carries forward something.
I have American friends in France, and when I meet with them, they tell me about everything that is wrong with France. I think there is a general expat syndrome, which means that whatever country you are in, you are always missing your own country and always thinking that the country you live in is actually not as good as it could be.
One thing that makes France different from other countries is the tradition of social solidarity. People from all backgrounds and political positions are willing to contribute for services and protection of society as a whole - but on the condition that money is being spent effectively and that everyone is paying their part.
The French hold onto their traditions. I was always so alienated in America. My work was this constant reaction to that.
In America it's good to show people you are fine, you're healthy, you're sporty, you're happy to do things, to live. And in France it's more like you don't have to show you have success.
France is different from the U.S.A.'s El Dorado, American Dream image.
Although all new ideas are born in France, they are not readily adopted there. It seems that they must first commence to prosper in a foreign country.
I think America and Britain have a different culture from France. They discovered marketing and consumerism before France.
There's a big difference between France and the U.S. In the U.S., immigrants must work to live. In France, they're taken care of by public finances. In France, there are millions of unemployed people already. We cannot house them, give them health care, education... finance people who keep coming and coming.