How I Became Fluent in French (A Love Story)

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

"Travelling is not about leaving home, it's about finding a home." -Nathaniel Drew. Some really old video.

[@massagewithmike]

❤️

[@Jessica_BR]

It totally explains my wanderlust feeling 🌎✈💖

[@incubus3069]

I feel the same way. I think there is a new home out there for everyone. With that being said, I love travelling! The airport stays can be a bit tedious sometimes but I do my best to enjoy the experience. :) Cheers from Canada.

[@tiatemjentzudir4998]

❤️

[@raneerah7730]

And this is why I'm always thrilled and ecstatic when I just think about leaving the country. Can't wait to travel in the near future💕

[@june3608]

I love how your reasons are France as a whole and not just Paris

[@iRosati]

@The Great Sylar wat

[@olbiomoiros]

@The Great Sylar you burn in hell

[@loulouxxxx]

@The Great Sylar someone had a bad day lol

[@kit-kat3356]

@The Great Sylar We're having a little tantrum here... There, there, there...

[@ginagalea1714]

Did you ever went to Malta? If yes what do you think about it

[@QuietlyMagnetic]

The French novelist Marcel Proust once wrote ― “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Your videos are an embodiment of this. Thanks for always enlightening us.

[@GuillaumeRx]

There's another one I like: Traveling without meeting people isn't traveling. It's called moving.

[@coppersulphate002]

I love that! Like I tried so hard keeping an opened mind about living here though I really do not like the negative aspects of France because I tell myself that it's only Paris that sucks but there's also other beautiful regions of France with lovely people. Like I remember when I visited Normandy for a few days I felt a new love and respect for France for the second time in the 3 years I had lived in France. So with this open mind I decided that I would move to Nice by the end of this year. There is something innocent, pure and elegant and beautiful about France that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

[@andrewshinkim1736]

Nathaniel: "My first kiss was actually with a french girl. I was 17 years old sooo... super late to the game" me at 19 years old: ...

[@AlfarelHeart]

Me at 20 and soon 21 years old: ...

[@Joselyn548]

@@AlfarelHeart I had not had a kiss by that age too so i went to a club and made out with some drunk boy. Not a nice experience😑. So just wait . Years later i actually did have my first kiss with a guy who i liked and was not drunk. It was nice

[@AthenaLo0128]

@@AlfarelHeart same

[@Juli-ow5uc]

Lmao same

[@imteyaz6508]

@@AlfarelHeart haha same

[@psychocean9381]

This man makes me want to go to France although I already live in France bruh 😂😂😭

[@ugzy]

So true, I want to live in his France, mine has many more flaws 😂😂

[@jvsb20]

lol

[@wannybashizi8965]

@Julie true 😂😂😂

[@romainbelmon4362]

Paris quand t'es français tu comprend que c'est pas si ouf que ça 😆

[@dalyn19]

😂

[@natalillabot7772]

“You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.” 😉😘

[@Bad_Artist_]

Hope you don't mind, but I'm borrowing this. How very true!

[@toontoon9232]

I’m stealing this quote too. Too often I run into idiot who thinks everyone should be speaking one language.

[@GuillaumeRx]

They say you can't understand a culture without speaking the language. Because it shapes the way people communicate, establish their rules, laws, history.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

So true. I keep learning languages all my life. I speak French as I speak English and Hungarian. My Spanish isn"t so good but I"m working on it. THen there"s German, Dutch, Russian and Slovene. But I'm slowing down.

[@VerenaSatriani]

He calls it home, because there his heart is.

[@Benderhino]

he loves the language, because he spoke it in sleep

[@Sockfilms]

He saved a penny therefore he earned a penny

[@Alwin828]

Verena Satriani ♥️

[@Benderhino]

@@Sockfilms yaay were doing poetry here

[@johnnyharris]

Beautiful story. That moment you get the visa and then COVID happens in an emotional roller coaster.

[@KHALIDBHNCH1]

You are amazing too Johnny ✨🏅

[@dav__made]

Johnny!!! Love your videos man!

[@jasonsuntittledchannel9947]

Your border series is absolutely awsome!

[@kamansingh6820]

💙

[@hanasadd3186]

Relate!

[@letsgrow6934]

I’m always so surprised when I hear nonfrench people praise France this way (I’m French) but I truly enjoy seeing my home country through your eyes. Thank you for making me feel proud of my country.

[@MegumiHayashida]

The thing is, alot of foreigners resume France to Paris and even french ppl hate Paris City because they've had bad experiences over there however there are so many amazing cities in France which should get more exposure just like Cholet (:

[@ewanhamelin873]

@@MegumiHayashida Paris a du bon quand même C est une ville magnifique avec une population très diverse et jtrouve ça cool

[@Fringinto]

Same!! I'm French and I have been living in Toronto, Canada, since 2014. I made so many people loving our country and being so far from it I have to admit I got to learn what it meant to be French and I learned to love our beautiful country more than I could have imagined! So happy to see how happy he seems to be there!

[@pierremanceau8536]

@@MegumiHayashida I live close to Cholet, and believe me, it's not the greatest city haha but nice people and nice area though !

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@ewanhamelin873 Paris is a beautiful, exciting city. I love Paris. But everybody and their uncle wants to live in Paris, so the Parisians feel overwhelmed and they"re not so friendly.

