My son goes to an international school. They only employ native speaking teachers so language isn't an issue. His current "English" teacher is Australian and previously it was an American. If you've got the qualifications then there are always options.

This statement has been so worn out by the Swiss. The other one is "It’s not how it’s done here." Both of these statements seem to give the Swiss license to continue with their callowness.

If you notice, it is often said in a way in which they are asking a foreigner to agree with them. It is such a sly trick intended to mask their insecurities, and pat down a foreigner. All the while, they hold up their "way" or their "difference" as if it was sacred. They use this to quiet a foreigner and not even lift a finger in the process.

Nowadays, when someone says that to me, I say "Yes, but it’s bullshit and it’s gotta change!" This statement really freaks them out.

The truth is, their "ways" are not particularly sacred. And it's not even a cultural practice, rather the absence of one that defines it. Just look at the changes that have occurred here in the last 10 years. Furthermore, it is rapidly changing even faster. That gig is up!


Ditto


Ditto


Citizenship will give you rights. I got mine, and it’s done wonders for the fierceness of my Internet Forum postings, as well as the validity of my opinions. Funny thing happened on the day I received my Swiss citizenship – I did not in the slightest way feel any more Swiss. But being Swiss just the same, I realize I have this opportunity to help redefine what Swiss is.

I understand the locals may not recognize me as Swiss, and declare me to be only Swiss on paper. But if they did that, they pretty much incriminate themselves of being worth less than cow dung. Afterall, it is their own piece of legal document that grants me this citizenship.


Right on! That is a positive statement. It shows resolve. It shows decision making. Now act on it!

The truth is, many of us here have gone through the same travails you are going through, though only perhaps in diffferent ways. My 2nd year here was hell! But you want to know what makes you special? Absolutely nothing! You just caught our attention through this website.

Cheer up!

I think that's a very valid point - help to redefine what Swiss is.

If I can be rude enough to ask , did you get yours via facilitated, and if so - how long did it take?

Isn't that the truth. I think we've all felt like gurutalon at one time or another during our time here.

Funny thing is that I did not even want it. I was being persuaded by Swiss friends and family that it would help me with my professional career. But what convinced me was avoiding paying some sort of yearly ausländer fee.

When I went to the Gemeinde, they said "No!". I have to live in the community for a minimum of 5 years. So I said "Fine!"

About 6 months later, I found out from an American friend that I could in fact get it if I asked for Form (27, I think). This is because my wife and I have been married for over the required time, even though we lived in the US all that time.

What peeved me was that the guy at the Gemeinde totally LIED to me! Yeah, these F*çkers lie! So anyway, I mailed in my form directly to Bern, totally bypassing the local Gemeinde, and got my citizenship about 5 months later. I little bit with a vengeance, I might add.

True, it would also help in a professional sense. Generally makes life easier, really.

My husband has called to Bern a few times to ask about this or similar and each time he's had a different answer. We've given up and will just ask for the right forms next year when I'm eligible. Your five months is encouraging, as they have told him anywhere from one to two years

You realize we're off topic at this point? How about setting up a Swiss Citizenship thread? Perhaps I can tell you more.

I do...but there's no harm, IMO. Not like I was going to drag it out signifigantly!

You sure you're not "so Swiss"?

Good one. I suddenly sensed Mark approaching.

I'm all for self moderation.... You know where the citizenship threads are...

Mark are you a Virgo by any chance? We know Phos atleast is Swiss

Nope... Sorry..

Don't believe the stereotype! I'm a Virgo, I'm a rulebreaker and I'm not a clean-a-holic!

Well if people think I'm a clean-a-holic they should come and take a look at my study . But only I live in there - if all of you lived in there too, I'd try to keep it tidy (and expect you to do the same). I guess you catch my drift

Anyway, we should get back on topic, we were discussing gurutalon's sorry state of affairs

I know it's easy and sometimes logical to present the "pull your socks up" kind of attitude and advice to a post like Gurutolons. I personally think empathy is more important and helpful. It's easy to sit at a computer and tell someone what to do, type off a quick message. I feel a certain sense of responsibility towards the recipient "could it be my message that tips the balance" is necessary.
Gurutolons i hope that you rediscover your confidence soon and that there is a happy ending.......
Oldhand

Good post oldhand, I was just about to post something along those lines. It's like the old cliche of men and women not understanding each other. (prepare for gross generalisations - not intended to cause offence) Think of the example of a woman relating to a man how she feels if she is upset. The man attempts to "fix" the situation and starts offering solutions, when all she wants is some sympathy. So she goes to her female friends who say "That's terrible" and listen without offering specific advice. Now I'm not saying it's always like that, and we all know gurutalon isn't female, but maybe he just needed to feel like someone understood what he was going though, rather than get a kick in the ass. I'm sure his self-confidence will improve with time and this will make a big difference. Just my two cents' worth

See, we blow the Virgo myth out of the water! (although I do notice your penchant for orderliness is slightly higher than mine )

A hopeful update, I squeked by and passed the CELTA course, so maybe I can find a job at a language school when I get back on Sunday.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!


Wishing you the best of luck in the job hunt!

What fantastic news, you must be over the moon Congratulations.

excellent news - this is the start of things getting better.