Hi there,

I am potentially moving to Switzerland this year. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. My husband will work in Morges. We are looking to rent a 4 bed house as close as possible, in a nice area where there is lots for children etc - but close enough so that Dad can get home in time for bedtime! I am specifically interested in areas where there are lots of families, playgrounds, etc. (We have many playgrounds here in UK and so this is quite important for us). Also wondered if the Swiss have playgroups etc that children go to, and how new mums generally meet each other? Are there many English people around? I am also unsure as to which sort of school I would send my children to. I know there are international schools as well as local schools. I have heard different things about which ones would be best for English children. I have a lot of questions, so anything anybody can advise would be much appreciated. My concern is mainly for my five year old who would have to learn French quite quickly I assume. I assume there are a lots of ex-pats around and it would be good to hear what they tend to do? Thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Jen

Hello and welcome to the Forum. There are many points raised in your opening post; perhaps have a browse through the various sub forum areas where you're likely to find answers - or at least insight - to your concerns. If not, find a relevent looking thread and ask your questions there. You're sure to get quick answers from our friendly members.

Good luck in your move.

Thanks, will do!

Welcome to the forum Jen Dink

I ran a search on "Morges" and it came up with quite a lot of hits. Some of these may be helpful to you.

Here is a link to the section of the forum where you will find all sorts of useful information and resources on life in Switzerland generally as collated by Longbyt, a forum Moderator.

A Google search came up with the Morges Tourisism website, and from this page you can download a PDF of their information brochure for visitors to Morges and its region (it's in French, German and English). Tourist information will also be good for providing a general overview for you as a prospective resident.

Also came across this blog by an expat living in Morges.

Finally, the morges.ch website and which contains some links in English.

I hope this helps, good luck and all the best with everything.

__________________
" The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. " ~ Arthur C Clarke

I was never in Morges that much, but I used to live in Nyon just down the road. Nyon has a pretty large expat community with two of the large
pharmaceuticals there as well as being close to Geneva.

In virtually all of these expat "havens", there are plenty of English
speakers with ladies in your same situation. There are usually
playgroups as well.

Hello Jen and welcome
There's many people who speak English, so it won't be too difficult in that sense.
If you plan to stay, 5 years old is an excellent age for a child to learn a new language and that's just the age the little ones start kindergarden here. So public school is a very valid option.
Do keep in mind that housing is very expensive and most people live in flats, not houses.
cheers

It might take you a while to find a house to rent in that area, search more up to the hills and it will be quicker. For school, it depends on what you need, if you want to stay longer, than immerse your kids in the local culture and education, so they have a chance to learn french quickly and find local buddies.

Morges is full of parks, nice playgrounds not that far to walk to, if you learn French the commune organizes quite a lot for parents and little kids (every commune has a parent/enfant gym, etc.).

Search the forum for house/apt renting sites and I would advise you to make a quick trips to see how it is here. It is a nice place to settle in, it will be easy. Further in the mountains you go, more adjustments you and your family might need. But the lake area, it is all basically 50% foreign.

Cheers and when you have a specific question, ask away.

__________________
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