[@shirleyjay6992]

My two kids got the opportunity of three weeks in France with the family of my husbands work colleague. My son was fourteen when he went and my daughter was sixteen. They each left home as one person and arrived home forever changed into a person who views the world differently for having had the experience. My son couldn’t wait to go back. After graduation my son worked and saved and travelled throughout Europe by himself which was life changing again. He is a journalist and film student and I can’t wait to see how the experiences he had in Europe translates to his writing and film making career. My daughter is planning on going back as study abroad student in her final year of finance. All because of a three week trip to France.

[@chemizet8157]

❤❤🇫🇷

[@ryliek6832]

this is amazing

[@worldview730]

Wow now that's a real transformation story!

[@kristilu1987]

My uncle loved France. Loved the smell, the view, the feeling. He died a few days ago. This video reminds me of how much I love him

[@Bad_Artist_]

Pastebėjau nuo pavardės, kad esate lietuvė. Idomu! Aš lietuvių kilmės -- JAV

[@lily__pinto]

I'm sorry for your loss. He is with you forever. Much love to you.

[@jalabi99]

Condolences on your loss

[@sofia.patsalides]

Sorry for your loss!🙏🏼

[@minjosof]

I’m sorry for your loss. I hope his soul is in happiness

[@karthurh]

Why didn't anyone talked about this incredible editing omlord

[@Fatima-du9pu]

You did

[@LOLZ274]

i was thinking the same thing! Like, dude... what a beatiful video.

[@mooniquee4994]

So true

[@sophieminter0]

He must be a film major or a photographer or editor

[@218defacto]

@@Fatima-du9pu اسكتي

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

being french and watching this makes me happy

[@andrealienhart4932]

pareil

[@brigittemontet7921]

Mais vôtre histoire est incroyable, et si chaleureuse. Vous me faites vraiment du bien. Merci. Je suis une vieille dame française qui adore son pays pour toutes les raisons que vous enoncez et votre témoignage me fait chaud au cœur. Merci.

[@oksanaglotova7513]

J'adore la France, parce que j'aime bien Napoleon Premiere. Comme j'ete sa femme dans une autre vie :-))

@@brigittemontet7921 Que Dieu vous bénisse Madame 🙏 Je suis un adolescent de 13 ans, un français d’origine arménienne et plus simplement un amoureux de la France 🇫🇷❤️

[@ranevc]

Today I learned some French: Je suis un chat

[@MarieCarolineKeszler]

OMG at 16, I hated my french highschool, was miserable and needed to run away... did the Rotary program... ended up in Detroit in 96... fell in love with the US ! I still live in Paris though ;-) Anyway, it's nice to know a lot of us who went through that program had our lives changed from it. Much love

[@salmonella6051]

its the same story just the other way around hehehe

[@themetra066]

It’s so weird to hear that you fell in love with the US. I mean sure we are an interesting country but I can sum up our entire existence in one sentence, “I love guns and McDonalds.” That is of course an exaggeration but as someone who is American could you elaborate on what you appreciate here. I find that I often lose interest for my home country which sounds silly but it’s true. It just seems so bland to me.

[@jacobwhite5196]

@@themetra066 I’m also an American but I have a different perspective. As I am black I do feel that America is a beautiful place but through the lens of black culture and the experiences of my ancestors. I find beauty will traveling around Houston, my home, while visiting Louisiana, where my family is from, and observing the black influences in American society. Sometimes when you move out of focus from “white America” you can truly appreciate the beauty of all the cultures, lands, and history.

[@sal70]

I’m also American and not all that patriotic but there is a lot I love about living here. Growing up I lived in a couple different states and learned to appreciate the layers that come with living in different regions. In Dallas Texas and the surrounding area for example, there’s a heavy focus on fracking and guns, but it’s also very multi cultural, there are phenomenal museums, and amazing and fairly clean public transport. In Vermont it’s illegal to build on mountains if the house is visible so in the fall the mountains are awash with uninterrupted blazing orange and red leaves. In Western North Carolina there’s the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s so lush it’s almost tropical. I could see how someone might fall in love with the U.S

[@MarieCarolineKeszler]

@@themetra066 There is so much diversity of people, culture and land, I have met incredible people and friends. I have to say though that getting out of my country gave me a new level of appreciation for France (which has it flaws believe me). You gain so much perspective on the world, on your way of thinking and on life when you get out of your country. It expands your consciousness and you learn to appreciate. Anyway, I love the US and I must say that I've never eaten in McDonalds there, never shot a gun either, I did go to a rainbow festival though ;-)

[@paulineloulou7584]

I'm a French girl and your story almost brought me to tears. Thank you to communicate so much emotions and being able to connect with us !

[@lli_loue]

agreed 💯 this video literally made me proud of my country

[@samuelbardon6419]

je suis trop content d'être tombé sur cette vidéo il est adorable

[@c.sousecstasy6133]

Exactement. Il y a un petit je ne sais quoi.

[@MrJeremie60]

@@c.sousecstasy6133oui c’est déstabilisant de voir un étranger aimer la France. Surtout à ce point. On a perdu l’habitude

[@eyepatch1157]

Is it just me, or does Nathaniel's filmmaking and editing skills improve with every single video?

[@jorgemonteiro6170]

I think it is because he added beautiful nostalgic footage that he never showed us :)))

[@hmudesign]

I like him, but I think his footage was rubbish.

