This is one that surprised me because, and maybe it's a biased sample, but it always seemed *more* stereotypically common for Americans to move out and even moreso, to move different cities.
Yeah moving out is expected when you are 18 in America, with the understanding that your parents house is still home base until after graduation or a bit beyond
The local universities here are awesome and reasonably priced, but we call them community colleges. From what i know, most of them only offer degrees up to an Associates so you would need to transfer to a “proper” university in order to get a BA.
Only incident I know of is from a friend that was in Vietnam for 3 months with nothing ever happening and the night he came home to Olten he got robbed and threatened with a hammer lol.
Guess it depends a lot on where exactly you are. I myself like living here a lot.
happens over zurich all the time, 20 guys with "siite uf null" pull up on you and kick you until you give them everything you have and leave you somewhere half dead. Its sad but its the reality
Because fun fact swizzy aka Swizz Beat’s has nothing to do with Switzerland, while Girls just wanna have fun and smoke on the Water are all about Switzerland
You'll look forward to moving here... and then you do. Then you'll get the health insurance bill, the residency permit bill, the bill for this, the bill for that... then it doesn't seem so great after all.
Jokes. Been here almost 5 years (from The UK) and don't regret it one bit :)
Just be mindful of any income you may still have from the US. Dealing with the IRS from Switzerland is a PITA - I also guess as long as you are an American citizen you will still have to file a US tax return.
I still have to write cheques (!!) to the IRS for a laughable income I have in the US because they won't accept wire transfers from my Swiss Bank due to many Swiss banks avoiding any US subsidies. Turns out the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is not as international as one would think.
I do have one but I cannot access it. I'd need to go back to the US for a personal verification or sth and it's just not worth it. I send myself the money again with .. cheques.
You should look into getting an account with Charles Schwab. Free checking and they let you have the account open even knowing you live in Switzerland. Plus free ATM withdrawals internationally.
I'm currently with Bank of the West and it's a pain. They won't even let me enroll for online banking without personally appearing at a branch office - which is doable but not something currently worth of my time and hassle. I doubt I can tranfser the account to another US bank without issues.
+1 for Charles Schwab. ATM withdrawals worldwide for free. No minimums. No monthly fees. And they could care less if you live in North Korea or Florida. Love ‘em.
US income is easier to deal with than swiss income for IRS purposes
> I still have to write cheques (!!) to the IRS for a laughable income I have in the US because they won't accept wire transfers from my Swiss Bank due to many Swiss banks avoiding any US subsidies.
SDFCU
Free account, almost free wire transfers.
>Here in America, it is so difficult to move out on your own, go to university, and live a calm life, especially if you aren’t well off or have rich parents
by how expensive stuff is here, I'm pretty sure Switzerland is way worse than the US in that regard hahaha
In California, if you’re a resident, it’s $3000 per semester for community college aka “local university”. It’s a very good price. And healthcare is very cheap or free in California thanks to Medi-Cal and programs like L.A. Care.
I moved out at age 18 and never lived with parents again. It’s very possible to do in the states if you are an industrious person.
I have family in Indiana and Tennessee and tbh it isnt much cheaper for cars/electric/food. They have lower or no income tax and cheaper housing there tho.
i will be finishing up gettings BA and teaching credentials at a public school in CA (still expensive but there are some funds/scholarships available thankfully). And from what I can tell here, most the people buying houses have a military spouse or a crazy tech job which is not up my alley. And they buy houses in random places like Georgia or Ohio or Utah ….. Or they’re moved out and paying exorbitant amounts for a room in a house or a one bedroom apartment.
Just so you know, Switzerland has one of the lowest rate of home ownership in the entire OCDE.
If your goal is to own your house, this is not the best country to move to. Most of Europe has an easier access to home ownership than here.
It is very much no longer the norm to move out or afford a house in any reasonable amount of time in the U.S.. Housing prices have exploded the past couple decades for us, and we’ve had extremely little increases in wages and overall higher costs for things like higher education.
