Hi All,

I am new to the forum and planning on relocating to Switzerland within the next few months. I spent some time in Zurich earlier this year and can't wait to go back.... Although, I am pretty sure day to day life is very different than when you're on holiday somewhere...

I came accross this forum while trying to find answers to the many many questions I am faced with,and hope to make some new friends who can shed some light on all the nitty gritty involved in settling in on a new continent.

Mary

Welcome to the forum! I've not been here long but it's been very useful and friendly.

What brings you to Switzerland?

Welcome to the forum Mary.

I moved here from Ireland earlier this month and I really like it here. What part of Switzerland do you plan to move to?

I am thinking Zurich...

What brings me here? A better standard of life and education for my daughter, possibly career growth and there is a swiss man involved in all of this too somewhere....

Ahh yes .. Welcome.

I`m South African too. A bit old. But as the Granny of the family, I came here to care for my two grandchildren while their folks work.

Lovely life here. Beautiful scenery, if you like walking and nature.

And lots to do if you enjoy intergrating into the local life-style.

But ... you will miss the white maize meal, and boerewors, and the noise of lawnmowers on Sunday mornings. Oh yes... and lots of things like No Noise after 10pm on Saurday nights, no rowdy braai`s, and ...and ...and ..... oh wait till you are here.......
..and Marmite in jars ...... and ... other things.......

And check here on EF for the correct procedures of obtaining your visa for CH ... I got my instructions in reverse order!

There was a Swiss man involved in me making my decision in coming here too :-) How old is your daughter? I have a 9 year old little boy who is settling in really well.

What? No late night klippies and coke , followed by the inevitable domestic outbursts and does this mean I should leave my vuvuzela back home in Cape Town?

But, in all honesty I quite enjoyed the peace and quiet while I was in Zurich, and how easy it is to get around without a car.

I think the most difficult thing to leave behind will be lazy Sundays at the beach

My daughter is turning 11. How is your son coping with the language barrier?

He's coping better than I thought. He has made alot of friends in the area where we live. At first he didn't want to go out to play because he didn't understand what was being said. But now he is coming in full of talk about his new friends. Children really do adapt fast. He loves his school too. He will be speaking the lingo long before I do.

That's really great to hear... my daughter tends to be a bit shy at times but is very keen to relocate. Is he attending a local or public school?

He is attending the local school. They have a class for children who come in from different countries and have an intensive German course for a year or for how ever long the child needs it. My son is very shy too but he has adapted very well. His teacher speaks English too but teaches in German so the children will pick it up easier. But any difficulties can be addressed in English. So he is really happy.

Howzit. Welcome to the forum!
Good luck with the move.

Hello again...

Since I havent been on here for a while I thought I would bump my intro thread and mention that I am well on my way to Switzerland, its just a matter of sorting out paperwork and booking a flight

But now thats its a reality and not just a fantasy anymore... I am completely petrified....

I have searched the forum high and low for answers to my questions... So if i ask something that has already been discussed please point me in the right direction and dont flame me for not using the search function...

Hi Mary-Anna

My name is Riaan and also in Cape Town currently. My wife(Swiss) left a week ago to look for work and a flat. Me and our little baby girl(19 months) stayed behind while she sorts out everything there. Even as a Swiss National(she has been in SA for 11 years), she is finding it difficult to get everything together, especially paperwork...but she has made a lot of progress in the last 7 days.
She will hear early next week if a flat has been awarded to her...so we are holding thumbs. As soon as she is settled, I'm handing in my resignation at work and give notice to my landlord. I cant wait...
Are you still in Cape Town?

yes I am, just spent an hour at home affairs....

Hi!

I'm also a ZA. Hope all goes according to plans for your moving to switzerland. I'm in the Zurich Canton, and yesterday started knowing some ZA guys around here. looks like there are quite a few around

Hope the best,

Cheers

Hi Igama

I believe so, one more on it's way...

Hi Igama....

Are there enough of us for a game of rugby?

Don't know yet, but I would assume yes lol at least for a brai there should be