[@eyepatch1157]

@@jorgemonteiro6170 Yeah :)

[@SPuech]

Merci pour cette vidéo !

[@Francis35288]

Oui merci de l’amour que tu portes à notre pays et félicitations pour ton niveau de français. Welcome to France the brothers and Sisters.

[@Dagdassan]

Toujours la sur les bon contenu 👍 tes vidéo sont toujours incroyable pour moi continue comme ça 👌

[@thefirststep_]

someone please could explain me?

[@Dagdassan]

@@thefirststep_ explain what?

[@thefirststep_]

@@Dagdassan I wrote in the wrong comment tab

[@vincent_auduc]

As a french, I am happy to see that you love my country, our country. Out of Paris, each region is different, there's so much to discover. Unfortunately, this time is not the best to discover it all. But I can recommend all the festivals throughout the year, both in small towns and big cities. It is a great way to meet people and discover the food, the music, the culture in general. Also, reading "Le petit Prince" is a great way to understand France because we have all read it at school. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, we may be losing a bit of our values, but they still make a lot of sense to me : Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité !

[@AndreaAvila78]

I'm Argentinian and I love France. I've only been there once but it felt like home for me too. I love the culture and the language and the people.

[@akillateef1012]

I'm American and I absolutely LOVE France! I love everything about it, the food, the people, the sights. Absolutely wonderful. I can't wait for the day that I can go back. Your country is amazing

[@Lea-rb9nc]

That is my favorite quote. I'm a California native at home in the south of France 🇫🇷 since 2007. Though I am part of an older generation, I share many of the feelings that you expressed.

[@brodocassel]

“Every man has two countries, his own and France.” -Thomas Jefferson

[@ApollonianShy18]

😂😂😂

[@ApollonianShy18]

I have 3, my own, Romania & French 😂😂😂

[@aymericsaunier645]

I have one country because Im french 😂

[@andreluiz6023]

guess I'm not a man ;P

[@brodocassel]

@@andreluiz6023 huMan ;P

[@babettekd]

I feel exactly the same about France. I grew up in The Netherlands but never felt at home there, always out of place. My grandparents lived as retirees in the South of France, where I spent multiple weeks a year. Even as a kid, it felt as if a thousand pounds fell off my shoulders the moment I arrived. Now, in my early twenties, I try to take a train to Paris as often as I can. The creativity, the energy, the light, the food, the people, the language. I can go on and on. It's where I truly feel alive. I hope to move to Paris within the next 12 months. Let's hope! :) Love your videos. X

[@cordelia2283]

How are your plans going? Have you already moved to Paris?

[@funkylobster3109]

Update svp :)

[@yvonnebirch6026]

I love France and I love to hear the way you speak French. It is beautiful and fluent. In Holland I had 6 years of French in school, long long ago. I never spoke it well at all. I still love to listen to French chansons ! Your French “R” is right on !!

[@ICEcoldJT]

Next Video: “How France and I Got Married”

[@tinker2054]

I see you everywhere. I guess we like the same shit lol

[@Emmatriaaa]

The next next video: “How France and I Had an Autonomous Zone”

[@1keithvincent]

Nathaniel, I was thrilled to hear you say that you lived in Cholet. I was a student in Angers ('71-'72) and I often visited the Trappist monastery of Notre Dame de Bellefontaine, which is a few miles from Cholet. I do not know if you ever went there, but I was so impressed by the monks there that I seriously thought of joining them permanently. I have never met such kind people with such a spirit of hospitality. Despite taking a vow of silence, they could communicate Welcome in any language, without words. They were also incredibly well informed about the world and its problems. I completely agree with our love of France. I go back to France every year or so, but whenever I am there, I feel more alive. I wish you a long and happy life in France.

[@kiannamolino9740]

I'm so so grateful to France. Almost three years ago I came to Lyon to study Animation and VFX and it doesn't matter how much I try to give back it is as if France can't stop giving. The people I have met are so wonderful, so full of culture and appreciation for life and the little details. This was a beautiful video, I understand what you feel.

[@lambertille5327]

The way some footage are filmed makes it seem so immersive. I feel like I'm rediscovering my own country

[@bigbufobufo]

Yes his film making skills are next level.

[@tthaaiis]

The "love or hate situation" is so accurate, before visiting Paris I always heard the experiences my friends had and not one of them had a good one, so when I had to go to Paris I was so apprehensive. But it was one of the best experiences of my life, and like you said I felt at home there somehow, the French were incredibly nice to me and my broken French, the city is just beautiful and my only regret was not staying longer. I really hope I can go back and visit soon. As always, loved your video!

[@ugzy]

I think French people have the same love or hate situation with France ! There are so many unnerving things about our country, from demonstrations to our apparent superiority that is soooo annoying (yes, most of us feel superior somehow, in a very natural way, it’s very odd and I hate it !), but at the same time France is such a beautiful country, life is soooo nice, food is great, wine is great, our culture and History is so interesting, and we are surrounded by terrific cultures all round us and it only take a few hours to go to Spain, Germany...(Belgium is 20mn away from my flat !), and this may be my favorite thing about my country !).

[@RyanNgFilms]

Man, the transition of Nathaniel's videos after his 30 day social media cleanse has been amazing. This work is beyond what so many people are doing on KZbin.

