CultureShock! Switzerland is your companion to settling down in the land best-known for watches, chocolates and the Swiss Army knife. Despite its small size, Switzerland has a rich geographical landscape, and holds a unique position in history by virtue of its location and neutral political stand. Discover why there is more than one national language to accommodate the different cultural and ethnic groups, and why the Swiss identify closely with the canton (province) in which they live. From dealing with the authorities on tax and immigration issues to appreciating the food, culture and recreation, this book provides the practical information you will need. Let CultureShock! Switzerland help you get the most out of your stay and make it a fun, fruitful experience.
Practical informative about culture, customs, and details of daily life that will be useful to travellers, business people, and new residents. Concludes with a "cultural quiz" in which situations are described with a choice of actions and explanations of the correct choices.
New updated edition of the international bestseller, featuring new statistics and a new epilogue, as well as new sections on the Swiss elections, the Swiss citizenship test and how Brexit has affected Switzerland "A great subject for a cultural anthropologist and Bewes is a perfect guide." Financial Times, Book of the Year One country, four languages, 26 cantons, and 7.5 million people (but only 75% of them Swiss): there's nowhere else in Europe like it. Switzerland may be hundreds of miles away from the nearest drop of seawater, but it is an island at the center of Europe. Welcome to the landlocked island. Swiss Watching is a fascinating journey around Europe's most individual and misunderstood country. From seeking Heidi and finding the best chocolate to reliving a bloody past and exploring an uncertain future, Diccon Bewes proves that there's more to Switzerland than banks and skis, francs and cheese. This book dispels the myths and unravels the true meaning of Swissness.
Embarking on a journey to relocate to Switzerland is an exciting and transformative endeavor, but it comes with a host of questions and challenges. In "Relocating to Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide," acclaimed author William Jones offers an indispensable roadmap that demystifies the process, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate every step of your transition. Drawing upon extensive research and personal experiences, Jones presents a thorough and accessible guide that covers all aspects of your relocation journey. From the picturesque landscapes of the Swiss Alps to the charming villages and bustling cities, this book paints a vivid picture of Switzerland's allure and what awaits you on this remarkable path. With meticulous attention to detail, Jones guides you through the practicalities of finding accommodation, understanding the intricacies of the Swiss healthcare and insurance systems, and effectively managing your finances. He sheds light on the legal and bureaucratic requirements, ensuring that you're well-prepared to tackle residency permits, taxes, and other administrative tasks. "Relocating to Switzerland" goes beyond the logistical aspects, delving into the heart of Swiss culture and society. Jones provides invaluable insights into embracing Swiss traditions, connecting with local communities, and immersing yourself in the vibrant social fabric. He explores the nuances of Swiss work culture, helping you navigate the job market and seize employment opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. As a seasoned traveler and cultural enthusiast, Jones pays special attention to the emotional dimensions of relocation. He offers practical strategies to overcome homesickness, build a support network, and foster a sense of belonging in your new Swiss home. With his guidance, you'll find yourself seamlessly adapting to Swiss life while preserving your unique identity and heritage. "Relocating to Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide" is more than a handbook; it's a trusted companion that empowers you to embark on your Swiss adventure with confidence. Jones' writing is insightful, engaging, and peppered with anecdotes that provide a personal touch to your exploration. Whether you're an aspiring expatriate, a seasoned traveler, or someone seeking to embrace a new beginning, this guide is an invaluable resource that ensures your relocation to Switzerland is both rewarding and fulfilling. With each turn of the page, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Switzerland's enchanting landscapes, diverse culture, and intricate administrative landscape. As you set out on this transformative journey, let "Relocating to Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide" be your compass, guiding you through the challenges, celebrating the triumphs, and ultimately helping you make Switzerland your cherished new home.
Life in Switzerland. The not-made-for-TV version. In 2006, American Chantal Panozzo moved to a spa town near Zurich ready for a glamorous life as an expatriate. She would eat chocolate. She would climb mountains. And she would order cheese in four languages. Instead, she lived a life more in tune with reality than fantasy. Contrary to popular American belief, Switzerland isn't just a setting in a storybook called Heidi. It's a real place where someone with a master's degree in communications can't make a phone call, where you can be hired in one language and fired in another, and where small talk doesn't exist-but phrases like Aufenthaltskategorien von Drittstaatsangehörigen do. Swiss Life: 30 Things I Wish I'd Known is a collection of both published (The Christian Science Monitor, National Geographic Glimpse, Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, and Brain, Child) and new essays in which Chantal discovers that no matter how hard she wills her geraniums to cascade properly, she will never be a glamorous American expatriate-or Swiss.
This open access book analyses the strategies of migration intermediaries from the public and private sectors in Switzerland to select, attract, and retain highly skilled migrants who represent value to them. It reveals how state and economic actors define “wanted immigrants” and provide them with privileged access to the Swiss territory and labour market. The analysis draws on an ethnographic study conducted in the French-speaking Lake Geneva area and the German-speaking northwestern region of Switzerland between 2014 and 2018. It shows how institutional actors influence which resources are available to different groups of newcomers by defining and dividing migrants according to constructed social categories that correlate with specific status and privileges. This research thus shifts the focus from an approach that takes the category of highly skilled migrant for granted to one that regards context as crucial for structuring migrants’ characteristics, trajectories, and experiences. Beyond consideration of professional qualifications, the ways decision-makers perceive candidates and shape their resource environments are crucial for constructing them as skilled or unskilled, wanted or unwanted, welcome or unwelcome.
Contemporary architecture in Switzerland is influenced by Peter Zumthor and Herzog & de Meuron, recipients of the Swiss Pritzker Prize, as well as a number of other prominent architects. The book presents 25 buildings in Switzerland designed by 16 influential Swiss architects: The range covers high-density urban developments through to rural sites in the alpine environment, with examples of traditional craftsmanship and materials, and modern construction technology and engineering. Large-format photographs illustrate the buildings’ proportions, materials, and details. Four authors analyze the Swiss building culture and its high architectural quality from an insider’s and an outsider’s point of view. In a detailed interview, Peter Zumthor explains his approach to architectural design.
