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.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Zurich
- Discover the Best of Zurich
- 5 Tips for Living in Zurich, Switzerland
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Best Places to Live in Switzerland
- Real Estate in Switzerland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Switzerland
- What It's Like Living in Zurich
- Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Switzerland