Zurich, Switzerland - moving to & working there (fit in, crime)

[orangeapple]

I applied for a job there. How hard would it be for an American (<--- me) to live and work in Switzerland? I keep reading on this site how difficult it is for Americans to get work visas and that sort of thing in European countries. It's a strong interest of mine to live and work in another country for just a few years even.

The job description says you must be fluent in speaking and writing English, so being a native speaker might be one thing in my favor. It made no mention of needing to speak German either. I might also note that the job was posted on a US based website that mostly advertises jobs within the US, so I figure it's probable they expect Americans to apply.

Anyway, I also don't know a whole lot about Switzerland, as far as the people and culture, so any other info is welcome.

[Moth]

Well, if you can pull it off, go for it. I have spent a good deal of time in Switzerland and have mostly good things to say about it. Its quite lovely and the people are cool for the most part- very polite and honest albeit a bit xenophobic.

When they speak of Swiss efficiency, they are not kidding. The place is punctual and very organized. Its as if a designer planned the whole country down to the amount of trees planted in any given place. There are 4 official languages, yet things flow seamlessly.

Its a conservative place, by European standards. I find it very quaint- like I imagine the USA in the late 40s. Very little crime although they have a hell of a problem with heroin addiction.

It is also, and this is going to sound silly, but its true, the most militarized place I have ever seen. All males are in the military until their mid 40s or so- its like the National Guard. You see soldiers everywhere going to and from their barracks. Look closely and you will notice bomb shelters all over the place. And supposedly all bridges and tunnels are wired for detonation.

Anyway, the food is pretty good and the lifestyle a nice balance between hard work and leisure. Lots of skiiing and boating. Italy, France, Austria and Germany are never more than a few hours away. It is pricey, but worth it.

Have fun.

[CBB]

Originally Posted by orangeapple

It made no mention of needing to speak German either.

The Swiss German is quite different from "real" German. When a Swiss speaks on German TV, there are usually subtitles, otherwise you might not understand much.

But Switzerland in gerneral and Zurich in particular are very desirable places to live.

[orangeapple]

Originally Posted by CBB

The Swiss German is quite different from "real" German. When a Swiss speaks on German TV, there are usually subtitles, otherwise you might not understand much.

But Switzerland in gerneral and Zurich in particular are very desirable places to live.

I figured that....I don't speak either, so it makes no difference to me . I'd have to start from scratch in learning it anyway.

[Moth]

CBB is quite correct about Swiss-German. I studied German for years and lived in Germany but even at my peak, I could only understand every fifth word in any given Swiss sentence. And then its broken down into numerous dialects.

A Swiss friend said you have to learn Hochdeutsch (Standard German) before learning Swiss-German. I am unsure, but you get the picture. The Swiss can switch to Hochdeutsch, but that's moot for you. Lots speak English and fairly well. But I would try to get a handle on it so as to better fit in and show respect. But English is very trendy and you will see it used in ads.

[cyndykenyon]

i lived in switzerland for three years and speak both hochdeutsch and schweizerdeutsch. It is necessary to learn hochdeutsch first and schweizerdeutsch actually has no dictionary. They are also completely different for instance kommen is choemme and kartoffel is hendumpfl. I love the country and wish i could go back and live there forever. Unfortunately i was there on a temporary visa. I have been back in the states for a little under 2months and it has been quite a bit of an adjustment. They say that a little swiss cop is in every swiss person and they aren't kidding..people won't be afraid to tell you that you are breaking the law...ie:using crosswalks, only using bathrooms in places you have purchased something, etc, etc. If you have any other questions please ask..i love to talk about the place i have grown to call home. As they say in Switzerland Tschuss Saeme!

[orangeapple]

^ Uh yeah, I didn't end up getting that job, but thanks

[Jaggy001]

Originally Posted by orangeapple

^ Uh yeah, I didn't end up getting that job, but thanks

Never mind ... I'm sure you didn't want to live amongst the Suisse-Totos anyway. La Romandie is much nicer!

Zurich is okay albeit very expensive. As a foreigner you will probably never be accepted by the locals but that doesn't matter as there are plenty of "Anglo" oriented places where you can socialize with normal people.