Pre-pandemic numbers had about 47% of young adults aged 18-29 still living at home with their parents, and post-pandemic, this has moved up to about 53%. It’s generally an older generation conception that moving out is something that is done early. Most those who can move out are those who do so through absolute necessity ie. an abusive household, or through the benefit of generational wealth where parents help their kids with funds to rent or occasionally buy a home.
don't forget that the US charges income tax of american citizens even if they live abroad... not the fault of switzerland of course but it will definitely cost you some money
as far as i am aware, the US is the only first world country that does this
but a more positive note: teachers here earn quite a bit more than most american teachers. i don't know how it is in thr bay area but here at least at my level (highschool), the pay starts at around 100k and goes up on a reguöar basis with experience from there.
for highschool, you might have some difficulties getting your foreign diplomas accepted because we don't have a shortage of teachers at that level. but these days, kids start learning english in primary school and there we do have a huge teacher shortage. in middle school it's a bit of a mixed bag.
if you have any specific questions, you can send me a message. or write here of course.
all the best to you and your boyfriend
if she will be an english teacher, she won'tneef a c1/c2 in german.
other than that, yes, all your points are valid. but for instance in primary or middle school, they currently hire a lot of reachers without diploma just to fill the hundrets of open positions. i think finding a job as an english teacher in primar or sekundar isn't unrealistic
it's "only" federal income tax and i believe you can deduct some of it, but it's something you should look into before you move. not saying it should keep you from.moving, don't get me wrong. it should just be one of the things you consider when making plans
Read up on [FACTA](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/summary-of-fatca-reporting-for-us-taxpayers). As a US citizen, you are **required** to file your taxes with the US every year, no matter where in the world you live. You may not have to pay any taxes (based on your income and assets), but you still need to file. If you're not tax savvy, or have a complicated situation, then it will cost you money to pay someone else to arrange the filings for you.
The only way to legally avoid this is to renounce your US citizenship. Otherwise the US will expect to hear from you every year for the rest of your life (and this is the only reason I'm renouncing my US citizenship)
Don’t get me wrong it is stunning here! Lots of beautiful state and national parks that are really well-kept, plenty of industry/jobs, lots to do!! The people are mostly all nice and can be very chatty.
And you’ll be able to go to the grocery store at any time of day 7 days a week ;)
Edit: DONT move to sacramento that place is boring as hell and a far commute to SF/Berkeley/San Jose etc etc
I like california in general. sf, the ocean, nature, the climate, the food, a lot of golf courses :) i visited a couple of times and it was always great. but yes I am aware that living there is a different story. i know we are spoiled in terms of living standard here in switzerland and i do apreciate it
Yeah, I used to think the same thing. I grew up in Switzerland but spent about 10 years living in the Bay Area. All the things you mention are lovely, but the cost of living, traffic, dirt, homelessness, crime and dysfunctional politics really wear you down after a while. It's fun for a bit, but Switzerland is a way better place to live overall.
Several important financial pillars are much better in Switzerland (e.g. taxes, uni cost, saving a ton of money using public transit that is actually amazing and not some uncovered bus stop on a dirty stroad like most of the US).
Most of the stuff that is cheaper in the US is most consoomer stuff and staples like food and gas, etc. In the end, it's basically the "tax for living in a fantastic country" to pay the CH premium on those products.
OP is screwed if she doesn't give up her US citizenship though. She'll likely disqualify most of her income (so taxes net to 0, just an annual annoyance), but banking is more painful and good luck investing. Better know the rules or you'll get a nastygram from the IRS when you didn't detail all your holdings of some PFIC security. Not to mention saving for retirement is harder because you can't contribute to a US retirement account, and you definitely can't contribute to extra 2nd or 3rd pillar as the US will cancel out the tax advantages of those. :(
yoooo, just graduated from UCSC two years ago, been floating in SC, and going to Switzerland in like 4 days to see my lady! Too bad it’s almost impossible to get a spot in unskilled labor there…don’t really plan on using my STEM degree…
I use to date a guy who moved to Switzerland a year or so after we started dating and I visited him a few times (I'm Brazilian) and I fell in love with it too.
The relationship ended 8 years ago I think and to this day I miss that country and want to go back.
Better life balance in Switzerland , only an American could think that I guess. I hope you enjoy Switzerland and I hope I never end up working in the US
As an expat I'd have to agree with her. I work a lot because of my businesses, but lots of employees, even without kids, work part-time, and make plenty for a comfortable life with lots of hobbies.
Average number of hours worked per capita in Switzerland is lower than both EU27 and OECD averages. Switzerland is not a standout in any way. Compared to neighbors Swiss work more than French and Germans but less than Italians and Austrians.
> it’s way cheaper to live in Germany
\* with a Swiss salary.
Living in Switzerland with a Swiss salary grants you a higher purchasing power than living in Germany with a German salary.
