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Switzerland: The hardest posting EVER- reality of switzerland:
Offered a job in Geneva with a large salary it seems amazing and exciting! We have all heard of Geneva and what a great place Switzerland is.
THE REALITY OF LIVING HERE IS VERY DIFFERENT.
This has been my unhappiest posting and the most difficult to culturally adapt to. I have worked in many countries including some of the most restrictive in the Middle East as well as other European countries, but this has been by far the most difficult.
1. Finding somewhere to live is a nightmare. I have colleagues who ended up camping, sleeping on floors, living in serviced apartments and hotels. As an experienced re locator I had researched quite well and insisted on a company apartment to start with ( three months) even then it was a nightmare.
a) you need your work permit and attestation from employer before you start to look.
b) you have to bring a whole pack of paper work- more than applying for a job!! Most places ask fro three receipts from your previous three months rental.
c) Most contracts are for two years and they legally binding- it is up to you to find a replacement if you leave early.
d) estate agents will never get back to you. They really do not want to deal with "estranger" especially if your French is not perfect. None ever replied to any e-mail. They did not want to show me anything even on personally visiting.
e) Unless you have lived in Hong Kong you will be staggered at how small accommodation is for the money.
f) Things we take for granted like a washing machine will probably not be in it ( unless you are on a Mega salary and can afford something bigger) The furniture may be tatty and old. two kitchen cupboards, tiny fridge etc and mine was better than many!
g) I ended up in a tower block that would not have been accepted as a council flat in the UK. It had graffiti on the lifts, was a grim 60 concrete construction. My kids as students would certainly have turned up their noses at it.
h) IT IS SO EXPENSIVE- this one bed was 1,800 CHF a month and not near the centre of Geneva.
i) I managed to get a sublet for 6 months - often a way in- BUT even though the tenant wanted me to stay- the REGI ( who are like gods and dictate everything (except the colour of your knickers) would not let her rent to to me even for another month- she was threatened with eviction if she did - even though she was studying abroad.
j) every time you move it is a administrative nightmare and you have to pay fees.
h) dealing with utilities/ internet connection etc is really tough- nothing is straight forward.
2. Everywhere closes ALOT so the only time you can deal with anything or even to shop is in working hours. Geneva is like a ghost town on a Sunday. Finding places to eat out or have what I consider a normal life is not possible. My husband on visits said it reminded him of the MIddwich Cuckoos. It certainly is really spooky how you do not see anyone. In 6 months only one hello in a tower block.
3. Geneva is tiny. It does not have the facilities or activities that you would expect even in a small Uk town. It is SO boring.
4. You have to by law have medical insurance and they trace you and demand it - I delayed and had a threatening letter about a fine- they trace you as you have to register with "population controle cantonal" - and maybe you will also have to show this to rent a flat! I did for my last one. This is Expensive even for the most basic ( you will still have to pay costs on top if you visit a doctor. An EU medical card is not valid if you work here. 500CHF a month for basic. ( another dint in what looked like a great salary)
5. IT IS SO EXPENSIVE to do anything. Quite simply on the whole I only walk in the country side ( when the weather is good enough) and use the trains, unless you are on a huge expat package then you will feel really poor here.
6. PARKING is a nightmare - as described by previous helpful writers when I was researching.
7. You will not believe how not being able to wash your clothes can get to you! ( Again described by a previous poster I think) I nearly left after the shared 30 year old one- with tokens from the conceirge, and codes etc keep flooding, not opening etc and a horrible concierge shouting at me in french " essaurage essaurage" of course I want the bl---- thing to spin. I do not want my clothes left overnight in wet. Especially as you only get one 2 hour slot a week to use ( honest to god there is a rota and wo betide you if you do not stick to it.) I was lucky I had Sunday- what if has been one in daytime. In the end I bought a washing machine- the only way for sanity. It cost 700 chf for a mini thing that fitted in the bathroom - honestly you would not think they made machines like this now ( you open up the drum and it fitted a tiny load. the outlet pipe goes into the bath.)
8. The Swiss are just as cold as the country. They really have had enough of expats. I just missed the friendly smile and greetings of other cultures.
there are many other difficulties which make life hard- even if your job is great.
I know I am not the only one who feels this way, and now fly home most weekends to Uk ( easy jet are great from Geneva) I met someone who has only spent one weekend here in three years.
So my advice
1. Think long and hard before taking a job here.
2. Maybe come and spend a week here ( trying to find a hotel room and the cost might also give you a clue)
3. Unless your employer actually provides the apartment ( has it all sorted, paper work, internet etc) it does not matter if you have to pay them for it- do NOT come. If you have had any standard of living you will find it hard.
4. Factor the medical insurance into your calculations- or only take a job with it provided.
5. Know that this is not a glamorous exciting city. If you area skier on a really good salary ( none of my colleagues can afford to go! or travel into france) or a really big outdoor sort of person ( hiking is great here) and you do not mind really cold weather for long periods ( Oh factor in winter tyres 1,400 CHF if you drive)
Do Not come.