[@AeolianSkinner]

Great video. I am a little older than your target audience (I'm 45), but my love affair w France is similar. I had first visited Paris as a tourist in 1993, but my first 'real' adult experience wasn't until 2006. Since then I have had the great opportunity to spend six weeks of every summer exploring the country. When I first arrived I spoke ZERO French, and, like your story, it was full immersion of sink or swim - "I gotta figure this out" - on the fly. Over the years, I have found that the French are among the warmest, welcoming, and hospitable cultures. As an outsider I've found that if you make simple, fundamental efforts to respect and assimilate with their culture, it will be recognized and it will come back ten-fold. Travel is incredibly important. It's humbling, you need to rely and trust the benevolence of strangers, it's inspiring, it's self-reflecting, and all of that allows us broader perspective. A message to the teens and 20-somethings who subscribe to this channel, it's not as expensive as you might think. If you save $20 a week, ($3 a day) after a year, you've got yourself a plane ticket, and that's usually the greatest hurdle.

[@adelehunter-smith5096]

Ah well I am 53 and still hoping to learn French and maybe live there!

[@aruytpadyugf]

@@adelehunter-smith5096 I think it’s even more inspiring when older people decide to relocate their lives to another country. I sure hope you move!!!

[@adrianveress]

I grew up in a multicultural environment. German mom, hungarian dad, growing up in Budapest, Hungary. I can relate to the part where you randomly laugh about jokes just to stay “part” of the conversation 1000%, when we went visiting the family in Berlin! The same process happened to me when I was 5-6 years old with kids my age. And it’s really something that changes you. Today I work a lot with german and other foreign students in Budapest. I FEEL these people. And they are super greatful when you connect with them, because they also feel like aliens in a foreign place, which they also call home. You can just connect with each other. It’s hard to articulate this bond and feeling, bon travail Nathaniel. 💪 French will be the next step for me. 🇫🇷

[@ShubhamKumar-rb6ts]

The way he present his feelings, emotions through.. videos is incredible When I watch his videos I feel like it's my Story but face is change.

[@massagewithmike]

❤️❤️

[@IsaacNatoli]

Each video is an evolution from the last, your storytelling and editing just keep on evolving and it’s amazing to see, your work is something else. Much love man ❤️

[@massagewithmike]

❤️

[@gustavschnitzel]

"I am talking to you, French Bureaucracy" Me: *laughs in German*

[@thiagopaulo2471]

hahahahahaha bester Mann

[@sboom6841]

Zu wild haha

[@jesussanchezherrero5659]

Wie ist die Bürokratie in Deutschland?

[@sboom6841]

@@jesussanchezherrero5659 people usually say that there's too much of it

[@bipboup7761]

@@jesussanchezherrero5659 Bürokratie ist eine franzosische erfindung 😆

[@Ellinillard]

Very moving declaration : smart, tolerant, realistic, open minded. Thank you. And Don’t feel lonely ever. Our door’s open. From a Parisian.

[@CarmitaSmiles]

I grew up with a love for France I never understood, until I went for the first time in 2011. My trip to France was my graduation gift (from college) to myself. It was everything that I imagined - brought to life! I loved every moment, breath, and person I met. When I went back a few years later... my love grew deeper. I agree that it seems to be a love or hate for most people when they hear about France. And my family doesn't understand why I love the country so dearly. But it's in my blood and soul. Maybe I was French in a past life or something, I don't know. I do know that I will return again. I wait for the OK impatiently. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@alabina27]

Iam french and your love for my country juste warm my heart ❤ thank you for loving us and our country as we do...much love my friend

[@CarmitaSmiles]

@@alabina27 🤗🤗🤗

[@a5a346]

Why did the French do I’m lost? 🤔

[@collegenook4535]

Let me just say - aren’t those exchange program experiences just life-changing? As an exchange student from Ukraine to the US, I can say that my life wouldn’t ever be what it is right now if it weren’t for my 9 months dans une petite ville - Chadron (Nebraska), which is in the middle of nowhere. And omg Nathaniel, I can so relate to your experience with language acquisition, because my first ever dream in English was exactly after 1 semester in the US (in December). That’s unbelievable... Congrats on launching your course! I know it’s a long shot, but it I would love to interview you on my podcast one of these days.

[@clarissa5643]

If you could share your process of learning french that would be just great, every single detail of your video is worthy to watch, great job

[@gibson1005]

As a french I usually cringe when an american tell that they loOoOove France (which usually means the 3 street of Paris they've been to), but in this case, no. Please Nathaniel, viens à Toulouse on te fera visiter les petites pépites cachées ;)

[@GuillaumeRx]

Je valide Toulouse ! Bordeaux, Nantes et Lyon c'est très cool aussi ! (Mais team chocolatine quand même hein).

[@corniche3397]

Guillaume R Chocolatine for the win!

[@shizukumizutani2260]

Why do you have to cringe at an American for loving the 3 streets that they have been to though? You do not need to frown upon one to lift up another. And I don't think Nathaniel appreciates this mindset of yours either, being someone who is so passionate about France.