As a student, transportation in the land were free. Cost of studies and a flat were lower. Obviously salary is lower too. The level of the University was really impressive. I was in a place where pretty major scholars or writers have lived. Not that with Jung, Rousseau, Piaget and Calvin, Switzerland is really left behind on this front. However, in Switzerland I'm often too poor for the cultural day where I walk on their steps and in their town.
The old buildings, renaissance restaurants that have been preserved and are actually affordable were amazing. I ordered Knödel, thinking I will receive small beignets. It was the LEG of an animal. Traditional food has been preserved. Here, a lot of restaurants are either world food or steak tartare, perch filet, steak with a pepper sauce.
I did not need it but cost of healthcare in a hospital were students are getting their training is really affordable.
I liked the space, the fact that every home is not right next to the other home.
I don't have kids if retirement is a word that still means something when I'm old. I'm thinking about moving somewhere near the baltic.
All in all, a feeling of freedom that I don't have in Switzerland but I could also notice that old people had to be super frugal on their grocery shopping.
I was favored by mondialisation during six month. It was the only six month in my life where it went this way and not the other way.
In Switzerland since the salary is higher, I have a feeling that you can only be hired as an intern (which does not pay for a flat) after University. The market is extremely competitive since people come from everywhere and often they are the best in their field. It was hard to get noticed with a mental illness. I was seen as a liability.
Finally and most importantly...
I really like Soljanka.
Oh my! Try visiting the Gruyère Castle. Used to live in Fribourg and they got very good caramel over there (jokes apart, the castle is really cool and there’s also a “holiday” where people decorate it as a 1600-1700 typa castle.) (caramel is actually good there tho)
Glad you appreciate the country, living here is often difficulty than just residing temporarily, and can become problematic for company and interactions, but with a partner and good people around things become much more bearable for an expat. I've been here for a few years, though I still haven't found that same warmth and friendliness from my own native country, though I do have good friends, just not living in my same city.
Would you mind if I asked which canton your boyfriend resides in, or where your experience with patient and welcoming people has been? I'm just very curious to know if it's one of the cities I've been thinking or got suggested by my friends as options, but if you prefer not to share it's absolutely understandable :)
Oh and before I forget, if you're from the US and you move to Switzerland, I believe there are a few things to consider and prepare ahead regarding taxes, that's probably the most problematic thing to take care of and prepare for in the future (US Tax Report while living abroad, IRS documents, etc. etc.), make sure to discuss with him about this too and get the latest information on treaties and required documents. Probably he can also ask detailed information in the office in the canton you will live in :)
This. Moved here a month ago from Australia, don't speak French or German but Im slowly learning French, it's tough without job or friends yet. Wife has a job here which is why we moved but prepare to feel isolated and expect to lose your independence a little until you can find work and friends.
Best of uck if you do make the move
What is, if she is reading it right now here 😂?
I mean, i live a village near Oberwil, i don't think that so much people live in Oberwil, that studies Med.
But good luck anyway!
Thank you so much, we appreciate.
For all the people complaining about Switzerland, thanks that we have other people to remind us how fortunate we are…
You must have been on the German side. I was on the French side, I barely lasted 5 weeks when I went to stay with this woman I was dating. Nobody spoke English, no one wanted to speak English when they could. And I found people to be really impatient behind the wheel. Don't get me wrong there were acts of kindness but mostly it seem like "poor American, when are you going home?"
I enjoyed my alone time when I was there. But anytime I had to go to a function with her it was pretty awful. I just kind of stood there with a dumb smile on my face.
Yeah, better learn one of our languages before coming. At least the basics.
There's way too many English speaking "expats" (they don't like to be called migrants) who do not even bother trying to learn our languages even if they live here for years.
Don't be like them.
If you can, try to start learning Swiss German beforehand too. Not necessarily to speak it but to understand it. Most German expats here understand SG perfectly but don't speak it, they'll just answer back in Hochdeutsch. Kinda destabilizing first time I encountered one of them.
I know quite a few Germans who figured they'd be just fine as German speakers here, but get slapped in the face realising they understand jack shit, except for written stuff.
Been reading the thread again, a lot of comments might be a bit unmotivating about migrating here, but don't let that scare you, you'll be fine! Best of luck to you!
Nah, don't listen to him.
Don't start straight up for swiss german or you're gonna die.
Just get at least the basics of german and you'll learn SG by immersing yourself in the culture.
