This couple dreamed of leaving the United States for a new life in France, but things didn’t turn out how they expected

CNN - May 1st, 2025
Open on CNN

Jennie and Ward Vercouteren, seeking a quieter life away from the stresses of the US, relocated to the French Pyrenees. Initially drawn to France's relaxed culture, they encountered challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and loneliness. Despite these obstacles, they purchased and renovated a property, developing it into apartments, and gradually integrated into the local community.

The couple now appreciates the slower pace and affordability of life in France, which has allowed them to pursue personal interests and develop deeper friendships. Their story highlights the difficulties and rewards of starting anew in a foreign country, finding a sense of belonging, and achieving the lifestyle they long desired. Jennie's journey also led her to reconnect with her Danish roots, offering a broader global perspective.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story of Jennie and Ward's move to France is a compelling personal narrative that provides insights into the challenges and rewards of expatriation. It excels in clarity and readability, offering a well-structured and engaging account of the couple's experiences. However, the article falls short in terms of source quality and balance, relying heavily on the couple's perspective without incorporating diverse viewpoints or expert opinions. While the story is largely accurate, some claims require further verification to enhance its credibility. The narrative's focus on personal experiences limits its timeliness, public interest, and impact, making it more suitable for readers interested in personal journeys rather than broader societal issues. Overall, the article provides an informative and relatable account but would benefit from additional sources and perspectives to broaden its scope and depth.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story about Jennie Vercouteren and her husband Ward's move to France is largely factual, but some claims require verification. The narrative details their motivations, challenges, and experiences in relocating from the United States to France. For instance, the claim that Jennie obtained a Carte de Sejour and later an entrepreneur visa needs verification, as does the purchase of properties in France and their renovation costs. The story describes their initial struggles with language barriers and cultural differences, which seem plausible, but specific details about the language course Jennie took and their business ventures in France need confirmation. Overall, while the story presents a coherent narrative, certain claims would benefit from additional evidence to enhance verifiability.

6
Balance

The story primarily focuses on Jennie and Ward's perspective, providing an in-depth look at their personal experiences and challenges. While it offers a detailed account of their journey, it lacks alternative viewpoints, such as those from locals in France or other expatriates who have undergone similar experiences. The narrative is sympathetic to the couple's struggles and triumphs, which could lead to a somewhat biased portrayal. Including a broader range of perspectives would provide a more balanced view of the expatriate experience in France.

8
Clarity

The story is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Jennie and Ward's journey. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the couple's experiences and challenges. The tone is neutral and informative, avoiding sensationalism or overly emotional language. Overall, the article is well-written and effectively conveys the narrative.

5
Source quality

The story appears to rely heavily on the personal accounts of Jennie and Ward, which are subjective and may not provide a comprehensive view of the situation. There is a lack of external sources or expert opinions to corroborate their experiences and claims. The absence of diverse sources affects the story's overall credibility and reliability. Including insights from local authorities, real estate experts, or cultural analysts would enhance the story's depth and authority.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Jennie and Ward's journey but lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information. There is no mention of interviews, data collection methods, or potential conflicts of interest that might impact the story's impartiality. While the article does a good job of explaining the couple's motivations and experiences, it would benefit from more explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained and any potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Documents/child-support-listing.pdf
  2. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/directory/member/?id=emii-reuell-41456
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadly_Women
  4. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/directory/member/?id=marlis-rezende-2623
  5. https://www.colorado.edu/commencement/sites/default/files/attached-files/cu_boulder_commencement_program_2024_english_final_accessible_050224.pdf