[@GuillaumeRx]

@@shizukumizutani2260 As another french person, I think he means: Some people talk about France when really they're talking about Paris. But not the real Paris though, it's more of a very idealized and stereotyped vision of Paris. Nothing wrong with that really but if you've already spent entire years of your life trying to really dig into another country's culture and learn from it, that can be a bit frustrating to witness. I mean, I lived in a few foreign countries, for most of my adult life. That's a decade now. If you asked me about the world, or even the countries I stayed in for a few years. I'd say I don't know much about them. I've met people who traveled the entire world alone, 130+ countries for 30+ years, and wouldn't say a word about it for days until you ask the right questions. These people that "love France", give you the impression of having seen the 3 most touristic places in the city for 2 or 3 days, but they say they "Love France". Not Paris, mind you, "France". How can you know you love something you barely know? Especially a country that has thousands of years of history, territories all over the world, a country you don't understand the language of, so you can't really connect and learn deeply from the people there, even when they speak english etc. The best comparison I have in mind is a 14-year-old teenager who's never had a long relationship, so they fall in love in a few hours/days with this other teenager they just met, and they can't stop talking about it and are overexcited, perhaps talk marriage and babies after a week/month together. Nothing wrong about that. It's cute and harmless, and most of us have already been a version of that teenager at some point. Indeed, we should have compassion and kindness, and understanding and appreciate candidness and innocence. I just understand the old man who struggles with his marriage sometimes but has loved his wife through the storms for 30/50/70 years of life together and will love her forever "'til death tear them apart". The problem is not really how the old man and the teenager talk about Love. The problem is who of the two speaks the loudest.

[@appertmaxime8086]

Paris ca graille toute vos villes les reufs! Mais balec on est francais et vive la France

[@victorialagutski6496]

Your sleep talking memory made me remember that when I was living in Belarus and still learning English, I had a dream where I took a pill that was supposed to make me fluent in English. After that my English did improve tremendously and I started learning a lot faster. It’s fascinating and I remember it to this day as a pivoting moment in my language learning journey

[@llllwwww75]

I first visited France in 2012, and then came back in 2014 and has stayed. I feel so much the same way. We have the difference situation (I am not working in creative art. And I wanted to come here at first mostly like a réfugie, not from war but more from my born country where I do not feel accepted) But I feel France means something in common for me as for you, She gave me the feeling of acceptance and freedom more so than my born country. And I feel so resonated to overall society value system (most of it).

[@llllwwww75]

And now I lives literally several hundred meters away from you. Paris is so small. 😀

[@gpettey19]

I studied abroad in Angers, France and felt similarly - but moving to Kigali, Rwanda after graduating from college is really what turned my world upside down and changed my entire perspective on the world. I came for nine months and now it’s been three years :) Life can be a rollercoaster if you agree to take the ride.

[@DerekBearzi]

Wow the storytelling, broll and editing of this piece is well worth the price of admission. If there was one. Even though I have no connection or past experiences with France, it is clear that this is a country I must visit one day. I'm glad you found a place you can call home.

[@mjoymusic7035]

My gosh, I feel the same about France. I always felt it was like home, even though I haven't lived there before. During every visit there was this odd comfort and sense of home. Then, after returning I would always miss that feeling. When I was there (staying with a french friend), I also felt really confident in myself. My trips there taught me a lot about myself and my surroundings. I started learning french around 4-5 years ago, but little did I know I would grow to become so "attached" to the language. I've joined a few language competitions so far, and I always find so much pleasure in anything that connects me with the image of France in my head. The atmosphere, the weather, the memories - something feels different when I think of it than the other places I've been to or grew up in. I miss France.

[@brodocassel]

Man I feel the same. Every time I come back home from France I feel a little depressed for a few weeks.

[@Januarymay1127]

Wow wow... I feel the same way about France. There is always a pulling of my heart when someone speaks of France in a loving way.

[@chemizet8157]

So much love from France you don't know how good it feels to hear that ❤🇫🇷

[@pannachawangkul585]

I know how you feel. I was born in Thailand, but from a very young age, something inside me knew that I was meant to be elsewhere, though I didn't know how to explain at the time. Now I am living in southern USA, in a house that I knew I would be living in one day (long story to tell). It is a Knowing ability that some of us have. I don't think I am special. A blessing? A curse? I don't know. But I think of it as a blessing. I still have that knowing... every now and then. Anyway, my point is I am happy for you, to have found a place where you were meant to be. Bon journee! Au Revoir!

[@tristanthemccoy8944]

My aunt and uncle live in Normandy. I went to Paris for two weeks in 2018 and am going back for a month in March.. Words cannot explain how homey it feels to me. I absolutely love France and wish so bad I could move there and become a citizen one day.

[@thomaslf7914]

Dude, I'm actually living in Cholet. It is insane that you were so close to me man

[@PHlophe]

is cousin's last name is Cholet , very common around here.

[@maellepasquier7246]

Moi aussi, surtout que Cholet c'est... pas très connu ! Hyper surprise !

[@shinmopi]

Décidément, tous les Choletais sont tombés sur la vidéo ? :)

[@rhiannoneileen8874]

Ahhh my heart, this made me tear up. I'm living in French speaking Switzerland now with my Swiss husband because I fell in love with France my sophomore year too. I went on a month long school trip, hosted 6 francophone students in Montana during high school, and left after graduation to spend a year as an au pair near Annecy. Sometimes it's overwhelming to think about all that the French language has gifted to me, but I'm grateful for it every single day I wake up in such a beautiful place.

