You will find Americans living in Paris for many reasons. Some are in Paris for school, or they were transferred to Paris for work, and others are doing it on their own, simply following their bliss or living out a lifelong dream. My goal is to provide information and advice for those who dream of living in Paris, but will be doing so without the assistance of an employer or a university program and don’t know where to start.

It isn’t a conventional life choice for a young professional or working adult to step off their career track to move to Paris, so be prepared that your parents, siblings, neighbors, friends, employer, or peers might not understand. Whatever your personal reasons for wanting to live in Paris, you don’t really owe anyone an explanation about why you want to live there – other than the French consulate.

This is a good place to start researching how to live in Paris, and start taking steps toward making your dream of living in Paris come true.

Americans who dream of living in Paris face unique challenges: high cost of living (even higher now that euro is worth more than the dollar), complicated paperwork required to live in France, the language barrier for those who don’t speak French, and the barriers to employment for non-EU citizens.

With all these obstacles potentially in your way, don’t be intimidated. Instead arm yourself with info, money, French language skills, and a plan. Start researching the process of moving to Paris. There are lots of great books on moving to Paris and French culture. (Always make sure you’re reading American-specific resources if you're researching visa and legal issues.) Also, check out expat forums and blogs. Start taking notes, and compiling a list of questions you need answered.

Paris is an expensive city. The cost of living in Paris is less expensive than New York, but more expensive than London and Los Angeles, if that gives you any indication. Rent is higher than in most mid-sized American cities, and apartments are smaller and older. Be prepared to pay even higher rent if you want something spacious and modern.

There are a couple of work programs available for those seeking jobs in Paris, each with their own age, industry, and language requirements (Bunac, CIEP’s Language Assistants, and Interexchange), but in most cases, American adults living in Paris who were not transferred by their American employers are financially supporting themselves through other means (savings, self-employment, etc.) Plan and save as if you'll be funding your life in Paris yourself, because it’s very likely that you will.

Also, start learning French as soon as you can. Don't wait until you move to Paris and expect you'll just pick it up. Start today. Knowing some French is better than none.

Living in Paris requires lots of planning and preparation, but the experience will make you a more self-confident person and give you an irreplaceable cultural experience and tales to tell for a lifetime.

This post from David Lebovitz's blog cracked me up. Read "8 Coping Tips for Living in Paris."

I love Lebovitz's #1 tip: "Buy yourself some nice chocolates." That tip can help you cope with just about anything, in my opinion.

In general, there are a few things that can make life in Paris less frustrating: Don't ever be in a rush to get anywhere. Don't expect things to be timely or efficient. Disabuse yourself of the American notion that "the customer is always right." Be courteous and gracious. Get over the small size/old age of everything in Paris compared to the U.S. Relax. When things go wrong, laugh about it and let it go. C'est la vie.

Expats and travelers can either rent a furnished apartment (also called a "vacation rental"), or an unfurnished apartment.

The monthly rent on an unfurnished apartment is cheaper, but you must meet the financial requirements: a French bank account, France-based income of 3-4 times the monthly rent, a French tax-payer to guarantee your lease or 6 months' rent held as a bank guarantee, and receipts for 3 months of prior rent in France. You also need to buy your own furniture and appliances. For these reasons, most people who aren't moving to Paris permanently choose to rent a furnished apartment/vacation rental instead.

For vacation rentals, you can either use an agency (which either owns a portfolio of apartments itself, or rents out apartments on behalf of various owners), or you can rent directly from an apartment owner.

Where can you find reputable apartment rental agencies? For starters, check out the agencies that are Registered Members of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau:

http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-hotels/furnished-rentals/

Paris makes a beautiful backdrop and has long been a favorite filming location for movies. These are some of my favorite films set in Paris.

• After Sunset
• Paris When It Sizzles
• Funny Face
• An American in Paris
• The Da Vinci Code
• French Kiss