The American Dream for a French woman
Alexandra Bicais
Alexandra Bicaïs is French. She is twenty one. She is a tour guide in United States. As more than 116 438 French people, Alexandra lives in States. An American dream for an ambitious young woman. Here is her life, her way and her job in America.
Magali Monzilli : What are you doing in the United States?
Alexandra Bicaïs : I’m working as a tour guide for French people; touring in all the western states, visiting big famous cities and National Parks.
For how long have you been working in the United States?
A.B : I started working there almost 2 years ago.
When did you start thinking about working in the U.S?
A.B : Good question! I guess that was just my dream… as far as I remember, many years!!!
Why did you choose the United States ?
A.B : I was really attracted by the U.S history and culture, specially the Native American society.
What is your way, what did you do?
A.B : Well, I was graduated in 2005 in France, then I just followed my dream and start travelling to the U.S.
In 2006 I went to Santa Monica High School in Los Angeles, to improve my English.
There I met a tour guide and told him he was doing the job I was looking for … He introduced me to the company he was working for and they trained me. I think I was just there at the right time, they were looking for new French tour guides.
That was such a good training that in one month, after doing 2 tours with an another tour guide I was ready to start !
But I’m still doing my own training, visiting new sites and places, reading and looking in order to learn more…
How do you picture your life in the future ?
A.B : Living there for sure !!! In wide opened space states like Wyoming or South Dakota; I have to be out of big cities to feel good and at home… I can easily imagine myself living on a ranch, in plains or mountains.
During the elections
What is the feeling in the United States with Barack Obama as president?
A.B : Pretty good! Everybody is happy… we can see signs in gardens » Barack U get it » or » Change as Come » …
The day following the election many people were partying to celebrate …
I think Americans wanted to show the world they could bring the change and be the 1st, one more time.
Where do you live in France ?
A.B : I live in Rognac, south France near Marseille.
And in the states, how and where do you live ?
A.B : I used to live in Sheridan, which is a little country city in Wyoming, then in Los Angeles with one of my friend. Pretty nice place in Marina Del Rey.
Working as a tour guide means not being at home that much, maybe only few days a month during the business season.
Living conditions? Almost the same as in Rognac. For a French person its maybe less expensive due to the USD and Euro…
One thing I really like about living here it’s the respect that lead to a better quality of life.
For you, what is the biggest difference in the cultures between France and the U.S?
A.B : I think Americans are more open minded! Really, more expression rights; that doesn’t mean more Freedom. But everybody respect each others.
Alexandra with a french group
Your life in America, do you think that is the « American dream »?
A.B : I don’t know if my life there is the American Dream; but maybe My American Dream.
Life is not easy, in the U.S you can achieve your goals if you work hard. That’s sure and I think America is really the country where everything is possible …You just have to believe in your dreams, work hard and live with respect.
This is not a country where the government assist you, they won’t let you stay there nor help you if you don’t »bring » something to the country.
And believe me America is a very nice, with many different sides country. There is a Dream for everyone.
hey, that s me ! Thanks for the interview and giving me your attention… Good Luck and Take care,
Alex
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