[@buddhabelly1000]

Oh my, Nathaniel! I so relate to your ambivalence towards the USA. Your high school experience was a page out of my own book. My mother was Brazilian during a time when Brazilians did not emigrate to USA. The moment we arrived here I felt like a displaced person. You've inspired me to look for my soul home, too.

[@erint5373]

That is so true about learning a language being like an expansion pack for life. I grew up in a family that lived abroad a lot, and even moved from Rep of Ireland to NZ as a teen-but had never been to a country that didn't speak English. As an adult I met and fell in love with an Italian, and the experience of discovering this culture and how these people experience life through their language has been one of the most profound experiences of another country I have ever had. Language changes the way you interact with the world on such an unexplainable way, and it allows you to express other parts of yourself.

[@philippeclerc3110]

As a french expat, this is heartwarming. I sometimes forget about France, and mostly get negative vibes from abroad about it. Slowly getting used to the idea that I'll never go back. But this video hits as a reminder for why France can be a great place as well. Old memories and a strong cultural affinity long forgotten surges back. Thank you :)

[@maxducoudray]

Thank you for sharing this story. I am much later in my life, and now embarking on a quest to move to France. For me, the connection is deep though I’ve never lived there: my father was French-Caribbean. From him, I was raised so differently from most Americans and I want to reconnect with the way I was raised. I want to spend the second half of my life within the French culture and I can’t wait!

[@jordynkhoo44]

I'm not even french but I watched this with a big smile throughout the whole video :')

[@DiceDecides]

I genuinely want to move to France, just the word 'France' makes me happy

[@kit-kat3356]

How sweet!!! Your comment made my day! So adorable!

[@chantalngeleka7677]

Do it if you can, specially if you are from the states.

[@DiceDecides]

@@chantalngeleka7677 no I'm not, I have a Norwegian citizenship which should let me move to France pretty easily.

[@chantalngeleka7677]

@@DiceDecides oh Norway is a beautiful country too I always wanted to visit.

[@DiceDecides]

@@chantalngeleka7677 it is, I just get tired of snow 6 months a year

[@Naratis]

this format of video is just so inspiring and makes me want to jump into my creative side in videography/cinematography like people jump into icy lakes. Jump all in, head going under, feel the shock and let the cold spread over you until it doesn't shock you anymore.

[@ehpeachylove]

I am just now watching this vid and it makes me so happy that your world opened up in a positive way. Your first year as a student truly opened your world in a positive way. Congratulations.

[@SissouwChan]

Salut ! Je suis française, et je comprends complètement ce que tu ressens. Ça peut sembler atypique, mais je me sens de la même manière envers la Roumanie. J'étudie à l'université de médecine vétérinaire en Roumanie et je n'ai jamais été aussi heureuse, l'expérience que j'ai avec les gens est incroyable, et ça a aussi débloqué quelque chose en moi. Je n'avais jamais vu la France sous un jour aussi élogieux, ta vidéo m'a fait beaucoup de bien. On ne réalise jamais la beauté de ce qui est juste là, sous nos yeux. Bonne continuation !!

[@synewparadigm]

Vous faites les études en Roumain ?

[@gabrielaanjos4150]

My mom lived in Cholet for most of her childhood years. She always has this deep melancholic feeling when speaking about it to me. I finally visited 2 years back, and it's as almost I feel the same "saudade" she does. Such a happy coincidence to see you stayed in Cholet as well!

[@ben-benedict]

Man am French and I wanna say : your French is awesome ! Really appreciate to hear your voice in my Native langage . Almost zero accent ! C’est fou !

[@thibaultimbert]

I am French and this video and story made me cry. So honored you love our country and culture. 🥹💙

[@fabiolagraceffa9261]

I completely get you. I remember not feeling at home since I was a little kid. I always asked my parents to be an exchange student but they always denied. When I was 14 I went to america to visit part of my family and for the first time I understood what that feeling inside me was. When I came back (to Italy) I struggled with depression. Now I'm 22, once I'm done with university I plan to interrail around France. And obviously I'd love to meet you. Hope to see you soon 💖

[@wisdombro316]

I feel Nostalgia when I watch Nathaniel's Videos

[@AlexandruGolovatenco]

I'm a Parisian and I've often been "blazé" of the capital and the country itself, but I find your videos super refreshing, they show fascinating points of view that make not only France, but all the countries you talk about more interesting, thanks man! :) Et ton montage est de plus en plus stylé, continue comme ça tu gères ;)

[@ChachouLP]

Tu es blazé de la France et de Paris ? Tu as peut-être enviec/ besoin de voyager. Je suis parisienne aussi mais ne me lasse pas de cette ville ni de pays. Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à toi :)

[@AlexandruGolovatenco]

@@ChachouLP Oui haha :) Quand la situation se calmera j'aimerais voyager dans d'autres pays, et pourquoi pas dans d'autres endroits en France d'ailleurs. Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à toi aussi Charlotte ! :) 🎄

[@banzy3]

I can relate to the fascination and the challenges. I was in a long distance relationship travelling back and forwards from the UK to France over a couple of years. The first time I met my French girlfriend's parents (which is challenging enough already), I really didn't speak any French. Having just been introduced to her Dad, we were sat outside at a table in their garden, and my girlfriend went indoors to help her mum with something, leaving us alone. I was mentally willing her to return, but my powers of telepathy failed me. That was a really uncomfortable few minutes without talking - felt like something out of Meet the Parents with Robert de Niro. About three years later I discovered he actually spoke English reasonably well!

