Would you take a transfer to Geneva? (home, schools)

[Cruikshl]

This is a distinct possiblilty and I would like to know what are the good and the bad as an expat there.

[oconnorcm3]

I've only used the airport in Geneva, which is excellent. There is a fast, inexpensive train that runs from the airport to downtown Geneva and the bus station is downtown. I normally travel about one hour away from Geneva to Lake Annecy, to spend time there. The entire area is beautiful but expensive. Lake Annecy is wonderful, with a boat-taxi taking you around the lake and a bike path running most of the way around the lake. There is hiking, water fall repelling ('absail') and cross country skiing and down hill skiing in the area. I always feel like singing "The Hills are Alive" when I'm in the Geneva area (I know, wrong country but the same feel). I'd love to live in Geneva. Great international schools there too, I've heard.

[KB4]

Good: very safe, clean, beautiful, great place if you are outdoorsy for both summer and winter sports. Conveniently located for trips to Italy, France. Great public transport if you don't want to drive. High quality of life in general. Many expats. Great chocolate.
Bad: housing is expensive (although still cheap compared to Manhattan), eating out is expensive and the choice is limited. Can be boring for young people who like clubbing etc. Most locals don't like speaking English even if they can so French is definitely an advantage. Stores and any kind of businesses close early. With a few exceptions, grocery stores are closed on Sundays, so you definitely need to plan ahead. International schools are crowded and difficult to get into.

[Cruikshl]

Thanks for the information. The children are grown so that isn't an issue. We aren't the outdoorsy type, except golf and gardening.

[irman]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

would like to know what are the good and the bad as an expat there.

All depends on a few things:
1 - what are you looking for
2 - how good are you in adjusting YOUR life
3 - your income level
4 - your language capability

on:
1 - depending on where you live right now,
--- it is NEVER going to be the same.
--- the life style will be different
2 - are you willing to change YOUR life ?
--- if you behave like an *****, people will treat you like an ***** ....
3 - it will be more expensive, so unless you can live with a bit less,
--- go for it.
--- (we lived there for 3 years and were at a lower spending level than back home ...)
4 - The main language there is French,
--- but you can get by with German and English
--- all of us, I, wife and 3 kids, are polyglots, so the kids attended local schools.

LBNL, if you are single, you will have less trouble finding housing. You have kids, expect hardships. We found it easier to find housing with 3 dogs, than with 3 kids ....
Our kids had a hard time adjusting ... at home a 5 acre spread ... in Switzerland ... a large flat ....
See if you can live in France, in the country ... not that hard to commute to Geneve.

[Cruikshl]

Originally Posted by irman

All depends on a few things:
1 - what are you looking for
2 - how good are you in adjusting YOUR life
3 - your income level
4 - your language capability

on:
1 - depending on where you live right now,
--- it is NEVER going to be the same.
--- the life style will be different
2 - are you willing to change YOUR life ?
--- if you behave like an *****, people will treat you like an ***** ....
3 - it will be more expensive, so unless you can live with a bit less,
--- go for it.
--- (we lived there for 3 years and were at a lower spending level than back home ...)
4 - The main language there is French,
--- but you can get by with German and English
--- all of us, I, wife and 3 kids, are polyglots, so the kids attended local schools.

LBNL, if you are single, you will have less trouble finding housing. You have kids, expect hardships. We found it easier to find housing with 3 dogs, than with 3 kids ....
Our kids had a hard time adjusting ... at home a 5 acre spread ... in Switzerland ... a large flat ....
See if you can live in France, in the country ... not that hard to commute to Geneve.

We are both only English speaking sad to say. We've moved a lot, but in the US only. He travels a lot for his job. We are miserable in CT due to the reserved nature of people, so we see this as a way out. We have three dogs so funny you should mention that number.

[Viralmd]

If you don't like the reserved nature of the people in Connecticut, you're REALLY, REALLY not going to like living in Switzerland!!!! They're MUCH, MUCH worse. I've lived there. The people in Connecticut are hail-fellow-well-met, let's have a drink people compared to the Swiss. You could be very, very miserable.

[Cruikshl]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

If you don't like the reserved nature of the people in Connecticut, you're REALLY, REALLY not going to like living in Switzerland!!!! They're MUCH, MUCH worse. I've lived there. The people in Connecticut are hail-fellow-well-met, let's have a drink people compared to the Swiss. You could be very, very miserable.

That's what I think too. Right now I can get in my car and go anywhere anytime to see family and friends. Not sure I could live with total isolation.

[rugnot]

yes, the Swiss can be overly reserved, but they are generally good folks
and, I would not feel the least bit "isolated" there
Geneva is a lovely place and, as someone noted, very easy to "escape" on the weekends to Milano, St Moritz, Paris (via TGV), Monaco and too many other wonderful places
go, you'll love it and be the better for it

[irman]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

We are both only English speaking sad to say. We've moved a lot, but in the US only. He travels a lot for his job. We are miserable in CT due to the reserved nature of people, so we see this as a way out. We have three dogs so funny you should mention that number.

I am not trying to keep you from going, but prepare for some changes, and for doing a lot of homework.
Both English speaking .. OK, so what, knowing a foreign language only helps a bit, but your attitude towards learning the local language will be greatly appreciated by those around you.
Will your hubby also travel a lot in Switzerland ? Does he go alone, so maybe you can tag along ? Not a bad way to see Europe or wherever he has to commute to. If you have to stay home, you must learn how to make friends with people who are used to a different lifestyle then yours.
When we first moved to Europe a long time ago for work, my family did not speak any foreign language, but they were willing, to learn the languages. The kids went to local schools, and my wife tried like mad to learn the language. She did OK, but her accent was horrible (I imagined), although the locals thought, it was a cute, and she was loved for trying.

So do some homework. What are the legal conditions connected to his foreign assignment. What happens if you would be miserable there ?
My work contract always contained a clause that my family could return *home*, for *whatever reason*. Really, I had to fight for that, but I got that clause included. We NEVER took advantage of that clause, but we did not know beforehand what could happen. Do you have kids over 18 ? They will NOT be able to get a visa to stay for extended periods even though you may have one.
Attend the local churches there and you will make friends.