Are all MESSAGE members ex-pats on short contracts, passing through?
Some are, yes. But not all, by any means. One of the best things about MESSAGE is that you do build up friendships with other parents, some of which last a few weeks, or months, others that last a lifetime. In a poll of 168 MESSAGE members in 2004, 45 had lived in France for 2 years or less, 38, for between 3 and 5 years, 30 for between 6 and 8 years, 25 for 8-12 years, and 30 for more than 12 years. Interestingly, MESSAGE also has members abroad, mainly people who once lived in France but who wish to remain in contact once they leave.
