
The HUB Geneva
Help • Understanding • Belonging
For English-Speaking Parents from Geneva to Nyon

Expat migration survey
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
School of Applied Psychology
Do you want to help with academic research into english-speaking expats moving countries? Did you move to Switzerland due to a partner or spouse?
Share your experiences to inform understanding for the future!
Led by Erica Chew Howard, lic. phil.
Research and Development Coordinator
Zurich University of Applied Sciences – Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology
Interested………. here’s the background.
Migrating for Love
Love is one of the biggest sources of inspiration and a driving force of orientation in life. In this globalized world, the commitment and devotion to a relationship can lead to moving countries and crossing cultures.
Background:
Living in another country and adapting to a new society, often another culture and language, comes with personal effort. This may enrich a person with multiculturalism and a second home. Yet, even after years of living in a country “feeling at home” isn’t always a given. People who choose to migrate out of commitment to a relationship not only leave family, friends, and social networks behind, but often jobs and professional careers.
Aims:
With this project, we aim to examine how English speaking migrating partners are adapting to living in Switzerland, if they develop a sense of belonging or not, and what role their social support network play. We particularly look at challenges migrating partners might face, such as finding paid employment and the feeling of being discriminated. Furthermore, we evaluate the roles internal (e.g., resilience) and external (e.g., social support) resources play in the process of adapting to Switzerland.
The online survey is anonymous and takes about 10 minutes, with the chance of winning a prize at the end. Please consider participating.
Still interested? Check you are eligible to participate. This part is very important.
- the main reason for moving to Switzerland was for a partner/spouse whose home country or country of residence is/was Switzerland
- OR for a partner/spouse who relocated internationally to Switzerland for employment or education
- currently live in Switzerland
- not initially moved to seek asylum/refuge
- fluent in English
- non-Swiss by birth
- 18 years of age or older
Parenting is hard! Living and raising a family in a country away from home can be a huge additional hurdle. Add a language barrier and you can quickly feel overwhelmed and isolated.
The HUB Geneva offers families
- HUB Highlights – sharing the online resources (in English) we rely on
- HUB Events – like HUB “Walk & Talk” a chance to connect in a relaxed way with other parents
- HUB Blog – completely honest, funny and reassuring experiences of local life
We are here to make sure you don’t feel alone
Together we are stronger and happier.
HUB Events
We regularly host casual, friendly events to allow local parents to make connections with each other.
HUB Blog
Real stories, from real people with families living in the Geneva area.
HUB Highlights
Our spotlight on brilliant local websites and resources. Information and inspiration for families.
The HUB Geneva - Annual Surveys
We survey local parents every year to see how families are feeling. Our surveys help us to understand the current challenges parents are facing as well as track how things are changing year to year.
This information helps us to focus our efforts towards what you need, as well as have better conversations with our local partners.