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...
"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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Switzerland.
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Geneva, Switzerland.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Switzerland?
- Will I be able to find a job in Switzerland?
- What is life like in Switzerland?
- What do expats in Switzerland appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Switzerland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Switzerland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Switzerland like?
- What are healthcare services like in Switzerland?
- What are medical services in Switzerland like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Switzerland?
- What are emergency services like in Switzerland?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Switzerland?
- How are local medical facilities in Switzerland?
- As a foreigner living in Switzerland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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 one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
