Two books. Ten years of shortcuts.
I landed in Lille in 2016 with comic-book French and too much luggage. These are the two guides I wish someone had handed me. Start with the one that matches where you are.
For students and professionals moving to France
Fit-in in France
Your first year without the costly mistakes. A book you finish before you land.
- The visa folder that saves every préfecture appointment
- A roof, a SIM and a bank account when each one needs the other two
- Your first payslip, your first job offer, your first renewal
Once the papers are sorted, the real work starts: being yourself in French.
For adults in France who understand more than they can say
frenchmesh
The method I used to go from comic-book French to working in French.
- Stop freezing at the boulangerie and in meetings
- Two lists: the phrases you've got and the ones you're fighting with
- Twenty minutes a day, built around your own week
Who's writing
I'm Josh. I came from India for a master's at EDHEC, lost my work permit once, scored 39/40 on the 2026 civic exam, and work in French in Paris today. I keep both books updated as the rules change.