You’ve been here a few months now, perhaps the excitement, novelty, and the adrenaline rush on which you’ve survived your recent move is running low. Just at the same time, the summer sunshine is replaced by what feels like a never-ending blanket of grey cloud.
The Vaud Chamber of Commerce released a statsitic that may not surprise you: The estimated rate of failure for expatriation missions revolves around 40-50%. One of the main reasons is difficulty to adapt to the new country.
So, how to navigate that first wobble?
Read our top 5 tips, as collated by others who have been there.
1. Make it make sense
Be it the rules on French/Swiss border shopping limits, unspoken déchetterie etiquette, customs amounts, Commune Office opening hours, Swiss tax rules (kidding, that one’s impossible, you’ll need an accountant) …. aim to better understand the workings of where you are.
You may have been surprised by the quiet and private nature of the locals upon moving to Switzerland. Rest assured, the Swiss are simply more reserved by nature, not unfriendly. Unsurprising then that their advertising, or lack thereof, is much the same way – subtle.
Helpful information can often be hidden away here.
Your local canton has practical information/events for new arrivals:
CAGI – Geneva
www.ge.ch
www.cagi.ch
CVCI – Vaud
www.vaud-welcome
www.cvci.ch
Also, following websites and/or social media channels can help keep you feeling more ‘in the know’ daily:
www.ch.ch – Easy answers about life in Switzerland, including emergency numbers to note (144 ambulance, 112 emergency, 117 police)
www.worldradio.ch – World Radio Switzerland (WRS), a local station with Swiss and BBC News
www.knowitall.ch are a great directory of local knowledge, and produce a helpful “what to do” weekly newsletter.
2. Change your perspective
Of the many ‘trailing spouses’ we’ve met here, we’ve witnessed people re-training in newcareers or vocations, returning to study, volunteering in an area that they’re passionate about, and launching businesses. Allow yourself a little time to reflect on what might be next. A family move can lead to a surprising change of direction, and new opportunities.
If you’re thinking about jobs locally, check out:
CAGI’s recruitment platform – with jobs, internships and voluntary positions offered by NGOs, as well as local contracts offered by Missions and Delegations. www.jobs.cagi.ch
Remember to update your Linked In profile, to see what’s available locally and to reflect your current availability.
If you’re considering volunteering, this is a great place to start:Serve the City Geneva partners volunteers with existing organisations www.servethecitygeneva.ch
In a group setting, several associations host events, activities, organize donations and volunteer including www.aiwcgeneva.org
3. Try something different
Exploring where you live is one of the benefits of a move, and Switzerland is one giant playground. With residents cycling, hiking, running, paragliding from summits, sailing, cold-water swimming or kite-surfing on the lake. There are groups for just about any and every activity imaginable – find yours.
And with arguably Switzerland’s most famed season coming up, the winter fun is just beginning. For skiing or snowboarding, local company Snowpros (www.snow-pros.ski) run a variety of courses and lessons for all levels, in English. They also offer a free downloadable Expat Ski Guide for the region.
Patinoires (ice skating rinks) will start to pop up in every commune, there are snow-shoeinggroups for those who prefer less speed, and Nordic/cross country skiing centres (for those who prefer perilously thin skis ?!), toboggan runs, and much more to discover.
For a wellness focus with a stunning backdrop (and great fondue) the bohemian Bains des Pâquis (aubp.ch) has everything from sunrise yoga, and cold water swim lessons, to a hammam, saunas and Turkish baths.
There really is something for everyone, it may just be that you have to dig around a little to find it.
At The HUB Geneva, we share our local community’s knowledge and experience, to make finding gems like these that little bit easier.
4. Try not to compare
As easy as it is to gaze back with rose-tinted glasses to a world that included Amazon and same-day deliveries, comparison really is the thief of joy. But, if you really do crave a taste of home there are supermarkets from various corners of the globe to be found (www.ubuntuminimarket.ch – South Africa, jims.ch – British, www.americanmarket.ch – American) ….. And when looking at the price tags, again, it’s best to not compare – just focus on that bite of familiar happiness!
5. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone
Whilst we hope to make it easier to find your people, connect with your interests, and make the day-to-day a little less confusing, we also don’t want you to get stuck in an ‘expat bubble’. Integration is what will enrich your experience.
So we’ve said it before, but really – do keep up with the French.
Yes it’s frustrating, yes, you feel stupid, and yes you will probably cry at some point – most likely in public. And no, Emily in Paris has done us all no favours. Keep trying and it should start to make a little more sense. Slowly.
Lastly, did you know…..
that, if you head a little higher up the mountain, above the grey blanket of cloud at this time of year, you will invariably find blue skies and sunshine. You just need to find what motivates you to get up there.
Find information, ideas, activities, answers to your questions, and your community at The HUB Geneva @thehub-geneva. Reach out with any question or request, we’ve all been
there.
*If things aren’t looking any brighter above the clouds: Heart2Heart – Helpline in English (www.143.ch)