Expats advised to learn language-180708

Expatriates from the UK have been advised to make sure they can speak the language of their new home.

Tony Randall and his wife Emma moved to France in 2002 and returned home two years later, despite the fact that they enjoyed living in the country.

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, he said he came back to the UK as he had not taken a number of issues into account before packing up and leaving.

Therefore, he has pledged to be more organised before having another go at settling overseas.

Mr Randall commented: "Next time I'd make sure we've got an income and I'd learn French fluently.

"None of us learned French [so] you can't even pick up the phone and ask for things."

He added that France has a number of lifestyle attractions which would tempt him to return, such as its good climate and relaxed way of life.

According to research by uSwitch, the European country boasts 1,967 hours of sunshine a year, compared with 1,476 hours in the UK.

Visit our off-plan property France page.