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Here's the situation: My kids and I are dual-nationals (American-French), so as I understand it, I can work in EU countries, right? I've worked in corporate communications in US, but can't write in French nearly as well. Any ideas for finding a job before going? And how hard would it be for my non-French husband to work there? He's a general contractor. Anyone have any similar stories? BTW, we're very middle aged so we do want some creature comforts.

Hi and welcome!

The first thing you need to do is establish your French citizenship. If you have a passport, then you're fine. As for your husband, he should normally be allowed to at least live here because of you, but he doesn't become automatically French. You should go to your nearest French consulate or look it up on the Web. There is an excellent French public service website at http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/N111.xhtml.

For corporate communications, I would suggest you freelance for English-language companies or institutions. That would probably mean the Paris region (although there are millions of freelancers there) or the Pays de Gex/Haute Savoie region within driving distance of Geneva, where you can find freelance work from the United Nations or from European corporate headquarters based in the city (Dupont, Digital, Kodak etc).

As for general contracting, the region near Geneva is filled with foreign language residents who would rather speak English than French. However, lack of French might make it difficult to hire local labour, but he could potentially work as a middleman. Still, some French would be required.

Hope this is helpful! Leyla