It's Finally Here 🇫🇷
It's finally time for my French citizenship interview! Here are 15 of the questions (and then some) that I prepared to answer. Thank you a million times over to my Patrons who made this whole journey possible / jayswanson 🥳
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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.
Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
Patron Producer: Amy Keeney
Edited by: Me
Music by: @dcuttermusic
Пікірлер: 386
Congratulations! I hope you won’t really have to wait 7 or 8 more months. To answer your questions. Plus de français, c'est toujours mieux. At the very least you have provided a lot of great information on France for tourists and you have always communicated your love of France. You’re a great ambassador for France.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Merci David! (See what I did there?)
@thedavidguy01
6 ай бұрын
@@JaySwanson Je n'ai rien compris 😏
Despite your frequent gratitude towards your patrions (and I get it), as a viewer, I must express how truly inspiring your videos are. I find myself addicted to them and was delighted to see a new post so soon. Your contribution to Paris makes Paris even more extraordinary. French citizenship is rightfully yours! Thank you for sharing the magic!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
You're most welcome! And I very much appreciate you being here and watching. I hope you enjoy what 2024 brings!
Wow! I think I got something in my eye... What country wouldn't want an artist such as yourself? Congrats and BONNE CHANCE!! Happy Xmas to you & Cooper - and to all the family! From chilly and festive Ireland! ☘💪🏽👀👍🏽☘
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🥰🥰 Thank you Sonny!
Major congratulations! You are a gift to France, with your love of the country, your interest in its history and culture, and your true ambassadorship in demonstrating the spirit and beauty that IS France. Bravo!! I believe wings will sprout from my heart when I see you holding your French passport in your hand!! Happy New Year!!!! 🤗✨🎶❤️🪽🌿🕊✨
Hello again, Jay. I just saw your TED Talk and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. (hint: a lot) I'd also like to tell some others who are learning French that TED Talks (in French) are really great for aural comprehension. The speakers tend to speak more deliberately so they are easier to understand. The subject matter is a given, so you are less likely to be misled by a homophone and you learn something extra! That's about as good as it gets! Check out Jay's Ted Talk, it's in English.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you! And great tip - I hadn't thought about TED Talks in French being so helpful but you're totally right. There's bound to be such a good selection of interesting talks in there
Je suis déjà fier de t’avoir comme compatriote. Ce qui fait de toi un bel être humain n’est pas que tu deviennes français (I don’t care about anyone’s passport), mais que tu réalises tes souhaits et que tu le fasses en inspirant les autres. Merci pour toutes les vidéos, et pour le guide de Paris. J’y vis depuis 30 ans (plus ou moins 7-8 ans: Genève, NYC, California…) et j’adore ta perspective sur la ville. Bienvenue et bravo !
You’ve given lots of tourists no doubt. I’ve been to Paris 3 times since watching your videos and fell in love with the place. Only place I’ve traveled to I could see myself living in
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Makes my day to hear it!
Right, my first reaction was, How is it possible, Monday is Christmas. 😊 That said: Congratulations. 😊
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Haha - the time warp persists!
I’m a Brazilian-American and I’m as elated as you are . It’s a sense of belonging in a country . There’s nothing better than one can say : I’m a dual citizen. You are an American-French citizen. Congrats all the way from Austin Texas . You did earn your Christmas gift this year . Claudia
Félicitations ! On croise les doigts pour vous, futur compatriote !!!!❤
@secretsdunefeechannel
6 ай бұрын
Quand je pense que les pauvres européens, américains doivent attendre des années pour être naturalisés alors qu'ils sont adorables, courtois, travaillent, apprennent notre langue (complexe) alors que d'autres viennent foutre le bordel dans notre pays ... ça tiendrai qu'à moi je lui aurais donné depuis longtemps sa naturalisation ! Tous les américains sont les bienvenus en France ! Je ne suis jamais allé aux Etats-Unis mais ils ont vraiment l'air d'être très chaleureux, travailleurs et patriotes ! Je dis à cet homme que s'il n'est pas encore naturalisé il l'est déjà dans le cœur des français !
My husband and I are super happy for you! Big congratulations!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@14:36 : “you are taking this on not just for yourself, but for future generations”, …”life changing not just for yourself but for other people around me”… You have been a tour guide of Paris, and have become a grande influencer in “ the pursuit of a happy quality of life” , It appears to me that by example, you have already changed the lives of many around you, as well as your patrons and viewers. Toutes nos félicitations! 15:04
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🥰🥰 merci
Congratulations! I have to say, I appreciate you speaking in French periodically because I can understand the majority of what you’re saying! That said, I am Canadian but so very far, far from being bilingual. Im just glad to realize that I have picked up some French over the years. 🙂
Congratulations Jay! What an accomplishment and you are giving back to your country by all the excellent travel advice you put on your channel. My wife and I spent a week in Paris in early November and relied on your ideas and book! I’ve worked around tv newsrooms, editors, photographers for 40 years, and know how much hard work is involved in putting out just one video. France is lucky to have you.
