In March 2020, Sarah Latrille embarked on a transformative journey by relocating to Paris—right on the brink of a global pandemic. Despite the unexpected challenges, Sarah embraced the pause forced upon her by lockdowns, learning to focus on the present and setting up her new life in France. This period compelled her to slow down, appreciate the here and now, and manage the myriad of administrative tasks inherent to moving abroad.
Navigating Motherhood Abroad
Being an expatriate mother presented unique challenges that Sarah navigated with impressive resilience. Her fluency in French eased communication during her pregnancy and childbirth, making the experience relatively straightforward and enjoyable. Remarkably, her childbirth experience in France was not only personal but economically friendly, as her hospital bill was significantly lower compared to average costs in the United States.
Relocating to France: Advice for Aspiring Expats
Sarah emphasizes patience and organization for anyone considering a move to France. With her twenty-year dream of relocating finally realized, she advises building a thick skin to withstand the emotional rollercoaster of living abroad. The French administrative system can be arduous, but persistence and creativity in problem-solving—like using LinkedIn to resolve visa issues—can lead to success.
A Buckeye in Paris: Sharing Experiences through Blogging
Sarah’s blog, “A Buckeye in Paris,” initially started to aid fellow Americans navigating French bureaucracy when she and her French husband chose to marry in the USA. Her blog has since evolved into a valuable resource that documents her experiences, from setting up a bank account to dealing with everyday life in France. With a focus on honest storytelling, Sarah offers insights into the real and sometimes challenging aspects of expatriate life, aiming to help others and share her passion for writing.
Building Community: The Sorority Network
Sarah has made a significant impact through her “Sorority Network,” a support group for female expats in Paris and its suburbs. This initiative aims to connect women, providing a space to share experiences and resources amid the challenges of expatriate life. The network is still in its formative stages, with plans to compile a directory of services and opportunities for newcomers.
Redefining Belonging and Creativity
For Sarah, belonging means being present and connected to oneself rather than a specific place or identity. This mindset allows her to embrace her life in Paris fully. Her definition of creativity revolves around self-expression and transforming ideas into unique creations that reflect personal identity and passion.
Future Ventures: A New Adventure with Coffee
Sarah is excited about her latest venture—opening a coffee shop in the suburbs of Paris. With years of experience in food service, she is eager to bring this dream to life and create a welcoming space for the community. This coffee shop represents her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to make her mark in a foreign country.
Visit Sarah’s blog at A Buckeye in Paris and follow her on Instagram at @abuckeyeinparis to keep up with her journey and insights. For more information about La Sororité Network, check out the website here.
