CultureShock! Switzerland
Opinion: 12 things that surprised me about moving to Zurich
It's been a lot easier to acclimate in Australia than it was in France just because I can communicate here without thinking twice. I think one of the stages is getting really drunk all the time, and wishing you're somewhere else. I can definitely relate — I went through all of this when I moved to France. But now I feel I'm really acclimated!
- Trois couples en quête dorage (French Edition)?
- A Chapter in the Philosophy of Value.
- Child Development and Behavior: Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child, A Simple Guide To Eliminating Conflict, Aggressive Behavior and Backtalking (Toddler Discipline Book 1).
- A Footprint in the Sand;
It took a long, long, time though. This is my third stay in France! I think worse than culture shock it reverse-culture shock! I'm already dreading returning to the US and going back to the way things were — after I have changed! Lifebeginsat30ty I had read about the 5th stage.
From our sponsors
I haven't experienced it yet though! But I can picture it: TexaGermaNadian haha, yes, Switzerland likes to do that too… just when you think you've "got it", something new comes along! Meri haha yes, I'm sure the closing time is strange for foreigners in Spain… it sometimes made me feel frustrated, too! I mean, seriously, some shops only re-open at 5pm!! Yes, the expat life surely is a strange one.
But I wouldn't have it any other way. Like the other day I told someone I wanted 'regular' coffee and got this blank stare. Turns out you have to say 'filter', even though it could have been from a french press. Which is actually called a cafetiere here? In a couple of months you'll wonder how you could ever leave. I think this is the perfect way to describe the steps of living abroad. I would just mix in a little bit of frustration now and then, you know, just to liven up the experience and you don't forget you are in a foreign country, haha.
Germany really likes to do that to us. Just when we think we have it all 'down', BAM something frustrating and weird comes along, lol. Living in Spain, I definitely remember the "frustration" as I got used to the culture. Like when everything closes from for siesta? Or how no one eats in public unless they are in a cafe? Or how the old ladies glare at you for showing bare arms even if its 97 degrees out? But it was shortlived, that frustration- then I acclimated and had a great time! I always enjoy meeting locals by starting up conversations with bartenders, baristas, pharmacists, and then returning to visit them often.
They usually have other friends that do the same and pretty soon you know lots of people! You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email.
Honeymoon The Honeymoon phase is full of excitement and euphoria. Frustration The shine starts to fade away.
- Stay ahead with the world's most comprehensive technology and business learning platform.;
- Climate of the Southeast United States: Variability, Change, Impacts, and Vulnerability (NCA Regional Input Reports).
- Opinion: 12 things that surprised me about moving to Zurich - The Local;
- Blessed are the cracked.
- My Four Phases of Culture Shock in Switzerland | Kate goes Global.
- Cultureshock Switzerland by Max Oettli.
Understanding After a while, things start to look brighter — you are adjusting to your new home country. This phase that takes a lot of understanding and an open mind. Confessions of an expat: Home is… Kate goes Global. I've also found the expat community very supportive of each other's ventures. There's almost no haggling, which means there's no hassle.
When I recently lost my smartphone at the Limmatschwimmen event, it was no problem because a Bademeisterin life guard can dive down to look for it, for a cost of 60 francs, if found It was — yay! If she hadn't found it, I could have commissioned the SeePolizei to do a deep-search for francs. Here is the price list and there's no hidden extras.
I guess what I'm saying is, yes: How to improve your social life in Switzerland. No one likes to talk about it, and it's generally assumed everyone has a fair bit in Zurich, or you wouldn't be here. I don't tend to rub shoulders with Zurich's super-rich, although I wouldn't know it if I did: As for real estate, which in my former hometown of Sydney is completely crazy and just about all anyone can talk about, in Zurich, with What a blessed relief! Australia has a lot of imported holiday traditions that can feel a bit odd in the southern hemisphere.
Christmas turkey in 40 degrees anyone? Halloween at the start of spring? I love that Zurich goes its own way with national days: So much nicer than hitting up strangers for candy! There's a lot to be said for life in a small-big town or should that be a big small-town? With a nice mix of international and local festivals, big-name gigs and smaller venues, global brands and local designers, plus some world-class food, Zurich is compact enough that you'll often run into someone you know, but large enough that you can be left alone.
Best of both worlds? I can honestly say that for me it is! Claire Doble is an Australian-British expat living in Zurich and blogging at clairevetica.
Would you like to write about your Swiss life for The Local? Get in touch at news thelocal. Sign up for our free This week in Switzerland newsletter. Get notified about breaking news on The Local. Popular articles Italian woman killed and over 40 injured in Swiss bus crash Switzerland signs off on post-Brexit trade agreement with UK Where to next? From our sponsors QUIZ: Which influential Icelander are you?
Culture Shock in Switzerland | Expat Arrivals
This small Mediterranean capital is the perfect winter city break. Latest headlines Russian delegation heading to Davos after sanctioned oligarchs allowed in. Relive the 10 most Swiss stories of Switzerland and Britain reach post-Brexit aviation deal. EU hands Switzerland six months to agree to new deal on bilateral relations.
Switzerland signs off on post-Brexit trade agreement with UK. Italian woman killed and over 40 injured in Swiss bus crash. Five police injured during post-match riot in Switzerland. More news Switzerland's Vevey among National Geographic's hot destinations for How to celebrate Christmas like the Swiss.
SWISS airline offers chance to join mile-high fondue club. Airbnb booms in Switzerland with almost 1 million yearly guests. Zurich-based barista crowned world's best coffee brewer. But without an expat social network, new arrivals can find it harder to integrate. To make the most of their experience, expats should try to understand the locals, respect their rules and customs, and if possible, learn their region's local language. The Swiss can be extremely private people, so those who come from collectivistic cultures may find it lonely in Switzerland.
Especially in the German-speaking parts, everything is scheduled — including a catch-up with friends. So unless it is with a group of friends from one's own culture, it is best to stick to the schedule. Joining expat groups may be the best way to overcome this. Whatever the rules are, Switzerland offers an orderliness that cannot be so easily found in other countries.
CultureShock! Switzerland
Public transport is extremely dependable. The Swiss are proud of their country and mostly satisfied with how it is run. Some fear that outsiders will spoil the status quo and hence, there can be apprehension towards foreigners. This can be overcome by a willingness to integrate by speaking the local language and playing by the rules. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Switzerland. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
- What is Kobo Super Points?;
- Relatos Lésbicos Anónimos I (Spanish Edition)?
- Plant IT: Integrating Information Technology into Automated Manufacturing!
- CultureShock! Switzerland [Book]?
- .
- !
Breadcrumb Home Europe Switzerland.