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One would think two years is enough to pick up a bit of the local language.
Two years certainly could be enough, but it really depends what the environment. If OP, like many English speakers who live in France for a couple of years, was teaching English, or studying in an English speaking postgraduate course, and then socialising with a mix of people from different places, who all use English as their shared language... It can be pretty easy to miss out on a lot of immersion.
And the level of language to comfortably phone up a hospital, explain a slightly odd request and be bounced around different departments with the administration... I know plenty of native French speakers who would avoid doing that.
I feel like you're doing something wrong if you live in a non English country and never get exposed to the local language.
Source: am living in a non English country
I have mental issues that severely impact memory. I am proud of my conversational level of French given all circumstances in my life. I can say and read most of it, but have a thick accent and trouble with southern accents in France. Northern french is easier for me to hear. There are so many aspects to language. I suggest Paul Taylor on youtube for a little insight.