He did, however, make a valid point in his first paragraph: you need to erase the word "must" from your mental vocabulary, else you'll make yourself sick with frustration. As other members have observed, there are few expat clusters outside Geneva and Zurich, but that won't matter anyway once you're here.
My wife and I actually found that people were even more friendly once we'd moved into the heart of the Swiss country, as we are something of a novelty and the locals, more often than not, are delighted to meet us.
Having said that, there are two international schools in the area (I found that out by googling "solothurn international school" so I'm assuming you already found it too) so there must be a few English speakers around. I just don't think you'll find enough of them concentrated in any one suburb to constitute the "expat community" you are looking for. Better to focus on your other requirements/preferences, and then network with English-speaking folks as you find them.
As someone else said, walking distance of an international school is going to be the kicker. These tend to be in downtown areas so if you're near one of them you are probably near everything else on your list as well.
I'm an American relocating to start working for a company in Zug soon, but I've been told Zurich is a better place to set up. Am I right in reading I got a restriction and can only live in Zug? Sorry if someone's already asked I just got on here.
T
If you want to live in Canton Zurich, there are possibly two options:
1) Ct. Zurich initially grants the B work permit for your job in Ct. Zug, allowing you to live in Ct. Zurich, or:
2) After obtaining a B work permit in Ct. Zug and living there for a time, you request a change of canton (Kantonswechsel) from Ct. Zug to Ct. Zurich. Both cantons must agree to the change.
Ct. Aargau has a detail explanation and process to apply for a change of canton for non-EU/EFTA citizens at this link:
https://www.ag.ch/de/dvi/migration_i...ctionId=174630
Please keep in mind that this is a general message board. If this is really important to you, would suggest discussing it with your HR department.
There have recently been new investors, but the future remains uncertain.
A professional couple send their son there, about 8 years old, who seems to be happy there.
http://is-so.ch/ https://www.facebook.com/internationalschoolsolothurn
.
Yet...
http://www.englishforum.ch/search2.php?q=Zug
Thanks.
I have not found that the restriction of living in the canton of Solothurn a reality
Moving to Switz is a great experience for your family. Having said that, it does and will take an open mind to adjust well, it takes some time to figure things out and learn new ways of doing things, and some flexibility on your (our) part.
At first, it can seem very cumbersome...even a bit 'fish out of water'. But with a little time and good attitude (not always easy to maintain), you and your family will be fine. Find some other expats through the kids school and they will help you with the small nuances that need to be learned.
One thing, I dont know your financial numbers, but what seems like a large stipend for living arrangements, may not be so large when you see the prices here. Be prepared for sticker shock on pretty much everything. A fill up at the gas station is 140chf. 6 eggs are 5.50...and your fridge and oven will likely not hold as much as you are used to.
Enjoy the experience to the max. It will be over before you know it, and you will have many fond memories of an experience that very few Americans ever get.
Hope that helps.
If you want an English speaking school, most "International Schools" will provide this. But, it will cost as it is private.
Switzerland is oriented to walking. Playgrounds are plentiful. You must balance your priorities such as commute, conveniences (shopping), family, climate etc.
Solothurn as a canton is a foggy place in the winters. There are in general not as many English speaking communities as Zürich, Basel or Geneva. They are more international. The old city of Solothurn is very beautiful and relatively quiet place after 6 o'clock.
Canton Bern may offer some advantages as well as living closer to Bern. It may not impact you, but I think Bern has a more family friendly tax structure. I can't provide details now.
Church is going to be a challenge. The Swiss have turned quite cold in the last 20 years regarding faith. Solothurn is a Catholic canton, so you will find fewer state protestant churches and services. They would be in German anyway. There are however English congregations especially in the large cities (e.g. Bern, Basel, Zürich and I'm sure Geneva).
Just a thought, if you can live at some elevation you might get above the fog somewhat. Plus, you would have your view of the alps. But, with a 6 yr old nearness to a playground is top priority.