One Sunday morning, after about ten interviews with several AEFE schools, finally, the long-awaited email arrived in my inbox! Congratulations, welcome to school xxx. My heart raced, where to begin? The boxes? The administrative procedures? Saying goodbye to our loved ones? It was late June, and in 2 months we had to be in Canada. Fortunately, my employer had a specialized lawyer who guided us through this endless paperwork. Between appointments with a Canadian government-approved doctor in Nîmes, fingerprints at the embassy in Lyon, copies of passports, diplomas, etc.... By early August, we were still awaiting the famous sesame: our work and student visas. Then on August 25th, it was the big departure with just one suitcase each and a backpack. Minimalist reflexes from our round-the-world trip undertaken the same year as our expatriation. Once there, the appointments continued: for social security, bank accounts, driving licenses, etc. We don't regret our choice; the people are welcoming, and the landscapes are magnificent. Of course, not everything is idyllic. After more than a year in British Columbia, we miss French food, as well as our family and friends. Not to mention the Mediterranean climate. Even though temperatures rarely drop below 0 on this side of Canada! Sports activities are very expensive for a family of 4. But expatriation is an experience we recommend to everyone!