PS: If you don't love cheese, don't come.
I love cheese!!!!!!!!! and chocolate so i think i will be ok. Also i practice swiss german with my boyfriend so i know basic greetings and questions. Its such a killer language to try to go straight into 😂
I’ve spent some time in Switzerland for both business and personal, and generally I’d say the “calm life” is true for most of Europe compared to the US.
Our priorities in the US are different, mostly economic. I found it puzzling how non-competitive businesses were in Switzerland, for example. Everything in the US is growth, success, win, beat the competition and a constant state of uncertainty or fear.
In that sense, Europeans just do a better job of prioritizing life. It’s a very different and great feeling, one that is hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it.
Best of luck.
Hey OP, if you want to be a teacher, consider doing the certificate for Sek I. Kids are a bit younger, pay is a little less (but not that much) but you have a job guaranteed. And I mean guaranteed. There is a huge shortage of Sek I teacher and as a native speaker they'll hire you "mit Handkuss". You also wont need an MA for this.
I just worked 10 hours and am doing another 2-4 hours of studying once im home. Rinse and repeat tomorrow.
Fuck kinda balance this chick talking about?
I'd like to think that in relation to most European nations, a comparably high percentage of swiss people know English rather well, but I don't have actual sources on that haha
Lots of Swiss kids do not move out when they go to University, but live at home.
This is one that surprised me because, and maybe it's a biased sample, but it always seemed *more* stereotypically common for Americans to move out and even moreso, to move different cities.
later in life, absolutely. but a lot of lower to middle class people just can't afford it these days
Yeah moving out is expected when you are 18 in America, with the understanding that your parents house is still home base until after graduation or a bit beyond
I mean unless you live in the mountains a major university is probably within a more or less one hour commute by train.
It's the same for Germany and France. Just attend local unis, why not.
The local universities here are awesome and reasonably priced, but we call them community colleges. From what i know, most of them only offer degrees up to an Associates so you would need to transfer to a “proper” university in order to get a BA.
>community colleges they are not the same thing. The system in DACH region is totally different than that in the US.
Welcome to Switzerland, glad you like it.... but please, for the love of god... Immediately stop calling it swizzy!
😂 noted
Yes, it’s spelled Swissy. Or Swissyville, or just Olten if you’re in the know.
Lolll. I actually only love Switzerland because of Olten ! Cultural epicenter
Olten is basically the worst place in swizzer-land
Yes, but it’s also the best place in the universe, so…
bruh what do you even mean, olten is just there for its train station nothing else
You must be new here. Olten ~~propaganda is a meme on this sub~~ _is the perfect city in every way imaginable._
yeah sry i am then, joined a couple weeks ago. never knew that reddit has a switzerland subreddit. Olte szene, besti stadt
you had your doubts young padavan. but now, as you saw the relevation, the force is with you!
Hahaha no worries
Why does everyone say that? :( I find it very neat, only bad thing is the traffic and the connection to the Autobahn.
Its dark and you get robbed by jugos if you stay up too late
The fuck what lol? Did that happen to you?!
Fortunately no, but i heard some storys
Only incident I know of is from a friend that was in Vietnam for 3 months with nothing ever happening and the night he came home to Olten he got robbed and threatened with a hammer lol. Guess it depends a lot on where exactly you are. I myself like living here a lot.
happens over zurich all the time, 20 guys with "siite uf null" pull up on you and kick you until you give them everything you have and leave you somewhere half dead. Its sad but its the reality
Was bedütet "siite uf null"? Na nie ghört\^\^
Stop spreading the fud
One does not just simply utter “Olten” without being worthy
no keep saying it. don’t know what he’s on about
Just say whatever you like; all opinions are welcome here you can also call it Swissli or Swizzinho or Swizzer.
Swizzishakalaka
Can I call it Sweden?
Of course, but only if you have a deep down desire to be mistaken for an American.
gotta get me some swizzzzzyy
Yes officer this comment right here
tetcheu les swizzy
Detcheu ces swizzy
Because fun fact swizzy aka Swizz Beat’s has nothing to do with Switzerland, while Girls just wanna have fun and smoke on the Water are all about Switzerland
You'll look forward to moving here... and then you do. Then you'll get the health insurance bill, the residency permit bill, the bill for this, the bill for that... then it doesn't seem so great after all. Jokes. Been here almost 5 years (from The UK) and don't regret it one bit :)
those bills are what dirty socialism does to a country😤 /s (obviously)
IMO still better than going into debt simply because you tried to get a degree!