Avec ton niveau de français tu passes l'interview sans problème normalement. Bon courage! Wishing you all the best 🤞🏼🙏🏻
Bravo ! Tu mérites absolument de devenir Français ! 🇫🇷❤🇫🇷
Congratulations! What you have done for France? Improved tourist experiences and taught us to be better tourists and ambassadors of USA in France and other countries. Took Peloton bike tour of Versailles, took trip to Champagne, Church in San Germaine I wouldn’t have experienced and more…thank you. Joyeux Noel from California.
Congratulations! My wife and I ran into you at NOIR in the 16th, and we’ve enjoyed watching your well-documented journey to citizenship. After I studied in Paris in 2006, I too felt the indescribable pull of Paris. I’ve gone back almost every year since. This recent trip was 2 months with my 1-year-old daughter. Thank you for capturing and sharing the city with us.
Congratulations Jay! You deserve this! And I think we all know what your contributions to France and Paris are! You are one of the best tour guides, chearleaders, proponent for the city in which you live. Can't wait until you get the official word.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🥂🎉 Thank youuuuuu
omg that is so freakin exciting. i teared up too hearing about the signing/ impact on others - such a beautiful philosophical stance. congratulations, jay and merry christmas!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
It was really cool. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Congratulations on completing such a big step!! I am currently working towards moving to France in 4 years myself and researching all that entails. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, truly inspiring and informative. Happy holidays to you!!
Congrats and even though you've already gone through the interview something you've given to France is helping someone like me to take my family and friends to Paris and to enjoy it a little deeper than it would have been. Took you up on the cycle tour a few years ago and it was a great way to see the city. Thanks for sharing your journey through the highs and lows and Merry Christmas! Have a great New Year and may 2024 be your year of citizenship!!
Congratulations on a successful interview! It’s been a pleasure watching your journey and progress over the past few years and to see you on the cusp of achieving your goals is amazing and brings a tear to my eye. Well-deserved and looking forward to further Parisian adventures with you and Cooper. Happy holidays and all the best Jay. 👋🏽😊🎉
Great job Jay! You are such an awesome human being. Your growth has been great, the videos have gotten so good. Your storytelling is amazing. Love watching you in my favorite city in the world.
🏆WTG Jay!! Been following your journey for the past couple years & know how much this means...VERY happy for ya & hopefully finalization comes sooner than they said! 🙏
Jay, I’m really happy for you, excited for you, proud of you especially following your journey and transformation. What’s your contribution to France? Your wonderful channel! I found you researching for a trip to Nice and Paris and it was sooo helpful and then really found your channel really interesting, honest, real. You’re amazing and thank you for what you do and who you are. Good luck and hope you hear back soon !!
Congratulations and Merry Christmas! I admire your journey and wish I had done it decades ago. Good for you for following your dreams. 🎉🥂🎄
“Mmm, you have good taste!” ~~Cooper 10:29 I feel emotionally invested in your quest and very impressed by the hard work you’ve put in to achieve it! Attaboy, Jay 🇫🇷
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! I'm so fortunate to have the chance to share it with you =)
One step closer! Congratulations on completing another major milestone in this wonderful journey. Looking forward to the successful conclusion!
Congratulations on achieving this goal. Now breathe and enjoy! Merry Christmas! 🎄
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🎁🎄🎁 Thank you!
Thanks so much for this video and the updates. I've been thinking of you this last week or so knowing the interview was probably coming up soon. I've been following you for many years (long before you got your loft bed 🙂) and I know this is a dream you've been striving for. Glad you've crossed the last hurdle and can't wait to hear the good news!
Félicitacions!! Thank you for sharing this with us 😊 Your mix of joy and relief at the end was a beautiful representation of the process. May the next 7-8 months go quickly and smoothly for you ❤🎉
So inspiring! What a journey you're on...
Proud of you Jay!❤️ Hope you had a great Christmas 😎
Merry Christmas 🎄 France would be lucky to have you. Hopefully we get a great mid summer vlog 🎉
Super & Congrats Fellow Jay. I've followed your journey since the start.
Congratulations! And Merry Christmas 🎄
Congrats with this huge step. We’re all rooting for you! Have a wonderful Christmas and a top French 2024.
Super ! Et joyeux Noël !
