I moved to Switzerland with my family after completing my PhD 2 years ago. I work for a small Swiss company doing R&D in solar energy conversion. We live in Suisse Romande, the French speaking part of Switzerland, between Geneva and Lausanne. Switzerland is definitely a beautiful country, low crime, good schools. Having said that I have to add that the cost of living is extremely high! Rents are expensive, food is expensive, restaurants are expensive. We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, 95 m2, with underground parking. It is very nice and we have unbelievable views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Unfortunately we pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment on a big house in the US or the rent of a nice apartment in NYC, CHF 2200 per month. Health insurance is obligatory and cost us almost CHF 1000 per month for two adults and 1 child. We typically spend CHF 1000 to 1200 per month at the grocery store. I have some French friends at work who go back to France once a week to do their shopping. What makes it more difficult is the price for airline tickets to go back to the States for family visits.

From what I understand, you will need to have a job lined up before moving to Switzerland, and from my experience the work permit paperwork takes a long time. Although some of the delay may have been inexperience on my employers part, they had never hired an American before, and it is much easier getting the paperwork done for a EU citizen. Language is of course a struggle. Zurich is in the German speaking part of Switzerland, so start learning German soon. It seems to me from our visits to Zurich that more people speak English there, but that may be because it is a city, compared to the rural region where we live.

So, if you find a job here, make sure that the salary is good (i.e. great to outstanding by US standards)!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

The cost of living in Switzerland is relatively high. For an unemployed student it won't be an easy start. However, you need to consider the possibility of actually getting a residence permit to live in Switzerland. Normally, one gets a job before being allowed a residence permit. I would think that that would be your greatest hurdle. Once you get a job you will also be able to afford the cost of living.
Consider also that different parts of Switzerland are very different to one another. The language is an indication of the mentality. The country might be beautiful, but there are other considerations.

Post a Reply

00abuse