Expat Life in France: What Emily in Paris Gets Wrong
- The average salary for a marketing professional in Paris is around €40,000, which is not enough to afford a lavish apartment.
- Many French people speak more English than depicted in the show, and expats often have diverse social circles that include locals.
- The portrayal of relationships and social dynamics in the series is largely exaggerated and does not reflect the true expat experience.
The article discusses the discrepancies between the portrayal of expat life in France in the Netflix series and the reality experienced by actual expats. It highlights that while Emily Cooper's work life at Savoir reflects some truths about office culture in France, many aspects of her lifestyle are exaggerated. For instance, the average salary for a marketing professional in Paris is around €40,000, which is insufficient to afford the lavish apartment Emily occupies, costing over half her monthly income. Additionally, the article points out that the average French person speaks more English than often assumed, contradicting the show's depiction of language barriers. The social dynamics among expats are also misrepresented; the author notes that her own friendships include both French and international individuals, unlike Emily's limited social circle. The narrative also touches on the romanticized view of relationships in the show, suggesting that while non-monogamous relationships exist in France, they are not exclusive to the culture. The author reflects on her own experiences as an expat, contrasting them with Emily's fictional escapades. Ultimately, the article serves as a critique of the series, emphasizing that while it may entertain, it fails to accurately represent the complexities and realities of living as an expat in France.