It’s wonderful to see you accomplish a major goal after following your journey for so long. I also like that you speak to us in French with English subtitles. I’m learning French with Duolingo and I enjoy hearing and understanding words here and there. Hearing your accent is very helpful. And seeing you work to achieve all your goals is inspiring.
Congrats Jay, so glad to hear it went well! I hope the next 7-8 months go by quickly and that you get good news. I'll be thinking/praying for you.
Oh wow. I’m very happy for yah Jay. Happy New Year! 🎉
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Congrats! I can totally tell how much this means to you. As someone early in the journey, super inspired by you.
This is awesome!! Congrats!!
Congratulations Jay, and thank you for the deets, for those of us who may be following in your footsteps. ❤️ Here’s hoping your wait just flies by!
I’ve been watching you on your journey for the last 6 years and I’m so proud of you!!! Congratulations 🎉
I agree with the notes under, During the video I was getting nervous with you, I caught myself stopping breathing when you went into the building, emotional over the news. You deserve this and much much more. Congratulations
Been a viewer since spring of 2017 Jay. Incredible what you've accomplished. Keep us updated
Congratulations Jay, it’s beautiful to see all your hard work paying off! Continue success.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
What a great feeling to have arrived (and overcome) the interview hurdle. 🎉🎉🎉 I hope you throw yourself a huge party when you get your French passport!
WooHoo! SO MANY breakthroughs (and cups of coffee) on your journey. Félicitations! Yes, please - plus de vidéos en français (with your fun/newsy subtitles of course).
Congrats on this huge milestone. 9:14 in Cooper got a new fan!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Cooper draws all the fans 😆
Congratulations Jay!! Fabulous news! 🎉😊 looking forward to you confirming this in 7-8 months xx
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this personal journey. I think it's wonderful and I am so happy for your accomplishment.
Congratulations Jay!! So excited for you. Merry Christmas to you and Cooper❤🎄
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🎁🎄🎁
So exciting. Well done you for getting it done. Relax now, its in the bag. Envious. Paris is my heart home though born and bred in Australia. The time I spent there, though short, it felt like home. I feel the vibe you have going 🥰🥲
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
It's very much home 🥰
Bravo!!! This brought me to tears!
Jay, this is such a wonderful news and WHAT A MILESTONE for you to pass! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing that important moment with us, a bunch of strangers on the internet, following your dream adventure. Keep going, keep vlogging, keep being a great inspiration for (for SURE) many of us! All the best in 2024! Bonne année 🥳🍾🥂!
As someone who’s been following you the past 5 years, it’s heartwarming to watch this vlog. Congrats on this milestone Jay! Bonnes fêtes! 🥂
Congrats Jay! So proud of you! I love Paris too! Awesome!!
Bonne chance! I wish you all the best and hope you can open this goal-bottle next September. You‘ve taken a massive step already.
I’ve been watching your channel for years! I’m so happy for you!!! Congratulations Jay!
Well done Jay! I’m so pleased for you. You have more than earned this. What have you done for France? - you have done so much to showcase Paris through a genuine love for that amazing city. Hope there were a few verres later that day. Congratulations! 🎉🥂
Good luck with everything and Happy Holidays to you!🥰
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🎄
This is the first of your content that I've ever viewed and I'm already excited for you and cheering you on! Such a great goal accomplished. I wish you the best of luck receiving good news on your citizenship.
Amazing! All the best
Congrats Jay! 7-8 months will fly by, wishing you every success!
Merry Christmas to you and congratulations on your successful citizenship interview.
Happy Holidays! Joyeux Noël à tous!
Bravo Mister! Massive hugs. You got this. And Happy Holidays!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
🎁🎄🎁 thanks!
Wow...Congrats!!!
Congratulations, Jay!!! 🎉 and Merry Christmas!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Bonne fête ! 🎄
Je suis tellement fière de vous, Jay! Joyeux Noël! J'aurais aimé le tout en français. :) Merci!!
Best of. Luck to you. You’ve worked so hard to achieve your goal and well deserved.
Congrats Jay I don't think you have anything to worry about. Found your channel in late 2018/early 2019 when preparing for my first visit to Paris (and France for that matter) and found your tips to be quite useful. I'm looking forward to visiting Paris again since unfortunately I not only managed to get food poisoning in Bayeux while visiting the Normandy coast but also came down with the crud while in Paris which pretty much ruined my time there. I was lucky enough to see Notre Dame before I got sick and the devastating fire two weeks later and can't wait to see it after the restoration.
