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Relocating to Switzerland

Mehmed Gulnip

Hi there!

Has anyone here relocated to Switzerland as an engineer? I'm considering the move and would really value some practical advice. How difficult was it to secure a role from abroad, how important were local language skills (German/French/Italian) in your field, and were there any unexpected challenges with salaries, permits, housing, or workplace culture that you wish you'd known about beforehand? I'm used to Anglo-American way of working. My knowledge of the 3 national Swiss languages isn't that great, I know a bit of German but that's all. 

Thank you for any info you may have!

cheers
Mehmed 

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  • 0

    I moved to Switzerland from the UK more than 25 years ago, before the free movement of people agreement. I responded to a job advert in what is a very specialised field.

    Knowledge of the language in the area you are living is important. Many people speak English, but the local language is important. I was travelling on a train which stopped at a station, there was an announcement in Swiss German (different to standard German, another issue) and everyone got off. I followed them and found that due to track repairs there was a replacement bus. You also need to be able to read and understand signs that may not have English translations.

    Unless you are moving to a company who have employed a number of foreign workers, check every detail regarding support in finding accommodation, support for your family, schooling etc. The Swiss generally do not understand what is different about living in Switzerland, they do it all the time.

    There are a lot of small cultural differences which are not disastrous but can be embarrassing.  

  • 0 in reply to Roger B

    The languages in Switzerland are a really interesting mix of German, French and Italian. When I was there a few years back I found just listening to the general chatter absolutely fascinating as they'd start a sentence in German but finish it in French with a few italian words thrown in here and there too! It was quite strange to hear someone say a sentence in German but then say thank you as 'merci' which is a French word. They also do that in areas of Northern Italy close to the Swiss border. 

    Languages were my favourite subjects at school and I do speak a bit of German, a lot of French and due to having an Italian Mother in Law (and an obsession with Italian Police dramas) a smattering of Italian too. So when I was over in Bern for an event and a meeting I was quite proud of myself being able to understand and communicate with the locals smiling face with hearts

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  • 0 in reply to Roger B

    The languages in Switzerland are a really interesting mix of German, French and Italian. When I was there a few years back I found just listening to the general chatter absolutely fascinating as they'd start a sentence in German but finish it in French with a few italian words thrown in here and there too! It was quite strange to hear someone say a sentence in German but then say thank you as 'merci' which is a French word. They also do that in areas of Northern Italy close to the Swiss border. 

    Languages were my favourite subjects at school and I do speak a bit of German, a lot of French and due to having an Italian Mother in Law (and an obsession with Italian Police dramas) a smattering of Italian too. So when I was over in Bern for an event and a meeting I was quite proud of myself being able to understand and communicate with the locals smiling face with hearts

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