 We interviewed Eddy Brosse, a French national, who, four years ago, returned to France after working in the field of hospitality management in the United Kingdom. Now an International Hospitality Management Consultant based in Paris, Eddy reflects on his expatriation and return, home country, upcoming projects while sharing his personal experience.
X-Expats: Has your experience overseas changed your opinion about France and its place in the world (from a cultural/business perspective)?
Eddy Brosse: I was raised in a family of travelers. The apple does not fall far from the tree! It is no surprise that I carried on tradition and kept itchy feet. My grand parents lived in Africa before and after the war, my parents moved all over France; I moved about 13 times with them…. in just 23 years. Do I feel French now? Not exactly, I feel more like a “global citizen”. I can speak 4 languages and I have been learning a fifth one … My sense of humor is more British than French (the latter makes me jump!).
While in the UK, I really enjoyed reading a lot about my home country from an outside point of view. That really fostered some kind of French awareness: What it means to be French, what the customs are, the differences between cultures; all the things we take for granted when we’re home that can appear utterly foreign (and weird sometimes!) to people with a different culture. I became quite proud of being French; sometimes taken aback by criticism on my fellow citizens; laughing a lot though at our old habits and customs. Additionally, this expatriation made me realize that France can be a small country, struggling to keep its seat at the big boys’ table, and that grass can really be greener elsewhere. In terms of open mindedness, work ethic, or even tolerance, I’m afraid that France does not rank very high compared to other countries.
X-E: Many expats report that their time overseas provided momentum for both personal and professional growth. How would you characterize your own expatriation? Any cathartic effect?
EB: I’ve had the most fabulous time in London. Many parties. I worked hard and played hard as they say! I climbed the corporate ladder and managed about one promotion a year. This is something unthinkable in France. I often hear remarks about that actually; and I have to stress out the fact that each “corporate title change” was a new challenge. Not sure my fellow countrymen can understand!
X-E: As a returning expat, which issues do you consider the most challenging to deal with when returning “home” and why (i.e. administrative issues, career, reverse culture shock)?
EB: How long do you have? (LOL). Well, we’re talking about France so guess what … administration is a major issue (having to deal with quite a number of frustrated and unprofessional civil servants who have little interest in helping you). No myth here, just reality. Career is a major challenge as well. I can only comment on the situation in France though. I left my home country 14 years ago because of the lack of opportunities; and returned several years later to face the same static environment. This is so frustrating. Most French people think that the UK is a far too liberal country and assume (mistakenly) that jobs there are all precarious. I have been told that I was “too international”, whatever that means! Culture shock is also an issue. It kicks in on a daily basis remaining as strong as it was when I returned to France four years ago. I personally think that work ethic is non existent, that individualism is king, and that a win-win situation is a foreign concept for most people here; and please let’s not go into self discipline (or manners even)!
X-E: Speaking of challenges, you have registered for Doctors of the World’s London to Paris Annual Fundraising Bike Ride. What were your motivations for participating in this event and what do you wish to accomplish?
EB: I like the idea of a personal challenge associated with an interesting way to raise funds for charity. I prefer to support charitable causes in a more active way. For instance, I am involved with a charity helping people from the projects -around Paris - find full time employment (ALICE). I think this is a good initiative, a step forward to make a difference to try to change things for good. As for the fundraising event organized by Doctors of the World, I heard that people from different countries will participate; I was so happy about it. A mix of cultures is always a good thing. I look forward to getting to know other participants during these 3 day- bike ride between a city I love (London) and where I live (Paris). I hope we’ll get some nice coverage and contribute to generating even more support for Médecins du Monde.
X-E: Are you doing this event on your own? Do you have support?
EB: I tried to build a team through my associations (Franco-British society of Paris, Unemployed Manager’s Association, ALICE) to show the world what we could do but to no avail. So yes, I’m on my own … with other 100 participants! My network has provided financial support in connection with this initiative (people from France, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong). I trust my friends and family will be at the finishing line, under the Eiffel Tower, on July 24th!
X-E: Any other challenge(s) do you wish to take on in the future?
EB: I had my mid-life crisis already. In any case, I plan to participate in the 2011 Doctors of the World’s London to Paris Annual Fundraising Bike Ride, and hopefully with a team this time!
X-E: Do you want to remain in France or leave? What factors may affect your decision?
EB: I’m a Hospitality Management Consultant so I can’t really complain about business but I bet I could reach the airport faster than it takes to say “go”! (LOL). I truly miss the feeling of moving forward (and being part of a country that goes forward too), the ability to bring constructive criticism to the table, the confidence that my personal space (that bubble around me) will not be invaded constantly. I still dream about moving back to the UK, going to Asia or Canada. All in all, I truly enjoy “being a stranger in a strange place”, but not in my “home” country! I still want to discover the world and travel places. In my opinion, vacationing in France is great but there are other (and better) places to work, learn, and grow. If I were to find a very good and well-paid job here, would I stay? I no longer believe in Santa Claus. If the country was more open and not as rigid? There is change, but this change is not fast enough, France is too far behind on a number of issues and is moving backwards on other areas, especially human relations.
X-E: Thank you Eddy for providing feedback on your experience. Good luck on the bike ride and future endeavors! To those who want to learn more about Doctors of the World’s mission and actions, please visit their website, to support Eddy’s challenge, please visit his page.
If you wish to share your own experience as a repat or tell us about the resources you provide for returning expats please contact us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please do not copy or cite without author's or publisher's authorization |
