Switzerland Expat Forum

nextexpat1234
Joined 2022
Posts: 1

2 years ago

Basel work and living questions

2 years ago

Hello! Possible future resident of Basel depending on how interviews go. Am loving the descriptions of nature, European city life, mountains, sport, and museums in and around Basel. I've heard that making friends is difficult if you don't learn the language and that it is very safe.

I had a few questions pertinent to my decision making process and would welcome any input from those from the US who have made the leap to Basel:

1) My child (kindergartener) is good in some areas, but math is not one of them. Are there school systems with the patience and extra help for kids? Learning a new language shouldn't be so much a challenge for my child.

2) How do you think about retirement, with no 401(k) and higher overall tax burden and high cost of living, if you are not going to stay in Switzerland for retirement?

3) How is work life balance vs. the US (particularly if you are in the biotech/pharma industry). What are working hours? Currently I work a lot and do not expect it to be much different in Basel

4) We are a multicultural family. Coolness in society is totally fine for us, because it can be completely respectful. But does it go beyond that, will my family feel disrespected or targeted as a result of not being white, or Swiss? It seems like there is a large and varied expat community in Basel from all the science jobs.

5) How are employee protections vs. the states? In the states there are few protections but perhaps there are still areas where the US may have an advantage. Is there anything to worry about?

6) If you were able to go through the process of negotiating your relocation/contract over again, knowing what you know now, what are important tips you would give yourself? Child care/schooling/medical/salary/relocation help etc or anything at all you can think of!

Thanks for reading!

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Switzerland Guide

Expats in Switzerland advise newcomers to join a few expat clubs, learn German (or French / Italian), enjoy the outdoors and travel Europe.

Switzerland Forum
Join our Switzerland forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Switzerland.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

Best Places to Live in Switzerland

If you're dreaming about living in Switzerland, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Switzerland in 2023.

173 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland

Expats living in Switzerland talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Switzerland and more.

Cost of Living in Switzerland

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Switzerland.

Moving to Switzerland Guide

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.

Real Estate in Switzerland

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Switzerland.

Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Switzerland.

Retiring in Switzerland

Advice for people retiring in Switzerland.

10 Tips for Living in Switzerland

If you've recently arrived in Switzerland, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Switzerland.

Additional Information:

Visit our Switzerland Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Switzerland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.