Adapt in France
Update: On Thursday, 19th February 2009 Adapt in France closed their doors for the last time. It cannot have been an easy decision to take but with dwindling subscribers it became evident that an important decision needed to be taken. Sadly, as French News and Var Reporter before them, closure was the only option. In a tribute to the hard work carried out over eight years by its founder, Sylvie Kermin-Coiffier, we have kept our interview with her on the pages of AMB, as a sad reminder of what this region has lost.
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Founded in April 2001, by Sylvie Kermin-Coiffier, Adapt in France is a non-profit association located in Place Méjane, Garbejaire. With the support of the town halls in Antibes, Biot, Mouans-Sartoux, Mougins, Opio, Valbonne and Villeneuve Loubet, the association is dedicated to helping expatriates live and work in France. To-date it has over 270 members, representing 40 nationalities.
Sylvie is a young dynamic person who has worked hard to make Adapt in France what it is today. Her commitment is total and we were very impressed by the way she ran the association. Here is someone who truly cares how people adjust to living in France and who understands the cultural difficulties they face when new to the country.
With steadfast determination and will-power, Sylvie has created an impressive resource centre. You’ll find over 1,000 references ranging over a diversity of topics: Accommodation, Healthcare, Taxes, Children, Business, Motoring, Entertainment, Job Hunting to name just a few.
Adapt in France also has a range of tailored services for companies, educational and research organizations: on-site training, personalized support, etc. They are registered as an official “organisme de formation”.
Over a period of about ten weeks, Adapt in France offers over 22 Workshops, each lasting 45-minutes. Presented by English-speaking experts each session has a group of 6 to 8 people and covers a variety of topics. The following is a sample of these topics:
- Banking Services
- Culture Shock
- Driving Licence
- Taxes in France
- Investments
- Childcare
- Skills Evaluation
- Job Search & Networking
- Insurance
- Car sale or purchase
- Company creation
- Social Security
- Pensions
- Education
- Accommodation
These workshops are an opportunity to ask questions and discuss points raised during the talk as well as a great way of meeting other newcomers and long-term residents.
Another important aspect of Adapt in France is their cultural exchanges. This is a great way to meet and speak in French, English or your mother tongue. You’ll be able to share tips and meet members, raise issues and exchange experiences.
Adapt in France differs to AVF in so far that, after an initial meeting and discussion, you will need to join the association to access any of their workshops, resources or culture exchanges. However, membership is not expensive and we really feel that the benefits are immense.
There are five different memberships on offer: Green, Orange, Red, White and Blue.
Upon joining, you’ll receive an information pack. Contents include an excellent “Welcome to the Côte d’Azur” guide that provides an extensive overview of many different facets of living on the Côte d’Azur. You’ll also receive the Useful Contacts and Addresses Addendum as well as a detailed map of the Alpes-Martimes.
As we’ve mentioned before, research is an essential part in any project - perhaps even more so when relocating to a foreign country. The Guide and Addendum are so full of pertinent information that we feel you should consider joining Adapt in France prior to even leaving for France.
Relocating and settling in to a new country is an exciting adverture - and knowing that there is help at hand will go a long way in making the transition period so much easier. We feel that both AVF and Adapt in France are complementary to each other, providing help and assistance to the very best of their capabilities.
So do contact them for further information or queries you may have; you will be very graciously received and well looked after.
Contact details:Adapt in France
Centre de Vie
Place Méjane
06560 Sophia-Antipolis
Tel/Fax: 04 93 65 33 79
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