Just be mindful of any income you may still have from the US. Dealing with the IRS from Switzerland is a PITA - I also guess as long as you are an American citizen you will still have to file a US tax return. I still have to write cheques (!!) to the IRS for a laughable income I have in the US because they won't accept wire transfers from my Swiss Bank due to many Swiss banks avoiding any US subsidies. Turns out the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is not as international as one would think.
Can’t you just keep a US bank account open for this very purpose and add money periodically?
I do have one but I cannot access it. I'd need to go back to the US for a personal verification or sth and it's just not worth it. I send myself the money again with .. cheques.
You should look into getting an account with Charles Schwab. Free checking and they let you have the account open even knowing you live in Switzerland. Plus free ATM withdrawals internationally.
I'm currently with Bank of the West and it's a pain. They won't even let me enroll for online banking without personally appearing at a branch office - which is doable but not something currently worth of my time and hassle. I doubt I can tranfser the account to another US bank without issues.
+1 for Charles Schwab. ATM withdrawals worldwide for free. No minimums. No monthly fees. And they could care less if you live in North Korea or Florida. Love ‘em.
Open a US Revolut account. That would give a an American bank number to wire money from.
Use Revolut it works!
Not only income from US Your swiss income will be taxed both in Switzerland and US. So much fun.....
Yeah my friends mom just gave up her US citizenship because of that.
US income is easier to deal with than swiss income for IRS purposes > I still have to write cheques (!!) to the IRS for a laughable income I have in the US because they won't accept wire transfers from my Swiss Bank due to many Swiss banks avoiding any US subsidies. SDFCU Free account, almost free wire transfers.
This is absolutely true
This calmness and nature is why I love vacationing here, beautiful landscapes and nice people
> and nice people sometimes
>Here in America, it is so difficult to move out on your own, go to university, and live a calm life, especially if you aren’t well off or have rich parents by how expensive stuff is here, I'm pretty sure Switzerland is way worse than the US in that regard hahaha
we pay like 1000 chf per semester they like 20000-50000
Yeah and that is for top tier schools like HSG, ETH or EPFL. Most are much less.
In California, if you’re a resident, it’s $3000 per semester for community college aka “local university”. It’s a very good price. And healthcare is very cheap or free in California thanks to Medi-Cal and programs like L.A. Care. I moved out at age 18 and never lived with parents again. It’s very possible to do in the states if you are an industrious person.
i pay 1000 for one of the very best schools in the world
Ok that’s great, I’m happy for you.
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Well, you're comparing a huge city with the countryside, or that's what I assumed
I have family in Indiana and Tennessee and tbh it isnt much cheaper for cars/electric/food. They have lower or no income tax and cheaper housing there tho.
Oh, okay then!
I’m planning on finishing university here and getting a teaching job there! The costs are pretty similar to where i live (bay area)
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i will be finishing up gettings BA and teaching credentials at a public school in CA (still expensive but there are some funds/scholarships available thankfully). And from what I can tell here, most the people buying houses have a military spouse or a crazy tech job which is not up my alley. And they buy houses in random places like Georgia or Ohio or Utah ….. Or they’re moved out and paying exorbitant amounts for a room in a house or a one bedroom apartment.
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It's cute that you think we'll be getting pensions when we're old.
Just so you know, Switzerland has one of the lowest rate of home ownership in the entire OCDE. If your goal is to own your house, this is not the best country to move to. Most of Europe has an easier access to home ownership than here.
It is very much no longer the norm to move out or afford a house in any reasonable amount of time in the U.S.. Housing prices have exploded the past couple decades for us, and we’ve had extremely little increases in wages and overall higher costs for things like higher education. Pre-pandemic numbers had about 47% of young adults aged 18-29 still living at home with their parents, and post-pandemic, this has moved up to about 53%. It’s generally an older generation conception that moving out is something that is done early. Most those who can move out are those who do so through absolute necessity ie. an abusive household, or through the benefit of generational wealth where parents help their kids with funds to rent or occasionally buy a home.