[@adrianolautenschlager5267]

Fellow 2014/15 RYE student in France here 👋 I discovered your channel a few months ago through Johnny Harris and just found out today watching this that we were on exchange at the same time 😅 I’m brazilian and ended up going back to France too! Thank you for this beautiful video that puts into words many feelings I’ve experienced.

[@LotusYeshe]

I think that transition is the most powerful process AND memories. I've had that with my first move to England. It's real love at first sight when it's a complete dive into the unknown and when it comes from a sense of not belonging. En tant que française, j'ai eu la même démarche d'embrasser la culture, c'est la meilleure stratégie pour apprendre une langue grâce à sa culture. I am polyglot thanks to the region I am from but it's definitely a big gap to live abroad and learn because it's about social survival.

[@robbyducot6553]

You seem genuinely happy narating this story, so am I for you. I'm grateful you found where your heart belongs.

[@mickis.t7225]

THIS hit me right in the gut, I almost cried trough the whole video. Thank you Nathaniel. I also moved to France from Sweden in February 2020, for love without ever have taken a single language class. The relationship didn't work out unfortunately, tough year lol. But I also ended up falling in love with the language and the country, which I never thought. I'm now back in Sweden plotting my way back and this video reminded me of why! Merci beaucoup parce que France me manques

[@ChachouLP]

Mickis T , happy to see that you miss France. I hope everything's okay in Sweden. Take care of you :) Greetings from France

[@mjbx33]

I wish you all the best for this year!! I hope you'll meet welcoming people on your road, here in France.

[@MysteriousBeingOfLight]

Stay in Sweden .. there is no chip and vac*** THERE

[@NatashaBergen]

OH!! Le petite prince quote you mentioned made my heart sing and my eyes water! I had a similar experience in France, getting back to my French roots and had it tattooed on my arm it meant so much :) So glad there are other people who appreciate this as I do!

[@Fringinto]

This video makes me so happyyyyy and resonate so much to me. I'm French, born and raised in our beautiful France. Moved to Toronto, Canada in 2014. For a year. 8 years later I'm still here and almost Canadian (yayyyyyy). I have learned to see my country from another perspective living abroad, I got to learn what being French means and what make us French. How beautiful my country is. Makes me happy to see how much you enjoy it. Another part is everything you say about finding a place that feel home its exactly what happened to me and Toronto. I dont get a chance to talk much about this, its very nice to hear something similar from someone experiencing the same. I guess I should talk more about this part to my community too. Profites bien de Paris :)

[@jackintheworld6639]

This is pure bliss. As video craft and instinct. As life story. As inspiration to travel. As love letter to France. What a talent you are, Nathaniel. Bravo!

[@isabellyduarte1291]

"I felt like learning French was the gift that kept on giving. It was like an expansion pack." This is so true. Ever since I started learning French in high school, I felt like I have opened a new world. French movies, music, culture. It is really amazing, you never know what you are going to discover next.

[@PHlophe]

For you its easy, you are Lusophone .

[@isabellyduarte1291]

@@PHlophe Well I don't know Portuguese, but Spanish which is similar.

[@rafaelcenteno7817]

As a former Rotary exchange student myself, I completely relate to your experience. It does truly change your life.

[@claudiasanchez8996]

Is it worth it? I’m applying to a programs in Peru or Spain. I’m a sophomore in an American high school currently :)

[@rafaelcenteno7817]

@@claudiasanchez8996 it’s absolutely worth it! It’s the best experience you can have as a high school student. Exposing yourself to a new language and culture opens your eyes and your mind to a new world. Also you’ll meet people that will end up being like family to you!

[@claudiasanchez8996]

@@rafaelcenteno7817 wow thank you!!

[@putiylosangeles]

I was a rotary exchange studnet too and can confidently recommend it to everyone!!! Life changing experience for sure!

[@MarkFarfan]

One of the smoothest voices on the internet...

[@fleurlavie6257]

Nathaniel is probably not going to see this, but I just had to leave a comment... You are pretty much the only KZbinr I keep up with, because I always love the way you talk about travling and immersing yourself into cultures (and the videography is top notch as well, naturally). So I had to squeal a little, when I saw you in that Rotary Blazer with the pins, because I was a Rotary Exchange Student in that same year. When you talked about your year in France, you could have been talking about my year in Taiwan. And suddenly it made sense how much I relate to your approach to life. It takes a special kind of person to be an exchange student, especially with Rotary. To leave everything you know, when you are only sixteen, not even knowing what country you will end up in. The ultimate adventure. Meeting other people that were exchange students is always so interesting, because even though we are all different people, there is the same mentality that lies underneath. To everyone else reading: Give your kids the opportunity to go on a student exchange. Go on a student exchange. With Rotary, it's not even that expensive (as Nathaniel mentioned). It isn't the easiest thing to do, but nothing else will ever challenge you that much or help you broaden your horizons and become a better person.

[@pbea7185]

I've been to France twice. Lifechanging both times. Always felt drawn to it. Then last year, I was looking through my family tree and discovered that I had a whole arm of my family that came from France. Had no idea! If it's in your blood, it's in your blood! Loved your video, N.D. You are precious and your story is inspirational. Even for my generation (the one before yours). Thank you for posting this.

