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A reader commented on the Expat Report Review of College du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Although the facilities are good, and the activities offered are, at least on paper, vast and interesting. The school itself has a limited enthusiasm for extra-mural activities, there is no culture of sports amongst the children which proved frustrating for my son who loves the outdoors. To make matters worse, the staff seem disinterested. (Continue)

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A reader replied most recently with:

Hi, what are the better options when your child loves sports?

A reader commented on the Expat Report Culture Shock in Geneva, Switzerland

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

The best advice is to have a good sense of humor. You should not make value judgments filtered though the norms of your own country. Just because things are not done the way you do them in your home country, does not mean they are wrong or stupid. By keeping an open mind, you may be surprised by the new things you will learn. Remember that your kids take their cues from you. If you take the difficulties in stride and make things fun, they will adjust more quickly. If you do your best to pave the way for them, they will meet new friends and try new food. (Continue)

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A reader replied most recently with:

I took French at the Universite de Geneve. Good programme and cost effective. The university is located close to the "downtown". I would recommend you check it out (not many "Americans" so you will be forced to learn). http://www.unige.ch/lettres/elcf/coursete/contact_en.html

Expat Report Review of College du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

disappointing after school programme (limited choice) which can not really be used by kids under 10 as there is no late bus for them. Music programme mediocre. (my daughter says horrible, much better music instruction in the US, unless your child already knows how to play and instrument dont bother, don't count on them learning in their music classes) Facilities otherwise good - nice location with good classrooms (Continue)

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Expat Report Living in Geneva, Switzerland was published

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

North Americans will particularly enjoy linking up with the local softball league. This a great time for the athlete and non-athlete to get out in the countryside and play. You will meet all sorts of nationalities as many unexpected fans of American baseball pop up from all over the world. Contact Softball.Club@cern.ch by email or, if you work in one of the Orgs, ask around about the league. There are many teams. (Continue)

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Expat Report Info about Geneva English Drama Society in Geneva, Switzerland was published

Describe your group.

Geneva English Drama Society (GEDS) was formed in 1933 in Geneva by a group of anglophones and has been going strong ever since providing amateur theatre to Geneva and surrounding region for the English speaking public. Play readings every two weeks with three main productions each season. Next production in Coppet - November 6th to 10th - Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward a hilarious comedy. Full information on the society www.geds.ch - play readings open to everyone - great way to meet English speaking community. (Continue)

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Expat Report Dating and Marriage in Geneva, Switzerland was published

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

Great quality of life in Geneva and Switzerland in general. Being professionally active as a mother of very young children is challenging as it is difficult to find daycare. Once the kids are in school it is easier to find additional babysitting solutions. 40% of Geneva is non Swiss and there are many English speakers. The Multinationals, banking sector and international organizations also bring many English speakers to the Geneva area. I meet a lot of English speakers who have lived here for years and have gotten by with English only. There are all sorts of networks and clubs for English speaking international professionals. A great network for professional women that I can highly recommend is the Geneva Women in International Trade www.gwit.ch

Being single and coming to Geneva it can be challenging to meet a nice partner. A lot of people work and travel quite a bit and do not have time or energy to go to places where they could potentially meet a life partner. I noticed this when I worked as a headhunter in Geneva and launched a company called successmatch, www.successmatch.ch that provides personalized matchmaking services for busy English speaking professionals. (Continue)

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Expat Report Info about Gay International Group (GIG) in Geneva, Switzerland was published

Describe your group.

Since 1994, this group offers a informal meeting space twice a month - usually pot-luck dinners - for gays (expatriates, internationals or tourists). Officially registered at the Geneva Welcome Center, it totals more than 450 members from more than 100 countries and all continents, mainly from the UN and its agencies, covering a wide range of professional interests. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of College du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

There seems to be a good variety of activities, especially for the high school students. We have found the drama productions much better than anything we saw in the States for high school. Really talented kids and some great mentoring by the faculty involved in the productions. The music department seems to specialize in individual lessons, with individual students given opportunity to show their talents, rather than excelling in chorales and/or bands. (Continue)

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Expat Report Review of College du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

We had great soccer and volley ball teams. The 10 day school ski trip to the mountains is highly anticipated. wonderful theater productions. I believ that the school has since expanded to be more inclusive of other activities. (Continue)

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Expat Report Dating and Marriage in Geneva, Switzerland was published

I know from talking to single friends that it is very difficult to meet new people. Invites to social occasions usually extend to only couples and furthermore if you have children you will find more open doors as the life in Switzerland is extremely family orientated. English people are distributed pretty evenly throughout the city and can usually be found in most of the bars throughout the old town. For meeting people try www.sindy.ch, set up to try to make Geneva friendlier for expats of all parts! (Continue)

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Expat Report Living in Geneva, Switzerland was published

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

The best one by far is http://www.sindy.ch These guys are a huge Geneva network, mainly for expats but also for locals. Their mission in life is to 'make Geneva friendlier', and they - truly - changed my life in Geneva. They do various activities, from parties to adventure trips to chairy work - that draw many people who are into meeting others. Gives a v good and quick access to many leads. (Continue)

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