What advantages does Northern Ireland offer a French expat?

What advantages does Northern Ireland offer a French expat?
Ballycastle beach In 2014, the French government counted more than 300,000 nationals living in the United Kingdom. But you are wrong if you think that the French are only attracted to Big Ben and the City. Some ventured a little further than London and settled all over the British Isles. This is the case with Violaine, from the travel blog Vio’Vadrouille, an expatriate in Northern Ireland. Testimony of a Frenchwoman living on the other side of the Channel:

How long have you lived in Northern Ireland?

I have been based in Belfast in Northern Ireland since January 2014. After a year between Dublin and Cork in the Republic of Ireland, I made the decision to go further north, to the province of Ulster.

Why did you make the decision to move abroad?

The main reason was professional in the first place. I was offered a new job that was more suited to my skills and I could start the following Monday! I think my insatiable thirst to move got the better of me too. A new destination, a new adventure, for me that was ideal!

How did you choose your destination? Did you have any preconceptions about this region?

I did not choose the destination, she chose me! I hadn't specifically applied for this job, recruiters found my Linked In profile (very popular around here) and offered me an interview. I then looked at the destination that I knew very little about. I didn't really have a priori about Belfast, but maybe a little reluctance at first. Belfast does not have a reputation as a quiet and safe city in Northern Ireland it must be said. After reading several rather favorable reviews, I decided to give it a shot (and I don't regret it!).

When you arrived, were you subject to culture shock?

There are differences between France and Northern Ireland, it's true, but nothing shocking. I had no difficulty adjusting either personally or professionally. I would even say it's the other way around. Everything is much simpler here. On the professional side, jobs are very easy to find (especially for foreigners who speak several languages ​​or at least English) and positions are generally filled very quickly. On the personal side, there are no big differences with France, except that in Northern Ireland there are many more choices for eating out to give just one example.

The Irish are very warm, those from the north too. You will find their accent very charming (and not obvious)! If need be, you will always find someone to help you, people here are less reluctant than in France. I found people look very different too, now that I think about it. No one judges, even if you are dressed very sordidly! Over time, you really appreciate this kind of thing.

Have the Northern Ireland clichés been confirmed?

St Anne's Cathedral Belfast In Ireland it rains all the time, there are sheep everywhere, people are red and they drink a lot! No, these are not clichés. They are real real! But that’s what makes this land so welcoming. Northern Ireland is viewed as a bit dangerous because of the Protestant / Catholic conflicts, however life is no more dangerous in Belfast or Northern Ireland than elsewhere. Certain areas of Belfast are to be avoided, as in all the capitals of the world. No more no less.

Is the local health system efficient?

I have used it several times indeed. The system is good and not very different from France. When you arrive in Northern Ireland and have a job (unemployed, the system is more complicated and more expensive), you register with the local "social security", the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (NHS) to obtain a National Insurance Number, the equivalent of the social security number. It takes a week or two to get it. It is to be provided to the doctor, the dentist, the hospital ... anything related to health. The NHS provides healthcare to anyone residing in the UK. Most care is free, however for certain services such as dentist, ophthalmologist, etc. there will be costs to be borne by the patient. It depends on how much insurance you have. Typically, your company will pay for the first tier of insurance for you each year. As in France, you will be covered up to a certain amount. Beyond that, if the costs are higher, you will have to pay the difference. You can also choose to increase your insurance and settle the difference with your company for a higher amount of medical benefits. There is insurance for all budgets.