5 Things I Did to Make Switzerland My Home

7 years ago I moved to the land of Grüezi, raclette and postcard scenery. Aside from Swiss chocolate and banks, I had no idea what this place was about. When I found out that Switzerland has a French, German AND an Italian part, I thought: Wow! It’s like buy 1 country get 2 free.

The first couple of years were rough. Aside from Tobi and his family, I didn’t know anyone here and I didn’t understand the language or culture.  “Home” for me was flying across the Atlantic Ocean to the life I had left behind in Utah.

Today, when I hear the pilot announce: “We have begun our descent into Zurich Airport”, I smile, and know: “I’m almost home.”

So how did it happen? 

1. Guten Tag, ich bin Pam

Learning German was SO not easy, but totally necessary. I remember sitting in the train with some kiddies next to me laughing and speaking Swiss German. I didn’t understand anything and it made me feel like a complete outsider and I hated it. It created a dislike for Swiss German and learning proper German seemed pointless since all you heard on the street was Chuchichäschtli.

How I learned German:
First, I got over my anger at Swiss German and then I began using Rosetta Stone followed by one year of German language classes. School was great for learning the rules and grammar but I learned the most by practicing to speak whenever I could. My in-laws don’t really speak English, so learning German was kind of a must if I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life only smiling and nodding at family dinners.

For anyone learning a new language:
I would suggest to avoid speaking English or only surrounding yourself with those who speak the same language as you. You will never learn if you keep pressing 1 for English on those automated phone services. 

2. Wanted: Friends

Not knowing anyone when you move to a new country can be very lonely. It doesn’t help that making friends as adults is not as easy as when we were kids. Trying to make friends with the locals can also feel like a lost cause as they already have their group of friends from childhood.

I became a friend machine my first two years living in Switzerland. I would accept any coffee invite I could get and I would try to meet as many new people as possible. I learned that the only way to end lonely days was by putting myself out there. There are precious friendships waiting for us outside of our circle of comfort. So don’t be afraid to seem like a loner or a weirdo for trying to find friends. Because you’re not. We all need friends.

To my friends reading this: Thank you for making Switzerland home. You know who you are and I am so grateful for all of you. 

3. Pamela The Volunteer 

4 years ago I became a volunteer for the Zurich Red Cross and I feel like that is when my real Swiss integration began.  I met so many people (now friends) and I learned so much about the Swiss culture as I worked on projects to improve the community. 

A few months back I was asked to be the campaign face for their newest program that supports elderly people in public transportation.  This was a huge honor to the once crying Pamela who thought she would never have a life with all the Swiss people.

If volunteering isn’t really your thing, try joining other groups. Meet new people. Do something to get involved. 

4. Get a Job or Create a Job

I could not get a job the first 1.5 years in Switzerland. It was especially difficult for me as I was 18, with no real work experience, no finished degree and no German language skills. I remember wallowing in my own self pity watching my friends back home finish university or start their careers. Not having a job made me feel like I was wasting time and kind of wasting my life.  

When I look back on those days I wish I would have not been so hard on myself. I wish I would have known to trust the journey and that everything would be just fine. 

After gaining some work experience in London, I was able to finally get a job here. And although I left that job last year, I am currently working on creating my own job that brings value to those around me.

If you are someone who is also desperately trying to get a job in a foreign country – please, don’t beat yourself up. Try to enjoy the free time, you will eventually get a job. If not, then maybe this is an opportunity for you to create your own. Some of the local businesses here in Zurich are owned by people who didn’t find jobs. 🙂

5. Be Who You Are

The greatest “foreign gift” you can bring to any country is the gift of yourself. Seriously. Share just how awesome people from your country are – they may never get a chance to visit where you come from. I was tempted to adapt the quieter Swiss ways, but that wouldn’t have brought any good to me, or all the people I say Grüezi to on the street. Don’t let a place change you, always stay who you are.