Post: #1

Hi all,


Having spent the last two summers traveling the US, I don't think I can come back again next summer unfortunately, which is a shame as I got pretty settled here in Chi and built a big ass social circle. Looks like I'll have to do it again!

I have been considering Montreal perhaps. I don't speak French but would try and learn, though in six months I didn't expect to be polished.

Has anyone any thoughts on it as a place to live as a Brit that speaks shoddy French at best? Or pos alternatives?

Don't know where else I'd like to go. I prefer the west to Asia, having spent many enjoyable months exploring there though. Living there isn't for me really.

Cheers

Post: #2

If you're expecting to get a job better learn Quebecois french asap.

If just living, then you'll be fine.

Post: #3

Most of the people in Montreal are bilingual and there are also several neighborhoods where English is the first language. That's also why learning French can be difficult here; you need to be determined to speak as less English as possible.

Post: #4

I was in Montreal about ten years back
My French was poor(and so I didn't use it much)
Almost everyone spoke to me in French first of all, some switching to English when they realised I didn't understand them, but some persisted speaking in French at me, pointedly refusing to change to English, when surely they could speak it
As beautiful as the city is in parts, this pigheadedness did turn me off the city and it's inhabitants somewhat
So, short answer is yes you will need at least a working knowledge of French otherwise expect to be treated like a leper by some of the more rabid French Canadians

Post: #5

You can find work in Montreal as a non French speaker, I have a few friends who do and my brother used to live there too. That being said, don't expect to land a really good job or one in which you'd have to deal with the public. Most Anglos I know who work there have shit jobs: washing dishes, moving furniture, etc. I still recommend moving to Mtl though, its a great city to live in and very cheap compared to other North American cities of the same size.

Post: #6

Loads of people who use to live in Montreal have moved to Toronto for work, many vouch never to return because of the job market which is very pro-quebecois.

As Scotian rightly stated, the jobs you would be looking at would be entry level and service industry type jobs.

Post: #7

I have lived in Montreal all my life and I still can't speak French perfectly. My job, school, and friends are all English environments you just have to know where to look. That being said when it comes for government papers, banks, talking to police, getting directions not knowing French can hold you back. Its very possible to get by here without French but every now and then you will get mad or frustrated (just like every other place, just different problem).

If you come check it out I can almost assure you, will not be disappointed.

For work however is a another story because of the b.s laws we have makes making fat stacks of cash a bit harder than in other places.

If you have any questions, I will try my best to answer them.

Post: #8

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