Got it.

She's looking for people in her particular age group. But there's a lot to gain from people outside one's realm of experience. I like hanging out with pubescent baboons to find out what makes the upcoming generation tick. I also like listening to geezers recount stories of Switzerland during the time of war. There's more to life than meets the eye.

Maybe it is just where I live or travelling with kids but people are forever trying to start conversations with me and I feel like a complete imbecile, because I usually do not have clue what they are saying.

It is one of my main motivations to learn german/swiss german so I can at least answer them!

you might just be surprised, if you take a german cooking class how quickly you would absorb the language, plus I could imgaining a cooking class an easy place to talk with your hands, and just imagine the food words you would learn.

As for getting through the tough times I am going to answer this different and imagine you already know about all the great events and things you can try, but that your wondering how to get through days when you just don't know what to do. Just take one day at a time, and remember that your not the only one feeling alone, in fact there are others here who don't have anyway one else with them at all, who don't know anything about the language or culture, who maybe don't have internet, who have no idea where to start at all. You already are making it through the tough times just by posting your question.

I am well aware of the cultural norms here. My boyfriend explained a lot since I've been here and before I got here. The ¨random¨person was not so random, I stopped a train from leaving her at the main station, she was greatful, we chatted.

So when you write:

"I've talked to random people on the train"

It was actually only one person and it wasn't random and just one train. Sorry that I seem to have got the wrong end of the stick...

Sounds pretty random to me.

Anyway, talking to strangers isn't unusual in this country, in my experience. OK, so it doesn't happen as often as it might in rural Ireland, northern England or anywhere in Greece or Cyprus, but it's not the great taboo that some people seem to think it is, especially when people realise you're foreign.

It's the delightful serendipity of chatting to complete strangers, who have been brought together by random chance that makes travel around Switzerland so interesting.

But that's just my opinion. And I don't get into conversation very often on the S7 at 7:29 in the morning...

Its been more than one but its mostly situations like that. I never want to make people feel uncomfortable, so I only talk to people when they seem up for it. If they don't respond its completely fine with me.

In reply to Dougal's Breakfast: I appreciate your opinion, but people, not necessariy Swiss, have conversed with me at random. If people hear me speak English they are sometimes excited to prove how great their English is. So while I appreciate your opinion, I don't necessarily agree.

Definitely, there are noticeable deficits in acts of kindness like this. If you keep doing this, you will stand out. Even though the SBB may not like it, I've started practicing them as well. I'm on the lookout for more random acts.

You must be from the City of Angels. I hope you stay and keep up the good work.

I know - that's what I just said!

I think, perhaps, you are mistaking my opinion with those of another, ahem, poster...

if you would quit wearing that beer shirt - which is an instant conversation starter - they might leave you alone.

How humble of you! I'd call you a lyricist.

Hi there, Yeah it's hard being in a new country and not speaking the language....but it does get better...

Firstly you have to stop thinking about what you had and think more of what you have.....

Go to zurich to the wed night drinks, i don't drink alcohol but had a great time anyway, i travelled 1 hrs to get there (yeah i was in zurich on that day) but i had a great time, not every body is old here (honest, not even uncle max, i thought people on here where old too till i met them)

I even walked in to the bar on my own, (trust me i have never done that before unless i knew someone in there) and i was nervous but it was fun and everybody makes you so welcome...

go out there girl and grab the world for what you want, we can help but we can't change it you have to do that so, think what you want to do and do it....

You like cooking, ok ask on here if a few people want to come by or what ever, just be positive and happy you'll get there if you want to get there....trust me i know......

Hi,
I know that feeling, but the great news is that a lot of people have hard time to que socialized in CH and therefore form their own international groups.....I have a group on my own from the Hiking and Outdoor Meetup Group. We have over 200 members, mostly young people signed up that are interested to get to know each other and by the side Switzerland as well through their own common hobby: Hiking.
The Meetup Group is from the internet platform http://hiking.meetup.com/287/. If your interested, check it out and participate in one of our events. No commitment whatsoever.

Cheers,
Sven

When I was living in Davos I had a captive audience of colleagues who also were hmm...stuck up a mountain without many friends. In a way it was like being in college again. Many of the people that worked there were fairly young. I had three groups of friends...the 20+ crowd, +45 group, and my immediate office mates.

