Further searching for great content for our blog, we found a superb website designed to offer info’s for people moving to Switzerland!
In this blog post we here at EGV Recruiting, sum the site up in one short blog entry designed to help you find out more about living and working in Switzerland!
The website www.neu-in-zuerich.ch offers info’s on a variety of topics starting with:
Language:
- It is important to know that although most of Switzerland is a German speaking country, standard German is only used in writing. Each canton has its specific dialect.
- In this segment, it is explained why good understanding of the German language is important in day to day life. For those without German language skills solutions are offered in terms of institutions providing German language courses.
- Face it! If you want to become one with the Swiss you must learn their language!
EducationÂ
- In this segment, the importance of education is underlined. For example public schools in Zurich have a high standard and are free of cost until completion of the compulsory schooling, as is the Gymnasium which prepares pupils for university.
- “Without Education nothing is possible†– Everyone who looks for a job and does not undergo any training, has far less opportunities on the job market. This is where apprenticeships become important. Usually, most teenagers that have completed their obligatory schooling do a 3 or 4 year professional apprenticeship.
Health:
- Health care in Switzerland is generally considered as very good. One thing you should take into account is that you only go to the hospital if there is an absolute emergency. You first have to consult your GP. If it is necessary they can then refer you to a specialist or to the hospital. Pharmacies can also help you a lot.
Transport:
- This segment describes the highlights of the public transport system in and around Zurich as one of the best in the world.
- Foreign driving licenses have to be transcribed! You can get your license transcribed within one year after arriving.
Social system:
- Swiss citizens are very well insured. In addition for private insurances for possessions and a liability insurance which you should set up, and the obligatory health insurance, there are a number of employment insurances.
Customs and traditions:
- The Swiss are generally very friendly. Words such as “Pleaseâ€, Thank you†and “Could I perhaps†go a long way. When it comes to friendship, the Swiss rarely make the first step and therefore it takes a long time to get to learn them. Friendships are taken quite seriously once they are established.
- One can say modern Switzerland has a lack of traditions, especially in the urban regions. There are large and small folk festivals, markets and even cattle shows in many places but this no longer has anything to do with tradition.
Neighborhood:
- This section explains the fact that being a small country with a high population density, rents are the most common accommodations. Owning property is much rarer.
- Living in housing buildings and rents comes with its own set of rules! Complaints appear from situations such as barking dogs, loud music, crying children, mess in the staircase, use of other’s parking spaces, etc.
Family and children:
- Swiss families are generally small. A father, mother and one or two children is normal. Single parents are also becoming increasingly more common in the cities.
- Equality between women and men is widespread just like in every average western European country.
Work:
- People generally work 5 days a week, which corresponds to approx. 42 hours. Certain industries have other regulations. Nowadays there are also many part-time positions. Employees have a multitude of rights and do not have to put up with everything from their employer. You can find information on guidelines from your professional association and your labor union.
Leisure:
- Switzerland is a country that combines water, mountains, city and nature like in no other place in the world. Weather hanging out in bars or sport clubs, hiking or spending time with the family is your cup of tea then be sure to choose Switzerland.
Environment:
- The Swiss are proud of living in a clean country. Do not throw your rubbish on the ground and not out of the car window. There are special rubbish bags or fee stamps for household waste in all communities. This finances waste disposal and people are required to recycle glass, metal and paper. If you have a compost heap you can dispose of kitchen waste there.
Would you like living in Switzerland?
