Expat Community > Switzerland

nextexpat1234
Joined 2022
Posts: 1

Basel work and living questions

2 years ago

Hello! Possible future resident of Basel depending on how interviews go. Am loving the descriptions of nature, European city life, mountains, sport, and museums in and around Basel. I've heard that making friends is difficult if you don't learn the language and that it is very safe.

I had a few questions pertinent to my decision making process and would welcome any input from those from the US who have made the leap to Basel:

1) My child (kindergartener) is good in some areas, but math is not one of them. Are there school systems with the patience and extra help for kids? Learning a new language shouldn't be so much a challenge for my child.

2) How do you think about retirement, with no 401(k) and higher overall tax burden and high cost of living, if you are not going to stay in Switzerland for retirement?

3) How is work life balance vs. the US (particularly if you are in the biotech/pharma industry). What are working hours? Currently I work a lot and do not expect it to be much different in Basel

4) We are a multicultural family. Coolness in society is totally fine for us, because it can be completely respectful. But does it go beyond that, will my family feel disrespected or targeted as a result of not being white, or Swiss? It seems like there is a large and varied expat community in Basel from all the science jobs.

5) How are employee protections vs. the states? In the states there are few protections but perhaps there are still areas where the US may have an advantage. Is there anything to worry about?

6) If you were able to go through the process of negotiating your relocation/contract over again, knowing what you know now, what are important tips you would give yourself? Child care/schooling/medical/salary/relocation help etc or anything at all you can think of!

Thanks for reading!

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