Meet Anika, a Canadian working holiday maker in Montpellier, France

My name is Anika, I’m 31 years old and originally from Montréal, Canada.

I moved to Montpellier, France, in September 2024.

Before moving, I worked for the Government of Canada out in Alberta for a couple of years. In 2023 I decided to leave Canada to travel — I spent six months in Mexico and then five in Europe before settling here in Montpellier.

Honestly, it happened a little bit randomly! While I was in Mexico, I was invited to visit Europe to see some friends in Portugal and Germany. I started thinking about my next move and realized that since I already spoke French, France would be a great place to live and find work.

I had already heard about the Working Holiday Visa from friends who had used the program in other countries, so I knew it was an option as long as I was under 35. Once I decided I wanted to move here I started looking into it.

I’ve been working as a receptionist in a hotel, which really helped me adjust to living in a different country. I’ve met so many amazing people from all over the world, and I’ve had the chance to travel around the south of France, discovering new cities, spending time at the beach and lakes, and even doing a little camping. I love how varied the landscapes are and how many different places there are to explore so close by. In Montpellier itself, I love how vibrant the city feels — people are always out on terrasses, there are so many festivals, and it often feels like the whole city is coming together to celebrate. Even just walking through the streets, there’s a relaxed energy that makes me feel really at peace.

Honestly, pretty randomly! I was living in Mexico when I decided I wanted to move to France—naturally somewhere in the south for the weather. I looked up the main cities and came across Nice, Marseille, and Montpellier. Montpellier seemed like the best fit: smaller population, lots of young people, lively atmosphere… and I think I chose well! I absolutely love it here (though after visiting Marseille, I have to admit it’s also a very cool city).

Definitely! Even in terms of language. When I first arrived, everyone teased me for having a Québécois accent and expressions—which was funny and also validating for me as an anglophone from Quebec. I was also surprised by how differently they use English words here: “footing,” “des baskets,” or my favourite, “un relooking.” People are generally very friendly, but one big difference I’ve noticed is in customer service—let’s just say the French and Canadians have very different ideas about it!

Yes! A lot of people ask why I left Canada when so many French people dream of moving there. And now that my accent has shifted and I don’t use as many Québécois words, people often can’t figure out where I’m from at all.

The food! I know that sounds funny because France is known for its food, but in Canada, we have such a variety of amazing international restaurants, and I really look forward to enjoying some of my favourites when I visit. I also miss the ease of knowing where to find things—here, sometimes I don’t even know where to begin when I need to buy something specific.

Right now, I’m trying to figure out how to switch from my working holiday visa to something longer-term so I can stay. I really love living here, so hopefully I can make that happen!