When I moved from the US to Paris 2 years ago, I hadn't considered all of the privileges I was leaving behind

It's been my choice to give up the privilege of existing within a society I'm familiar with to live abroad in Paris.

Moïse Mbarga-Abega

Nearly two and a half years ago, in January 2024, I crammed my most essential belongings into three suitcases and left behind the only life I have ever known to start a new one halfway across the world, in Paris.Jaded by corporate America and wanting a change of environment, I left my hometown of New York City and moved to the City of Light on a student visa in pursuit of a better life.While I feel I succeeded in building a more mindful life for myself in many ways, living abroad has also come with its fair share of challenges.When I decided to leave my home country and become an immigrant, I didn't fully consider all of the privileges I may be leaving behind.In addition to having to prepare a script to book a doctor's appointment in a language I'm not yet fluent in, other seemingly simple tasks have become notably more difficult to circumvent as an American living in France.Navigating a tough job market is a nightmare when I have to also consider visa sponsorship

As a non-EU citizen, I feel like it's extra tough to find a job in my field.

Moïse Mbarga-Abega