Geneva >
Geneva
5 years
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 [email protected] by email or, if you work in one of the Orgs, ask around about the league. There are many teams.
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With the International Organizations in town there is an incredible amount of diversity. As noted by others here, it is difficult to meet the locals but I found them warm and hospitable on a one to one basis. They enjoy including their "exotics" (us) in their activities and we have been invited to family dinners, weddings and birthday partys over the years. If you are a francophobe though, you may have trouble. Learn a bit of French and you will have a totally different experience!
International diplomacy and commerce dominate the workplace. A handy footnote for spouses of people who are posted to Geneva, you do not need a visa to work for the internationals and your salaries are not taxed when you do. Temp work is available that is very interesting and challenging. The best, and practically the only way into that system is through connections, i.e. the "old boy network". Steno skills help as do language skills but there are many diverse opportunities for what they call "local hires" as opposed to the recruitment of international "experts".
There is a lot of socializing and traveling in small groups or as individuals. Most of the people you will meet who are expats are well educated and excited to be at the heart of Europe with what are pretty reasonable salaries and a lot of free time to enjoy the perks.
Skiing, climbing, bicycle touring, etc. etc. on the physical side are just a few of the attractions. GAOS, the amateur theatrical group is far more interesting than their title would indicate and many folks get immersed in their activities.
Of course, everything you do in Geneva will eventually lead you to a banquet to celebrate something or other which will lead you to yet other
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Don't bother bringing anything unless you are totally convinced that you won't be able to get it in Geneva. If you can think of something that fits that catagory I would love to know what it was as I haven't found anything (a long while ago we couldn't find "crunchy" peanut butter but forget that problem, it's here)lacking here.
Go to the library and check out a couple of books on Switzerland. The locals will be amazed when you are able to demonstrate any knowledge about history, especially theirs. North Americans have been judged, and rightfully so, deficient in an appreciation of history and the role it plays in Europe generally. You will have to read the books, by the way!
Advice from expats in Switzerland on housing search, finding a job in Switzerland, international schools, expat clubs and organizations, learning the language and cost of living. A must read for newcomers and anyone moving to Switzerland.
Expats in Switzerland advise newcomers to join a few expat clubs, learn German (or French / Italian), enjoy the outdoors and travel Europe.
Switzerland is a country rich with tradition, natural beauty and one of the most stable economies in the world. It is, however, also extremely expensive and expats often report difficult settling into the culture.
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Advice from expats in Switzerland on housing search, finding a job in Switzerland, international schools, expat clubs and organizations, learning the language and cost of living. A must read for newcomers and anyone moving to Switzerland.
Zug, Switzerland is a beautiful city and very popular among expats. 30 minutes south of Zurich, this low-tax region is home to numerous multinational companies.
Expats in Zurich, Switzerland find themselves in one of the most important financial centers in Europe, and the world. While they are treated to a city with many English speakers, it can be difficult to find good housing... and friends!
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