I'm new to the forum and this is my first post, so hello or hallo to you all.

I just looking for some advice or peoples experiences with moving to Switzerland from a different country.

I recently went to visit a friend who lives and works in Switzerland himself, he met a Swiss girl when travelling in the US and now lives with her in St Gällen. It was my first time I have been to the country and was there for 5 days in total, I have to say, as daft as it may sound, I have totally fell in love with the country and could easily work and live there myself. If fact it is something I am certainly considering.

I am 28 years old and live in Newcastle upon Tyne and work in customer services for an airline, but feel my life isn't really going anywhere and opportunities such as these are just passing me by and I'll end up with a lot of regrets. In my five days there, I got the sense that the standard of living and the country as a whole is far nicer and cleaner than it is here in England, this was noticeable as soon as I stepped out of Newcastle airport on my return. The fact of moving to a different country doesn't really phase me to be honest and I'm aware it will take a lot of hard work to make it happen, but I feel I am now ready for that challenge and feel it would be good for me.

My first step will obviously have to be learning the language to help me communicate with others and get me a job. I am currently learning both online and intend on seeing a tutor privately as of next month. I have been told that generally you need a degree to get a job in Switzerland, is this true? I'm not after anything flash, just work in an office during general admin-type stuff?

I initially wanted to live in work in St Gällen, but was advised there isn't much work there and it a bit out of the way, I then though Zurich, but was advised if would be too expensive (something I discovered myself when I went there for the day). I have been told my best option would be Basel as it not too expensive and I should be able to find work there.

This is something I am really keen to do as I do not have anything holding me back in Newcastle.

What are people's thoughts who have made the move? Was it difficult to find work or somewhere to live? How are things going in general?

Sorry this is a bit long winded, but I'm keen to learn as much as possible. You help would be appreciated

Auf Wiedersehen

Michael


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=54.991076,-1.547567

Well, Switzerland has probably the best transport system in
the world so you can live affordably 20 mins outside the
city of Zürich.

I would certainly make the move, if I were in your shoes, but
research what kinds of jobs you can do. Most of us here
are in software and finance or have married Swiss partners.

Good luck!

A couple of comments:
Re. need a degree to get a job. In my experience this is much less true of Switzerland than many other countries (I was in engineering). Here ability is valued much more.
IMO The best way of getting a job is to have a recommendation from someone who knows you.
Second best way is to introduce yourself to the firm. Ask for the chance to come round to say hello.
Generally, High German is indispensable.
Basel has a lot of work in the pharma and chemical industries.