The best thing I found to bring people close to you is food. My Swiss office mates were delighted to have American baked goods, and the 20+ crowd were happy to come over to my flat for American style pancakes or french toast and I would teach them how to bake something. They learned something, and I got the company I wanted...and everyone had yummy food to eat. The 45+ group is fun for going out to dinner, or watching a movie. I can have interesting conversations with them but I always feel as if I am one of their kids.

Anyway...food makes people have an easier time getting to know and like you--at least that is what I have experienced. This worked for me in Davos...a remote area much like what you are describing.

Only time will tell if the same thing will work here in Zürich...

If you have a hobby - look for other people to share it with. I love singing, I joined a choir (which, by the way, also has purely English speaking members, even though most are German speakers), and found new friends immediately. If you like cooking, go to a laughinglemon class. Join Bill Hovey's tour of Zurich for English Speakers. Go on the Zurich Ghostwalk. There is plenty of opportunities. Check out the posts on free time and clubs in Zurich, there is loads of stuff there. Go to the university, they have sports classes and must have a black board.

And as regards people being older or in a different life situation: Yes, when you are looking for a new best friend, you will probably look for someone who is in a somewhat similar situation like you, simply because that will make it easier to get together (someone who works all day cannot meet in the afternoon, as simple as that), but if you want company, a laugh, fun and great people: don't apply limitations. I used to organize events on the EF, sometimes for a specific group, mostly free for all, and participants were between 20 and 70 - and open to meet new people.

Just keep your eyes and mind open, all opportunities are yours.
Enjoy
Idgie

Hi, I'm from SoCal originally as well. I think what you are experiencing is normal culture shock. I still miss the ocean and beach, and my family and friends. You'll probably never lose that. But you will come to appreciate the beauty and people around you as well. If you someday leave Switzerland you'll be missing the green, the mountains and lakes, the good friends you have made here.

It sounds like you are on the right track. You've got a boyfriend, some other friends, work and school. It's rough moving to a new country, learning a new language and culture... but a year from now you'll be wondering what you were ever complaining about.

Hi guys...

Thanks for all the advice people have posted. I have been and still feel like I am going through a similar phase, especially with having a real lack of friends and support to call on. My husband (German) is really wonderful and we do loads of stuff together as us and with friends too, but it still seems to feel lonely sometimes. Our friends are German/Swiss etc and really really nice, but not on the same wave length.

This long weekend my husband wants to go off with his mates to do full-on ski touring, which I can't do to save myself... The acquaintences I have met trough work etc have lives/husbands/BFs/friends and are doing other stuff... And people really don't seem to say, "hey, why don't you come along too?"

I have booked myself in for horse riding lessons (in Werd AG...Not far from Wollerau) on Saturday morning (3rd of May), but that leaves 3.5 other free days. (If anyone wants to come along too, they are most welcome. I can call and book in for a group. The people are Swiss but ride western style. I got quoted 70CHF for private lessons alone, but it would be 40CHF each in a group I think)

Otherwise does anyone know of anything that's happening that I could tag along to? I am a paraglider pilot, but it's unsafe to go flying alone...so, if anyone is keen to go flying (weather permitting) that would be good too .

Hiking/snowshoe walking could be an option, too... Or mountain biking. I'm easy pleased.

Meanwhile, thanks again, and all the best to those getting through the expat blues.
Cheers
Puddy

Yeah I know how ya feel, I'm from sunny Queensland Australia and i have beeen used to meeting up with mates every weekend, like 10 or 15 of us every weekend...
I'm going through the same thing at the moment, I'm 29 and my swiss wife and I are trying to make it more comfortable, hence why I'm on here today...
To help we are making more of our weekends like getting out and about and seeing more of the country, off to belgium in july for an open air festival, just gotta keep occupied too and i've recently vowed to put more effort into learning the language as i rekkon thats a biggie, not being able to join in on conversations at work etc...

Good Luck, and wish me the same !!!

Boy...searched for "friends", "Meetups" etc. and all I get is making friends in Swiss is quite a challenge! ... Nooo...Nein...Neeee!!

Anyone else (new and veteran!) in Zurich wanna grab a drink this weekend or today evening for that matter!?

Myself: living in Seebach - been here since two days, thereby have no clue about where the "club / bar / Student" areas in Zurich. Suggestions??

Is there anybody out there!??

(Need to now read this GARBAGE DISPOSAL MANUAL of Zurich .. aarrgh!)

Catch you later (perhaps!?)

Vin