Just curious are there any people out there like me? It seems most of the Americans, Ukers, and Aussies I meet are all super professionals. They are bankers, doctors, professors, web designers, etc. Isn't there anyone out there who's an English speaking cook? I have a bachelors in English Lit. and just recently got my TEFL certificate, but still can't find much because all my work experience from back home relates to sales and cooking, which is what I did while awaiting my wife to finish her degree. Isn't there something out there for a normal guy like me? Someone too stupid to learn German?

I don't know about the second part of the sentance (that's for others to judge), but I am a normal cook living in Switzerland...

Jack

Hi Jack, yes you are a normal cook, but as I recall you speak German. The question was what does someone do that doesn't want to learn German. My personal opinion: not much! In some professions you can get away with English - for example working as a specialist in the IT or banking sector. I wouldn't have thought you could get away with it being a cook.

By the way - this thread is nothing to do with an actual advertisement, so I am moving it from the marketplace to help and tips.

Mark

Sorry for putting it in the wrong place, and it isn't that I don't want to learn German, but realistically by the time I learn German, I will have been here 3 or 4 years, I need something to do in the meantime. I've been here a year already and sitting in Wallis is driving me nuts.

Learning to speak and learning to understand are two different things. I'm sure you can learn to understand in a few months, especially in kitchens as the lingo and subject is limited.

Spend your free time watching food porn on the telly as well.

Have you tried contacting the Fachhochschule to see about teaching English/Eng Lit there? I know that at the place where I study translation, the English profs have various degrees- one has a BS in something, one has an MA in French, and one actually does have a PhD in English language and/or Linguistics. And don't just look at the ones in the area where aou live. Chesk alllllll over the country, because you might have to commute. My Italian prof commutes from Ticino to Winterthur a couple times a week.

Heya!

May I offer a little advice? Immerse yourself in the language - listen to a local radio station, watch Swiss, German and Austrian tv shows, listen to Swiss and German music (folk if you like, I prefer rap). Trust me, it will take no time at all before it all starts making sense, and before you know it you'll be speaking dialekt!! The less people speak to you in English, the better. Painful? Yes, at first, but suck it in and it'll all come together. I didn't understand a word when I moved to St Gallen, and after two years I was speaking like a local.

You must allow yourself to try to learn the language. It makes you feel more comfortable. Even if you learn a few sentences at first. Being able to communicate with your neighbors and store owners is a good feeling. Trust me I have been learning for over a year and I am still in class twice a week for 75-90 minutes. I can speak enough to get by but I feel your never too old to learn. It opens the door to more opportunities and when people see you are trying, immersion in this society is easier. Plus you are in their country I must add.

I also work in a job where I don't need to use German very much as my boss tells me what images or what sort of look is required (I'm a photographer) and he does so in English.

I have however learned to speak German in the time that I've been with the company.

Before I was permanently employed, I did a lot of freelancing (weddings, parties, celebrations etc) and this also helped with learning the language.

Maybe you could offer a catering / party service?

Thanks Apples! your advice is much appreciated.

SWISS RAP ?????