Qatar: Mesaieed:
Any one live there and able to give me information on it? Particularly the school
thanks
Saudi Arabia: I'm seeking a job in Jeddah:
I will ask around- but I think no chance. I do know however that the first woman has been employed part time by the airlines as she is a senior air traffic controler, and was employed to train staff- BUT they were desparate. There are not even any female toilets in any of thye avaition buildings.
Your best bet is to be a teacher. Did you do an enineering degree? Could you teach physics to a high level but pre univeristy? Quite a few women tran here as teachers on the job. It is the only way you can get work.
Saudi Arabia: A nurse's possible move to Jeddah:
Some people really like it. If you are Muslim then it will be much easier for you- you will not miss the wild parties! It is a proper job with a kosher instituition. The compound is a bit stuck out and it costs a bit for transport to ex-pat events. However if you are strict you would not want those anyway.
I hope you do not mind me mentioning this but I rhink it is importnat when making your decision. Be aware that their is still some racism ( which I find horendous) across here. Not amoungst your brit or amercian collegues but in society in general. Do not be suprised if you mistaken for a maid ( eritrean/ ethopian are common.) My freind has a japanese and a Malay wife and they found that hard as they were mistaken for Philipinos. There is a pecking order
1. Saudis
2. White westerners ( they assume you will not be american if you black)
3. other arab natuibalities
4. philipinos
5. aficans
6. Pakistanis/ indonesions
7. banglasdeshis
This may seem horrendous for me to even write about this- but this is the most racist society I have ever encountered. - It will not affect your work. What I find even stranger is that some of the nationalities that are treated like sh-- are Muslims and therefore should be brothers.
I am sure the job will be fine. reserach well on this site and others. I do know personally several people who have been quite happy at King Faisal. bad shifts at times though.
You will be able to make Umrah, and enjoy a really good Muslim lifestyle. Ramadan working hours, eid holidays etc. you are always given time to pray. So if you want to develop your spiritual life then that is good. But be aware if you are not going to use the beaches, party, dive etc there is not much to do. One of my strict muslim freinds does attend arabic and Koran school three nights a week and she is very happy. Does her job, keeps herself to herself and finds intersteing intellectual pursuits.
Depends totally what you want out of this experince.
Saudi Arabia: Teaching in Jeddah:
Graet city especially if you love diving- the beaches are fab - warm sae - warm pools all year round! New school- will try and ffind out info.
Saudi Arabia: ENTRY MEDICAL TESTS:
Do not worry. Yes they are obsessive about STD and HIV BUT having herpes simplex in your body IS NOT THAT.
I never even thought about it when I went for a medical. I even used to get them as a child- probably caught off my mother. genital herpes is different. Certainly the sort I have was not picked up in the screening. I guess the worst that could happen is that they ask to examine you- if you have never had genital herpes do not worry in my opinion.
Also they give married women much less of a hard and scupluous medical. I was with other colleagues and we had extra tests as single women- they are worried about us- married women could not be under suspcion so much.
I have even had bad outbreaks here ( after Haj flu) and got treatment- no one seemed to think it was a big deal.
Saudi Arabia: Music lessons - Oboe:
Well you will never believe this! There is first instrument oboe specialist music college graduate. At present I think he has no oboe students which I am sure he would dearly love. He is the Head of Music at the continental school - but it will not matter which school you choose as I am sure he will be delighted to help as it is such a minority instrument. there is a massive shortage of teachers- no clarinet, saxophone, trumpet or any brass specialists- amazing that you have been thsi lucky. His name is Brett. Bring plenty of reeds with you and the music for next year as none is available over here. I have 1,000 pound worth of music in my case this time! Both britsih schools do the assocaited board exams. Have you sorted a school place? which compound are you coming to? Are any of you musical. I have assocaition with the Junior and Senior Hijaz choirs. A great way to meet folks. We are flying in tommorrow- any other help needed let me know- especailly on the music line.
I will meet you I am sure- especailly as we are hoping to set up a Junior orchestra next year.
Saudi Arabia: Moving to Jeddah:
Is it just one guy? If so try Arabian homes- sierra have one bed flats, also andulus. Continental village is just off prince sultan. Family then Basateen - waht nationality- what price? do you live in Jeddah - I am suprised you do not know the compounds. massive waiting lists ( 2 years) for family ones- but if your comapny has "wasta" you may be able to get somewhere. Let me know more info- and can reccomend. Also look on the site. I wrote and extended list of compounds and pros and cons on a previous posting.
Saudi Arabia: Moving to Saudi:
search the site - there are lots of advice given on this previously to a girl who wa thinking of marrying a saudi.
Saudi Arabia: Vitamins in Airport:
A colleague only this week had all hers conficated at airport. You will need a prescrption to go with them- maybe take in your hand luggage. She had had her suitcase opened and all bits of powders tipped out etc. Avoid powders!
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