An Expat Talks about Living in Strasbourg, France

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Strasbourg

How long have you lived there?

21 Months

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Even after being here for 21 months, I am still finding it hard to meet people. The students only seem to mix with students and people seem very clicky and not willing to let you into their established 'group'. Have joined a gym and am a member of the English Speaking Community, but they hold events during work hours, which is a bit of a dead end for me.

In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

They seem to accept differences - I've not come across anything other than that.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Due to the nature of my work, it seems mainly as though the Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe and European Parliament are the main career paths. It's difficult to find work if you don't have the French/German language skills, but there is (limited) work around.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Work and family...though they seem to be fitness mad too - you can't walk down a main street without seeing a jogger!

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If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

I would be brutally honest and say it's not a place for a young person and is more suited to someone with a family...but if you're a student or stagiere, then you're sorted.