Auteur/autrice : Chloe BIBLOCQUE

💻 US ADMINISTRATIVE STEPS 📰 This article is a practical guide for V.I.E participants and new expatriates. Moving to the United States comes with a long list of administrative steps that can feel overwhelming at first. This guide gathers everything I learned during my own arrival — the technical and practical parts of building a life here. Think of it as the “how‑to” version of my Settling in the US chapter. 1. Finding the Job & Starting the Process 2. The Sponsor & J-1 Visa 3. US Administrative: SSN and Driver’s License 4. Renting an Apartment 5. Buying a Vehicle 6. Banking & Payments & Budget BONUS — How I Stayed Organized Through the US Paperwork Maze 1. Finding the Job & Starting the Process Before anything else, the journey to the US begins with finding the right opportunity. There are many ways to work in the United States, but my path was through the V.I.E program with Business France. The V.I.E (Volontariat International en Entreprise) is a professional expatriation program available in 122 countries as of 2025, open to French and European citizens aged 18 to 28. You can browse offers directly on the Business France website, but in my case, applying directly on company job portals is what led to interviews. Just like any traditional recruitment process, you go through several interviews — HR, managers, future colleagues. Once selected, the Business France process begins: administrative documents, forms, onboarding meetings, and preparation sessions with other V.I.E participants. Everything is well‑guided, but it requires organization and patience. Here are some of the steps I completed during the contract creation phase: Contact the sponsor (usually chosen by the host company): FACC (French‑American Chamber of Commerce). Provide criminal record certificate Sign the Engagement Letter: contract between you, Business France and the host company Attend V.I.E onboarding meetings: general conditions and specific US Medical appointment in France: mandatory, within 10 days before departure Deliver insurance documents: as a V.I.E, your health insurance is included in your contract: APRIL International.  I thought it was a lot at the time, but it was only the beginning… 2. The Sponsor & J-1 Visa The sponsor is the organization that guides you through the visa process and supports your embassy application. My steps with them included: Completing the sponsor application Sending missing documents Watching mandatory training videos Reviewing the DS‑7002 (Training Plan) Issuing the DS‑2019 Attending a short phone interview Preparing for the embassy interview Everything is explained in the documents provided by the sponsor, but be prepared: this is the moment you realize how motivated you truly are. It takes dedication to fill out every form correctly, double‑check every detail, and keep track of all deadlines. For a V.I.E, the visa is almost always a J‑1 Exchange Visitor Visa and for the consulate appointment in Paris, you must bring: DS‑7002 and DS‑2019 forms issued by your sponsor SEVIS I‑901 registration MRV fee payment Proof of insurance A recent passport‑style photo A valid passport for the entire stay At the embassy, they asked me about the purpose of my stay, my sponsor, and my future address in the US. I had printed every document — and it was absolutely worth it. The interview is in English, but it’s short and straightforward, no need to worry. At the end of the appointment, if your request is approved, they give you a paper marked “APPROVED” with the next steps. You leave your passport at the embassy so they can place the visa inside and send it back to your home address. And then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: the envelope arrives, you open your passport, and there it is — your visa, finally printed on one of the pages. It feels incredible, it’s a win. You now have all the administrative documents you need to leave for the US. Everything starts to feel real — closer, tangible, and exciting. 3. US Administrative: SSN and Driver’s License When you arrive in the US, there are a few things you must do immediately at the airport.  Get your admission stamp on your passport Complete your I‑94 Record of Admission online Register with the French Consulate in case of emergencies These steps take only a few minutes but are extremely important for the rest of your stay. Always keep digital and printed copies of your DS‑2019, visa, passport, and I‑94 in a safe place. One of the first administrative steps after arriving in the US is applying for your Social Security Number (SSN). This number is essential for almost everything: getting paid, opening certain accounts, filing taxes, and completing many official procedures. To apply, you must visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person with the following documents: passport, visa,  DS‑2019, I‑94, proof of address. The process is straightforward: you fill out a short form, hand over your documents, and wait for verification. The appointment itself takes only a few minutes. Once approved, your SSN card is mailed to your home address — usually within 2 to 4 weeks. Keep the physical card in a safe place and avoid carrying it with you. You’ll only need the number for administrative purposes. Receiving your SSN feels like a milestone: it’s the moment you officially enter the US system and can finally complete the rest of your paperwork. In Tennessee, having a car is essential — but before you can drive legally, you need a US driver’s license. Your French license is only valid for 90 days (sometimes less depending on the state), so getting the American one quickly is important. The Tennessee driver’s license process includes: a written test and a road test. Both are done at your local DMV.  You can practice for the written test online or through dedicated apps. Even though I had my French license for five years and had driven all over Europe, I took this seriously. Some rules are very different here (turning right on red, double yellow lines, school buses…), and the test is in English …