[@TariqueAli]

As someone who's stayed in Paris for 6 months and fell in love with the city, the country and a person (wink wink), I think everyone at least once in their lives should witness the city in person, it changes your perspective towards life, work and gives you a sense of self reflection as to where you want to head in life

[@poetrycorazon]

I share the same love affair with France. It's a culture that sits so well with me. I'm currently working on my French so when I return for the 3rd time, I will be more fluent. Words to describe France, exquisite, elegance, enchanting and prestigious. Vive la France♡

[@szlendak1368]

as a parisian i can’t wait to see your pov in France edit : i think i discovered my own country

[@isalucie7522]

5 stars for this video ! You describe the process of acculturation/integration/learning/living abroad (not just being a tourist) so well !

[@Elcactouss06]

A big thank you to all of you people of the world, for loving my country France, you know how to feel what it represents in my eyes, you know how to appreciate this country better than some French people who always have to complain, with your messages of love , you honor this country, its History, its Landscapes, its traditions, its Romanticism and without forgetting the French savoir vivre, by reading your messages I feel a lot of emotions and I even shed a tear, even if some Americans hate France, I realize that many others love it, Thanks to you Vive L'Amérique et Vive la France thanks you

[@srishtikote6741]

I loved this so much. France is one of my favourite places too. I love how you capture all these beautiful facets of the country. Watching your videos is like therapy for the mind and soul.😊

[@sydneystudds]

Lovely story. I am French American, raised in America and now living in Paris. This year was definitely tough with first the grave and now covid. Though I hope you will get to enjoy Paris for what it is and everything you can see here. I've lived here for more than two years and sometimes I feel like I know the city but then I go and discover something new unexpectedly. Even the French with all the problems in this country always come back after living abroad. It's a beautiful country

[@jkassarian]

As a French living in the US you're making me want to go back so bad.

[@CleopatraPapadopoulos]

Im Greek who lives in the USA and I went to Paris a few months ago. I LOVE FRANCE. I wish I could live there.

[@swatisharma5463]

Man!!!!! I have to say this ....you are very much aware about your transition...it's like you take a pause and give yourself time to understand what just happened. Amazing❤❤

[@JUSTINBUISSON]

Ton histoire est magnifique, des frissons tout le long. Bravo pour cette prise de recul et ses sages mots.

[@Ines-ce5ju]

I love how your videos makes me fall more deeply in love with a country where I live since I was born. It easy to forget the chance we have. So thank you

[@patricksamy]

Tout ce temps, I knew there was something deeply special about your story Nathaniel! Probably because I can relate.

[@VideoSchoolOnline]

Absolutely gorgeous video and story. Thanks for sharing!

[@ellierbranson]

The day I first arrived in Italy was also August 26. It's crazy how some days you'll never forget and always be grateful for. This was an absolute wonderful piece in describing what its means to fall in love with a country. Thank you.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

I think that it would be difficult to not fall in love with Italy! I'm mot italian, btw!

[@prod.ghxstghxst]

thank you Nathaniel!! hopefully going to France in august. my gf and I use this video as inspiration.

[@TheDabol51]

I paused the video where you say : "If you're thinking to yourself..." just to tell what I'm actually thinking to myself is : "Your French is really, really good! There's obviously a touch of English accent in there, but almost to the point where it gives your accent a nice color or flavor instead of being an inconvenient. Good job man!

[@leon83056]

Wouhaouhhhh.... Quelle déclaration d'amour !!!! Pas sûre que nous méritions tant d'éloges, mais c'est tellement émouvant ce que tu dis que j'en viens à avoir envie de partager davantage avec les autres."..just listen" dis tu. Tu as même un accent français quand tu parles anglais maintenant !!!

[@flaviascorner4631]

Wow, I have goosebumps. For real. I feel the same way every time I go to France. And although a lot of people say that French people are not so friendly (especially with foreigners) I can hardly believe that. All the times I went there, there was always someone who welcomed me with a warm smile ☺️ Thank you for sharing this video with us, keep on doing what you love! :)

[@nataliacraig1630]

I am currently an exchange student learning German in Zurich and I completely agree about many of your thoughts about paying attention to little details and pushing yourself and accepting the difficultly. I am now 4 months in and am understanding so much more, although I haven’t started thinking/ dreaming/ in German. Thank you for sharing your story with France and French, it was a beautiful story to hear.

[@ilinazlateva2398]

I just share the same story with you. I went to France 3 years ago without any knowledge of the language, so I can study architecture the next year. I am an art person as well, and i am still connected to France. I came back to my country due to covid but i still want to go back there..

[@robertbarack1827]

Guys, if you wanna learn French (or any language for that matter), move to the country where you won't have a choice but to learn it.

[@sydnaja104]

the way you're describing french and france is beautiful! we're glad to welcome you here, and mostly glad you're spending great times in this new home of yours. france is happy to have you now :)

[@Ajax020Paris]

As a French we are lucky to receive tourists like you

[@zorkwork3841]

You remind me so much of my nephew.He is older than you but is a person of intelligence and adventure.After graduating from NYU..he moved to S Korea to teach english..My nephew speaks 5 languages..English, Italian(self taught)Korean , Chinese and Spanish. He has traveled a lot ...He is now back in the states ..in one of the most beautiful places...Knowing a language is a great gift!

[@vertexveritas2031]

A personal story very well told. I wish you the very best for the future Nathaniel.