What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Switzerland. They wrote...
"The lack of local language skills is at the top of the list. It isolates you and forms a barrier in what in your own country would be friendly, every day, people to people contact situations: such as pleasantries exchanged with a check out clerk or a neighbor while walking the dog. I also feel out of it with regards to the news: what is going on in the arts, politics. I used to be well informed, now I am not at all. I have been too busy getting my kids settled, hooking up utilities, figuring out our mail forwarding, our taxes, etc," wrote a member who made the move to Geneva, Switzerland.
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"One of the most challenging aspects of living in Switzerland for expats is the fact that most social interactions are understandably conducted in the local language. Even in highly populated areas with many expats, it can be hard to communicate if one’s knowledge of the language is limited. Additionally, the rigid hierarchy in Swiss culture may seem quite daunting to those who are used to more egalitarian nations. Respect for authority and decorum are particularly important in the workplace and other formal settings, making it difficult to relax and feel comfortable among their peers. Lastly, the high expectations of punctuality can be frustrating for newcomers who have a different view on the importance of timekeeping," explained one expat living in Switzerland.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Switzerland?
- How do I find a place to live in Switzerland?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Switzerland?
- What is the average cost of housing in Switzerland?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Switzerland?
- What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Switzerland?
- Why do people move to Switzerland?
- What are healthcare services like in Switzerland?
- What are medical services in Switzerland like?
- What are typical rents in Switzerland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.