An Expat Talks about Living in Zurich, Switzerland

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Zurich

How long have you lived there?

5 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Take the "Living in Zurich" mini course offered in October (every Friday for 6 weeks) by the American Women's Club of Zurich.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

The city of Zurich is multicultural and tolerant but many of the Swiss are not; there are many, many rules (like no gardening on Sundays)that can frustrate; a recent poll showed the Swiss have the highest negative opinion of America; anti-Semitism is high and the Albanians are the latest to be despised; sexism, especially in the business world, is much higher than in America.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Banking and insurance jobs abound; teaching English is possible but not that profitable; women have a tough time finding jobs (better to have one before you come); children in the public schools come home for lunch every day making it impossible for mom to work (private schools run over 20,000CHF); most jobs require knowledge of high German.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

The Swiss generally do not make friends at work.