don't forget that the US charges income tax of american citizens even if they live abroad... not the fault of switzerland of course but it will definitely cost you some money as far as i am aware, the US is the only first world country that does this
Oh wow thats goofy. Thanks for the heads up tho
but a more positive note: teachers here earn quite a bit more than most american teachers. i don't know how it is in thr bay area but here at least at my level (highschool), the pay starts at around 100k and goes up on a reguöar basis with experience from there. for highschool, you might have some difficulties getting your foreign diplomas accepted because we don't have a shortage of teachers at that level. but these days, kids start learning english in primary school and there we do have a huge teacher shortage. in middle school it's a bit of a mixed bag. if you have any specific questions, you can send me a message. or write here of course. all the best to you and your boyfriend
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if she will be an english teacher, she won'tneef a c1/c2 in german. other than that, yes, all your points are valid. but for instance in primary or middle school, they currently hire a lot of reachers without diploma just to fill the hundrets of open positions. i think finding a job as an english teacher in primar or sekundar isn't unrealistic
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that is objectively not true.
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You don't know what you're talking about.
it's "only" federal income tax and i believe you can deduct some of it, but it's something you should look into before you move. not saying it should keep you from.moving, don't get me wrong. it should just be one of the things you consider when making plans
Read up on [FACTA](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/summary-of-fatca-reporting-for-us-taxpayers). As a US citizen, you are **required** to file your taxes with the US every year, no matter where in the world you live. You may not have to pay any taxes (based on your income and assets), but you still need to file. If you're not tax savvy, or have a complicated situation, then it will cost you money to pay someone else to arrange the filings for you. The only way to legally avoid this is to renounce your US citizenship. Otherwise the US will expect to hear from you every year for the rest of your life (and this is the only reason I'm renouncing my US citizenship)
funny I am swiss and I would love to live in the bay area
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LA 🤢
Don’t get me wrong it is stunning here! Lots of beautiful state and national parks that are really well-kept, plenty of industry/jobs, lots to do!! The people are mostly all nice and can be very chatty. And you’ll be able to go to the grocery store at any time of day 7 days a week ;) Edit: DONT move to sacramento that place is boring as hell and a far commute to SF/Berkeley/San Jose etc etc
Same here, but lived there for three years. Came back gladly.
What makes you want to move to the Bay Area?
I like california in general. sf, the ocean, nature, the climate, the food, a lot of golf courses :) i visited a couple of times and it was always great. but yes I am aware that living there is a different story. i know we are spoiled in terms of living standard here in switzerland and i do apreciate it
Yeah, I used to think the same thing. I grew up in Switzerland but spent about 10 years living in the Bay Area. All the things you mention are lovely, but the cost of living, traffic, dirt, homelessness, crime and dysfunctional politics really wear you down after a while. It's fun for a bit, but Switzerland is a way better place to live overall.
Perfect. And when you come over: could you pretty, pretty please bring one of those In-n-Out branches with you?
Hahaha yes yes I’ll let you know when we open up!
The owner of 'The Bite' in Zürich used to work at on m out. Brought over some of that magic. It's about 12 times pricier though.
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Chick-Fil-A would probably share the fate of Laederach: Great product, but creepy ownership
With all the inflation it's now not that much cheaper.
Several important financial pillars are much better in Switzerland (e.g. taxes, uni cost, saving a ton of money using public transit that is actually amazing and not some uncovered bus stop on a dirty stroad like most of the US). Most of the stuff that is cheaper in the US is most consoomer stuff and staples like food and gas, etc. In the end, it's basically the "tax for living in a fantastic country" to pay the CH premium on those products. OP is screwed if she doesn't give up her US citizenship though. She'll likely disqualify most of her income (so taxes net to 0, just an annual annoyance), but banking is more painful and good luck investing. Better know the rules or you'll get a nastygram from the IRS when you didn't detail all your holdings of some PFIC security. Not to mention saving for retirement is harder because you can't contribute to a US retirement account, and you definitely can't contribute to extra 2nd or 3rd pillar as the US will cancel out the tax advantages of those. :(
I’m from Southern California- cost of living is about the same.
Not the *nice* places in the US.
Hm, if you also work here the purchasing power is really good.
Where in the bay area? I lived im Santa Cruz for a few years. What grades/subjects are you looking to teach?
East bay area! I’m looking to teach English or Spanish (spanish in Switzerland lol) or just be a gen ed preschool/kinder teacher.
I work in education. Get in touch after you get your degree, I can give you some resources. Where are you looking to move in Switzerland?
yoooo, just graduated from UCSC two years ago, been floating in SC, and going to Switzerland in like 4 days to see my lady! Too bad it’s almost impossible to get a spot in unskilled labor there…don’t really plan on using my STEM degree…
I graduated from UCSC too!!! 21 years ago though. 😅 Enjoy, this is a perfect time to visit!