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🍂 ROADTRIP #3 – SMOKY MOUNTAINS ⛰️ Fall time! Everyone kept telling me that autumn is the best season to visit the Smoky Mountains — one of the most beautiful National Parks in the US during that time. Even though I had already been there, I hadn’t seen everything, and I knew the Smokies would look completely different dressed in gold. DAY 1 – Gatlinburg (TN) Back on the I‑40 toward Gatlinburg, where I planned to spend the first night. But when I arrived, I still had plenty of time, and there was no way I was going to wait until the next day to enjoy the mountains. I took Little River Gorge Road, a winding road surrounded by golden trees and rivers running alongside the asphalt. I stopped at The Sinks, a waterfall crashing into a deep pool. It felt like all my tension and fear were falling with the water. I let go internally. A few artistic pictures later, I continued toward Fighting Creek Gap Road, mentally and emotionally preparing myself for two days of pure freedom. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Arriving in Gatlinburg, I explored the town a bit and found a place to eat. At first, it reminded me of Pigeon Forge, but it was less extravagant — more authentic, warmer. That family atmosphere made me feel safe, less alone. After five months in a new country, far from family and friends, loneliness sometimes catches up with you. I was happy, I knew this was my path, but part of me still longed for… something. Eventually, I found a motel outside the crowded city and settled in for the night. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 DAY 2 – Newfound Gap Road (TN) Smokies, here I am again! And this time, US‑441 wasn’t going to escape me. The Newfound Gap Road, a 31‑mile scenic drive right through the heart of the park. I stopped at almost every overlook — each view different, each one more breathtaking than the last. Multicolored trees, leaves falling slowly onto the road, the fresh autumn air running through my hair. I even turned off the music just to feel time slowing down, to enjoy every second of a leaf landing softly on the asphalt. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 I continued toward Kuwohi Road, climbing until the temperature dropped to freezing. Ice covered the tops of the trees — autumn below, winter above. Then I reached Cherokee Village, a Native American living museum offering an immersive experience of 18th‑century Oconaluftee life. Artisans, dances, storytelling — a cultural pause to learn about Appalachian heritage before European settlement. On US‑19 toward Asheville, I stopped at Lake Junaluska, a place I didn’t have time to visit during my first trip. I ate, rested, and continued toward Little Switzerland. Sometimes I feel like I can find all of Europe inside the US. I took US‑197 then US‑19E, enjoying the golden hour glowing through the mountains. The fall colors were alive, showing their very best. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 I spent the night at Skyline Village Inn, right in the middle of the mountains. Out of my budget, but perfectly located. I couldn’t see the view when I arrived, but the sunrise from my balcony the next morning was a gift. The misty Southern Appalachian forest slowly revealed itself. I sat there, breathing the fresh air under a soft pink sky. A moment of pure sweetness. My car, just below, seemed to enjoy the view too. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 DAY 3 – Blue Ridge Parkway (NC) After a good night’s sleep and a calm early morning, I took US‑19E and US‑221 back toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. My goal: the famous Instagram bridge — Linn Cove Viaduct. Honestly, I drove that part back and forth several times, just enjoying the curves and the views. Maybe I was losing time, but I wasn’t here to tick boxes. I was here to feel nature, to reconnect with myself. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 I was expecting more fall colors, but at higher altitude the peak had already passed. The bare trees were still beautiful. They reminded me that sometimes, to renew yourself, you have to let go of what once seemed good, to make space for something even better. I knew I would have to do the same soon — how and when, I didn’t know yet. There were hikes and waterfalls I had written down, but I didn’t feel like stepping out alone into the forest. I decided to respect that feeling. Maybe a mistake? Maybe not. I’ll come back in spring or summer and experience the Smokies differently — and that’s okay. I continued toward Boone, stopping at Blowing Rock for a quick bite near Bass Lake. Then I followed US‑321 to reach Watauga Lake before sunset. I crossed the border from North Carolina back into Tennessee — just a sign, simple but symbolic. I arrived just in time to watch the sun set behind the mountains, captured through my drone. The golden colors reflected on the water, and I took pictures of my car in this magical scenery. It was cold, and very windy, but worth every second. Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 Road Trip #3 I stopped in Johnson City for the night, ate at Panera Bread, and found a cozy motel to rest and prepare for the last day. It was only Day 3, but I had already driven so much. DAY 4 – Trip Back Sadly, I had to rearrange my last day in the mountains because of a car issue. I lost half a day getting my car towed, repaired, and ready to drive again. Not the best morning. But now I know I’m capable of handling a car problem, dealing with insurance, convincing a shop to take my car, understanding mechanics …

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🫎 ROADTRIP #2 – KENTUCKY & ILLINOIS 🌉 The roadtrip started with a car issue: a bubble in my tire. I had to get it changed before going too far. Stuff happens — you just need to think fast and lose as little time as possible. Half a day gone already, I reorganized everything on the spot. Luckily, I always prepare my trips like a database, so I can pick and adapt depending on issues, weather, or mood. I knew I would still do everything I planned — just in a different order. DAY 1 – Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes It was a beautiful day, and I didn’t want to take the interstate. The time difference to reach my destination was small, so I drove through Tennessee’s countryside until the Kentucky border. That’s where I entered the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — a 300‑mile stretch of forests, lakes, and prairies where you can hike, bike, camp, or simply wander. I chose the 3.5‑mile loop drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie, a paved road right in the middle of their natural habitat. I saw several elks peacefully walking around, eating, and minding their own world. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Then I continued toward the first bridge of the trip: Eggner’s Ferry Bridge. Architectural, elegant, stretching above the water — and the first bridge I ever crossed with my Camaro over a lake. Not too much wind, but enough to make it exciting. Once on the other side, outside the National Park, I could finally fly my drone while respecting US restrictions. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 I drove back into LBL toward Illinois. At the end of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, I crossed another bridge near Paducah, close to the Kentucky border. That’s when I realized what “Land Between the Lakes” really meant — a long forested peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. They didn’t think too hard about the name, but it fits perfectly. I watched the sun set over the water before heading to a nearby motel to rest and plan the next day. DAY 2 – Illinois, Shawnee National Park – Garden of Gods  The day started with another bridge, crossing the Ohio River between the two states. Then came Highway 145 — a long, straight road where I couldn’t even see the end. I wanted to push the car, but I was enjoying the moment too much to rush. Just like John Legend song says: “We can go slow, we don’t need to run.” Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 My first stop was Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area. Tight rock passages, long stone stairs, natural caves, rivers — it felt adventurous, even though I’ve hiked a lot in my life. This was different: solo, surrounded by nature, a mix of fear and excitement. Families were around too, which was reassuring. I wanted to visit Jackson Falls, but the road was under construction and I didn’t want to risk it with a sports car, so I moved on. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Then came the highlight: Garden of the Gods. Much more touristy, but spectacular. A short cliff‑edge loop with massive rock formations that make you feel tiny. Narrow passages to squeeze through, giant rocks to climb, and endless views. I found a spot to sit, disconnect, and just breathe. No phone, no rush — just me and the landscape. I got lost in my thoughts… until I noticed all the bugs on my stuff and ran away fast. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 This time, I hadn’t booked two nights in advance — a lesson learned from my first roadtrip. It gave me the freedom to adapt to my feelings and opportunities. Best decision ever. I was too far from the first motel, and I would have missed the sunset in the mountains. That would have been a shame. Instead, I captured it with my drone — a moment that will live rent‑free in my memory. I wasn’t worried about anything. I was in the moment, loving my car, loving my life, grateful for being brave enough to go solo and trust my instincts. Otherwise, I would never have lived that moment. DAY 3 – Illinois, Giant City & Horseshoe Lake Last day — time to head home already. But I wanted to make the most of it, so I rearranged my drive with a few interesting stops. I started by passing along Crab Orchard Lake. Beautiful to drive by, but I didn’t stop and continued toward Giant City State Park via US‑51. A short hike, stone blocks, forest, and once again those impeccable landscapes. Since it felt similar to the day before, I didn’t linger and kept going. I stopped for lunch at an authentic local restaurant, full of character, and enjoyed a good piece of local meat. