Greetings all,

Even though I am new to membership, I have been browsing this forum often during my stay in Switzerland, and have found some great information here. Perhaps this post is in the wrong section, I apologize if so, and please move it.

I'm currently living in Bern, and am finishing up my time as an au pair. It has ended a little unexpectedly and sooner than I was planning on for a number of different reasons. The problem is that my return flight home to the United States is not for another three months (middle of December) and I am currently without a job and/or place to stay come the next few weeks.

What makes my situation a little unique is that I am a dual citizen between the United States and Switzerland. I have the full ability to live, work, vote, etc and am not bound by any sort of visa restrictions on leaving the country. My post here is just seeking some general advice. What options are available to me? I could always purse another job as an au pair, but I'm not really sure if that's what I want to do with myself right now after this first experience. I'm wondering if there is any sort of jobs, internships, short-term studies, or other travel opportunities. I would love the experience to live with another Swiss family, or do some sort of homestay-like program. I'm fairly outgoing, enjoy good conversations, am adaptable with living situations, and of course, always eager to help people out around home, or use any other skills I might have. Also, a huge motivation for me even being here is the chance to learn more about the culture and people of Switzerland, my second "mother country."

Perhaps my best bet is just to head home, but I don't really want to waste three possibly great months in this country. Any tips?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

Get a job in an English-speaking bar, for example (a friend's daughter did that recently, she is also here for an indeterminate period, with Swiss citizenship in addition to others).

Tom

Go and see the rest of Europe.

Have you paid unemployment insurance for at least a year?

If so, collect your right to unemployment insurance and find
something better or travel the area.

If you want to live with a wonderful Swiss and German family who speak excellent English and French in a fabulous village in a beautiful townhouse on Lake Geneva near Lausanne, I have a temporary job for you if you are the right match. But you have to want to do some childcare for their 2 wonderful girls and a new baby. They need help until January, when they have someone coming to take over the position.

You can PM me if you are interested.

It's a bit early perhaps, but what about as a ski chalet maid?

3 month holiday?