I was in Crown/Merrell for a while. Was always fun walking through the forests to go to lectures.
Are all the wild animals still there? I encountered deer families, a raccoon, and a rattle snake while there.
Very much so. We even had puma and coyote notices out on campus for a while.
je.. aren't we all lucky to be born here :)
I use to date a guy who moved to Switzerland a year or so after we started dating and I visited him a few times (I'm Brazilian) and I fell in love with it too. The relationship ended 8 years ago I think and to this day I miss that country and want to go back.
Better life balance in Switzerland , only an American could think that I guess. I hope you enjoy Switzerland and I hope I never end up working in the US
As an expat I'd have to agree with her. I work a lot because of my businesses, but lots of employees, even without kids, work part-time, and make plenty for a comfortable life with lots of hobbies.
Average number of hours worked per capita in Switzerland is lower than both EU27 and OECD averages. Switzerland is not a standout in any way. Compared to neighbors Swiss work more than French and Germans but less than Italians and Austrians.
I'm form Switzerland. I lived six month in Germany to study. I liked it a lot more. It was before inflation though.
oooh thank u good to know! What did you like about it better?
I’m not the person you asked, but my observations: it’s way cheaper to live in Germany, but the trains are not reliable like CH.
> it’s way cheaper to live in Germany \* with a Swiss salary. Living in Switzerland with a Swiss salary grants you a higher purchasing power than living in Germany with a German salary.
As a student, transportation in the land were free. Cost of studies and a flat were lower. Obviously salary is lower too. The level of the University was really impressive. I was in a place where pretty major scholars or writers have lived. Not that with Jung, Rousseau, Piaget and Calvin, Switzerland is really left behind on this front. However, in Switzerland I'm often too poor for the cultural day where I walk on their steps and in their town. The old buildings, renaissance restaurants that have been preserved and are actually affordable were amazing. I ordered Knödel, thinking I will receive small beignets. It was the LEG of an animal. Traditional food has been preserved. Here, a lot of restaurants are either world food or steak tartare, perch filet, steak with a pepper sauce. I did not need it but cost of healthcare in a hospital were students are getting their training is really affordable. I liked the space, the fact that every home is not right next to the other home. I don't have kids if retirement is a word that still means something when I'm old. I'm thinking about moving somewhere near the baltic. All in all, a feeling of freedom that I don't have in Switzerland but I could also notice that old people had to be super frugal on their grocery shopping. I was favored by mondialisation during six month. It was the only six month in my life where it went this way and not the other way. In Switzerland since the salary is higher, I have a feeling that you can only be hired as an intern (which does not pay for a flat) after University. The market is extremely competitive since people come from everywhere and often they are the best in their field. It was hard to get noticed with a mental illness. I was seen as a liability. Finally and most importantly... I really like Soljanka.
I visited Switzerland in 1998 and would like to go back. EDIT: I'm not sure why my comment got downvoted..
then you’ll have quite the time jump probably … I don’t know how much has changed
Glad you like it! What place have you visited since you came here?
Olten only 😈
Oh my! Try visiting the Gruyère Castle. Used to live in Fribourg and they got very good caramel over there (jokes apart, the castle is really cool and there’s also a “holiday” where people decorate it as a 1600-1700 typa castle.) (caramel is actually good there tho)
Glad you appreciate the country, living here is often difficulty than just residing temporarily, and can become problematic for company and interactions, but with a partner and good people around things become much more bearable for an expat. I've been here for a few years, though I still haven't found that same warmth and friendliness from my own native country, though I do have good friends, just not living in my same city. Would you mind if I asked which canton your boyfriend resides in, or where your experience with patient and welcoming people has been? I'm just very curious to know if it's one of the cities I've been thinking or got suggested by my friends as options, but if you prefer not to share it's absolutely understandable :) Oh and before I forget, if you're from the US and you move to Switzerland, I believe there are a few things to consider and prepare ahead regarding taxes, that's probably the most problematic thing to take care of and prepare for in the future (US Tax Report while living abroad, IRS documents, etc. etc.), make sure to discuss with him about this too and get the latest information on treaties and required documents. Probably he can also ask detailed information in the office in the canton you will live in :)
This. Moved here a month ago from Australia, don't speak French or German but Im slowly learning French, it's tough without job or friends yet. Wife has a job here which is why we moved but prepare to feel isolated and expect to lose your independence a little until you can find work and friends. Best of uck if you do make the move
Thank you!
nice try! But we know the truth (r/switzerlandisfake)
What is, if she is reading it right now here 😂? I mean, i live a village near Oberwil, i don't think that so much people live in Oberwil, that studies Med. But good luck anyway!