This is so exciting! Congrats on a successful interview. I know exactly how you feel with the interview being moving and special. I received my Italian citizenship by descent last year with a pretty similar process (I did not have to achieve a certain level of Italian proficiency, but there were SOOOOO many documents!) and it was a major life moment for me and my family (my two daughters were recognized as well). We hope to live in France in the next couple years as EU citizens now. :) Félicitations et bonne chance ! I hope it is not as many as eight more months for you to wait.
Congratulations on your interview, I loved listening to you answer your questions in French. I believe your a great spokesperson for France. You are helping English speaking people, get the most of there time in Paris. Merry Christmas Jay
You have quite a lot to celebrate in 2023! Hope it won’t take 7-8 months but the you have done your part so kick back and enjoy Paris. I am looking forward to visiting in June.
Such an inspiring journey. I wish you all the best, Jay.
How wonderful! Congrats 🥳
-Congrats on a massive milestone Jay.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sticking with me this far! 🥂
Congrats Jay...so happy and proud for you!
Congrats! 🎉 You look and sound so healthy and woah, your French is amazing! And, I think you offer so much because you kept me going through the pandemic, hospitalization, really sick and recovery/remission! Your channel makes me move forward so I can visit Paris again. I always miss it this time of year! Thanks Jay! You got this! ❤
I’ve been catching up. Thanks for sharing some of the questions! I’ve taught U.S. citizenship classes and it’s an intense thing going the other direction, too. Lots and lots of questions for which to know the answers. I’m 100% sure this is going to go through. I’ve known people with a lot less to give France who’ve gotten their French nationality (no shade to any friends of mine! I’m thinking of acquaintances I’ve heard about, haha): you are an amazing addition to the country and I’m sure they will recognize that. Bonne chance! 🍀
Congratulations Jay! Much like you I want to as well but a long road lies ahead. So this will act as a great reminder and throwback whenever I feel I can't do it. Because, as I you know, I am sure, it does get to you sometime and you feel like nothing is happening. So, yeah! Congrats again and good luck. Hopefully we stumble on to each other in Paris one day and get to talk about it. Till then, wishing you and Cooper loads of luck and good health :)
I currently teach French in the US and I will be visiting Paris next year. I show your 20 in 20 series to my students for our lessons on Paris. I would love to see more videos in French to help my students practice their listening skills 😁
🇫🇷🎄I'm rooting for your success in obtaining French Citizenship! Merry Christmas Jay, I wish you 👨🏻🦲& Cooper🐶 the very best for 2024 🎉
Great news! Congrats
I'm learning French and stumbled across your video. I love your energy and focus for this video! I could tell this was huge for you and I really enjoyed watching your story unfold! I know I'm just a random internet stranger, but I'm happy for you that your interview went well! Wishing you the best for 2024!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
I'm glad you found me! And happy for the support, it really did mean a lot to me. I've wanted this for a verrrrrry long time. Hope you enjoy my channel! 🥂🇫🇷🥂
Congratulations Jay! I'm so pumped for you. 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations Jay i hope you get it soon!!! A question from my part... does Saint Martin also count as one of the French overseas departments??? About the question what you give to France: your a guide to Paris and other French cities, so you promote France to travellers and tourists that's a very positive thing I reckon... Happy Holidays and all the best for the new year!!!
2:57 I wish you would have done that longer in French 😀
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
👏🇫🇷
Congratulations!! I’m headed to Paris for the first time in October! Needless to say I’ll be rewatching all your videos again! Me and my husband will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in the City of Light!!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Happy Anniversary!
You literally came to mind the other day but I couldn't remember your name. I've been subscribed to your channel for years yet you don't pop up in my feed for some reason. Congratulations though! Glad to see you are still thriving.
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Glad my face struck back and reminded you of my name! Hope you'll check back in a bit this year - lots of fun on the way =D
Your French is fine, and I would have loved to have the lo g answer entirely in French! Bonne chance!
Congrats Jay! You truly deserve to fulfill this goal of yours, given your love of Paris and your integration in France in general. I’ve been following your channel since 2017, and now it seems like it’s finally happening! Fingers crossed!! Signé: un de tes futurs compatriotes, je l’espère
Congratulations!!
@JaySwanson
6 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🎉🇫🇷🎉
Well done Jay, hope everything comes together for you. A+
Congratulations! I am also in the application process for naturalisation waiting for my Récépissé de Complétude though sadly I'm stuck with the Nice Prefecture which is known as the slowest slowpokes in the country in terms of application processing times 🤦🏻♂️ Wish me luck cos I've seen some people who've been stuck waiting for 4-5 years to get a response from them just to get an interview 😢
Oh boy a huge day for you Jay. Well done on approaching it so well. And now....just a short wait! Bonne chance.