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Then I reached US‑127 toward Horseshoe Lake – Alexander. A road loops all around the water, lined with Bald Cypress trees standing half‑submerged like ancient guardians. Some of these trees can live over 600 years, and you can feel that timeless presence when you pass between them. The scene looked unreal — a floating forest, a fairytale world rising from the lake. For a moment, I felt like the main character of the story. It was magical. Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 Road Trip #2 After a few drone shots at different spots, I started the journey back: country roads again, music, rooftop down, and the sunset behind me. This roadtrip reassured my soul. It showed me I was in the right place, at the right time — like destiny. For once in my life, I was fully present. I once read that in dreams you can’t scream, so just to be sure… I screamed, as loud as I could. Twice. This is …

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⛰️ ROADTRIP #1 – SMOKY MOUNTAINS 🚗 For my First Road Trip in the US, I am leaving Franklin behind to set off toward one of Tennessee’s most iconic treasures: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was the perfect excuse to use the long Labor Day weekend for a 3‑day solo adventure—my very first American road trip. Day 1- The Road to the Mountains Saturday morning, I jumped into my Camaro and hit the highway. After about five hours on the interstate I-40, the landscape slowly shifted from flat Tennessee roads to rolling hills and dense forests. My first stop: Townsend, a small, authentic mountain town that feels like the quiet gateway to the Smokies. Townsend is also the starting point of the Foothills Parkway, a scenic road I had been dreaming of driving. My plan was simple: find beautiful overlooks, fly my drone, capture some unforgettable aerial shots. But… the road had other plans for me. The Foothills Parkway is one of those drives where you forget everything else. The curves, the views, the feeling of freedom—my Camaro was in its element, and so was I. I didn’t even make it to the end of the road because I spent so much time enjoying the drive itself. And honestly? It was exactly what I needed after the long morning on the interstate. Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 As the sun started to set, I headed toward Pigeon Forge, where I had decided to stay for two nights. Since it was my first solo road trip in the US, I wanted to feel safe and comfortable. Instead of booking online, I chose my motel once I arrived—this way I could check the area, make sure it felt secure for a young (and beautiful, of course) woman traveling alone… and also make sure my car would be safe. Once settled, it was time to explore. Pigeon Forge at night is something else: neon lights everywhere, attractions, music, families walking around, and a kind of joyful chaos that feels very American. I took a night drive through the city, discovering its lively atmosphere and grabbing something to eat before heading back to rest for the big day ahead. Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Day 2 – Into the Mountains The second morning of my Smoky Mountains adventure started with excitements, my plan was simple and ambitious—take the legendary US‑441, cross the Smokies from west to est and head toward Asheville. A perfect mix of scenic beauty and fun driving. Well… almost. Plans change… Because of recent storms, US‑441 was closed. Not ideal, but honestly, I wasn’t too disappointed. I wasn’t here to tick boxes, and the mountains aren’t going anywhere; I’ll have other chances to come back. So I adapted, and took I-40, less charming, less twisty, but still beautiful in its own way. I grabbed something to eat along the way and kept going, excited for the next part of the journey. My real goal of the day was reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway. A dream road for anyone who loves driving and nature. I started from Asheville and headed south. The views were incredible—layers of blue mountains fading into the horizon, forests stretching endlessly, and that peaceful feeling you only get at high altitude. I stopped at several overlooks to enjoy the scenery, each stop felt like stepping into a postcard: Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Road Trip #3 As a fun fact: the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long. I wasn’t going to drive all of it today, but even a small portion to the south was enough to understand why it’s so famous. My destination for the afternoon was Fontana Lake, a calm, deep-blue reservoir surrounded by mountains. The perfect place to breathe, relax, and take in the moment during sunset. Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 The sky was getting darker and I could feel the miles adding up. It was time to head back to my motel in Pigeon Forge and find something to eat. On the way, I realized something important: Next time, I won’t book two nights in the same place. Not because Pigeon Forge wasn’t great—it actually surprised me again with its lively atmosphere—but because staying flexible would give me more freedom to stop wherever I want, whenever I want. Still, I ended the day grateful, tired, and excited for what tomorrow would bring. Time to rest—Day 3 was waiting for me. Day 3 – One Last Breath of Freedom Before Heading Home Exhausted from the miles of the previous day, I still woke up with that familiar excitement: I wasn’t ready to leave the mountains just yet. Before getting back on the interstate toward home, I wanted to enjoy a little more of what I had missed on Day 1—the rest of the Foothills Parkway.  So off I went, rooftop down, country music playing, sun warming my shoulders, and the wind tangling my hair. It felt like the perfect recipe to breathe out all the tension and stress I had carried for months while preparing my V.I.E adventure and settling into my new life in the US. The goal was simple: feel the moment, feel the dream coming true. Road Trip #1 There were a lot of emotions swirling inside me—excitement, gratitude, pride—but the sensations of the road kept everything balanced. The timing of this road trip couldn’t have been better. It arrived exactly when I needed it. And honestly? This road is an absolute dream. Smooth curves, endless views, and that iconic Cove Bridge that looks like it belongs in a movie. I wasn’t the only one enjoying it—there were motorcycles everywhere, gliding along the asphalt like they owned the place. Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Road Trip #1 Once I reached Tallassee, instead of heading straight back, I chose to wander through the Tennessee countryside on small country roads. Rolling hills, farms, quiet valleys—it was the kind of peaceful drive that makes …

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💻 FIRST CHAPTER OF MY V.I.E JOURNEY 📰 Moving to the United States of America isn’t just about crossing an ocean. It’s a mix of preparation, excitement, paperwork, culture shock, and tiny victories that slowly make a foreign place feel like home. Before the road trips, the discoveries, and the adventures, there was the most impacting chapter that could be divided into three parts: the preparation before leaving, the arrival, and everything else—all the things you can’t really anticipate until you’re here. This article reflects the emotional journey. If you’re looking for a pratical guide of settling in the US, I’ve written the Administrative technical details chapter. Before Leaving — Preparing Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally The preparation phase felt like was a marathon, where your focus is split between: Physical & administrative preparation — endless documents, appointments, translations, insurance, visa steps, temporary housing, and all the logistics that make the departure real. It’s the part where your days are organized with checklists and folders. Mental preparation — learning how things work in the US, understanding distances, transportation, prices, neighborhoods, and imagining what daily life might look like. It’s the moment you realize everything will be bigger, further, and different. Emotional preparation — the quiet part. Excitement, pride, fear of the unknown, the joy of starting a new chapter, and the sadness of leaving people you love. It’s a strange mix, but it’s what pushes you forward. Arriving — When Everything Becomes Real You think the hardest part is before the flight… until you land. This phase is intense, sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also where you start building your new life piece by piece. Finding a place to live — searching for an apartment in a city you don’t know, with rules you don’t know, in neighborhoods you’ve only seen on Google Maps. Every visit feels like a small adventure. Getting a local driver’s license — new rules, new habits, new questions. Even with a French license, you often have to start the studies again. Finding a car — especially in Tennessee, where having no car means having no life. You learn the market, avoid scams, compare dealers, and try to find the car that will become your daily partner. Handling the administrative maze — bank account, social security number, insurance, phone plan, utilities. Each step is simple in theory, but becomes a puzzle when you’re discovering the American system for the first time. Everything Else — The Part You Can’t Really Prepare For Once the basics are in place, the real adaptation begins. This is the part no one can explain to you beforehand. You live it, you adjust, and little by little, it becomes normal. The language — even when you speak English, there’s the accent, the speed, the expressions, the cultural references. Sometimes you understand everything. Sometimes you smile, nod your head and hope for the best. The food — huge portions, different products, surprising prices, and new habits. But also diners, BBQ, breakfast places, and drive‑thrus everywhere. The mentality — more direct, more positive, more “you can do it,” but also more individualistic and fast‑paced. You observe, you adapt, you learn. Work culture — new expectations, new rhythms, new ways of communicating. The V.I.E becomes a crash course in professional adaptation. The weather — heat, humidity, sudden storms, tornado warnings… You quickly understand why weather alerts are taken seriously here.