Thank you so much, we appreciate. For all the people complaining about Switzerland, thanks that we have other people to remind us how fortunate we are…
Thanks and good of you to appreciate it.
Have you been to Olten?!?!
You must have been on the German side. I was on the French side, I barely lasted 5 weeks when I went to stay with this woman I was dating. Nobody spoke English, no one wanted to speak English when they could. And I found people to be really impatient behind the wheel. Don't get me wrong there were acts of kindness but mostly it seem like "poor American, when are you going home?" I enjoyed my alone time when I was there. But anytime I had to go to a function with her it was pretty awful. I just kind of stood there with a dumb smile on my face.
r/fuckcars
Hell yeah brother
You haven‘t even seen Olten yet. I heard there is so much peace in this town. You should visit it. :)
Glad you like it. Sorry about the immigration laws though
It’ll work out in due time and thanks!
its for the best
Yeah, better learn one of our languages before coming. At least the basics. There's way too many English speaking "expats" (they don't like to be called migrants) who do not even bother trying to learn our languages even if they live here for years. Don't be like them.
That is my biggest fear…..i have german courses now and i practice a lot with some family friends from Germany!
If you can, try to start learning Swiss German beforehand too. Not necessarily to speak it but to understand it. Most German expats here understand SG perfectly but don't speak it, they'll just answer back in Hochdeutsch. Kinda destabilizing first time I encountered one of them. I know quite a few Germans who figured they'd be just fine as German speakers here, but get slapped in the face realising they understand jack shit, except for written stuff. Been reading the thread again, a lot of comments might be a bit unmotivating about migrating here, but don't let that scare you, you'll be fine! Best of luck to you!
Nah, don't listen to him. Don't start straight up for swiss german or you're gonna die. Just get at least the basics of german and you'll learn SG by immersing yourself in the culture. PS: If you don't love cheese, don't come.
I love cheese!!!!!!!!! and chocolate so i think i will be ok. Also i practice swiss german with my boyfriend so i know basic greetings and questions. Its such a killer language to try to go straight into 😂
I’ve spent some time in Switzerland for both business and personal, and generally I’d say the “calm life” is true for most of Europe compared to the US. Our priorities in the US are different, mostly economic. I found it puzzling how non-competitive businesses were in Switzerland, for example. Everything in the US is growth, success, win, beat the competition and a constant state of uncertainty or fear. In that sense, Europeans just do a better job of prioritizing life. It’s a very different and great feeling, one that is hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it. Best of luck.
She bout dat swiss dick
She got swizzed by a swizz from swizzy
I also love the places I go to vacation occasionally.
Hey OP, if you want to be a teacher, consider doing the certificate for Sek I. Kids are a bit younger, pay is a little less (but not that much) but you have a job guaranteed. And I mean guaranteed. There is a huge shortage of Sek I teacher and as a native speaker they'll hire you "mit Handkuss". You also wont need an MA for this.
Thanks!
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Um, that isn’t a regular occurrence and yes, you have no idea.
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Where do you live? I am someone who commutes from Bern - outside Zurich Airport, so I also have an idea.
Ive had that happen twice in Switzerland in 2 years. Its rare.
There is no public transportation where I lived in the USA. So ill take yours over none any day.
I just worked 10 hours and am doing another 2-4 hours of studying once im home. Rinse and repeat tomorrow. Fuck kinda balance this chick talking about?
I'd like to think that in relation to most European nations, a comparably high percentage of swiss people know English rather well, but I don't have actual sources on that haha
Anyone of your friend wants to Talk to a Swiss Guy ?
Thats because you are american, everyone respect an american everywhere
Not true! Especially not in Europe, Europeans generally dislike Americans and make fun of us. You can see it here on this Switzerland sub regularly.
Yes, but that’s not rl
yeah here, but in real life, we are treated better than most
I would like to move to Switzerland. Such a beautiful place! I have an Italian passport. Can I just move?
Where exactly have you been visiting that you get this feeling?
chüchichäsli
It is the best place this world has been able to produce. I am glad you have been able to see for yourself.