Hi all,
I am a girl from The Netherlands and studying to get my Personal Trainer certificate. Can anyone help me with the following?
1. Is EREPS recognized in Switzerland?
2. Next to PT course, I have not studied in a sports related area. Will this lower my chances?
3. I would like to start working as an instructor in a gym in Geneva or Lausanne and get a work permit. Is this possible?
4. My goal is to have my French at a B1-2 level before I move. Will this be good enough to work in a gym?
Please help me! I m in a long distance relationship and would really want to move closer.
Thank you
I can only help by saying that the trainers working in the couple of gyms that we visited were definately not qualified to any great level. My wife has a better understanding of the exercises, muscle groups etc than the "experts" at the gyms, all because of youtube and reading up on it.
I'm sure there are good people who are well trained and know what they are doing but we didn't meet any.
I think you will be fine permit wise, but it might take a while to find an opening.
Thanks Nigelr!
I really hope I will be able to find something!
My French will hopefully be at B1 to B2 level before I go.
Do you think I could do something with my bachelor in business administration in Switzerland?
There are a couple of Dutch holding companies in Geneva/Lausanne area, that could give you a start
So many questions..
First, being a personal trainer is not likely gonna pay the rent, at least not at first, you build up a client base over time or work in gyms etc. Most of the coaches where i go work multiple places, personal clients, other jobs etc. But there are loads of gyms, loads!! So chances decent.
Second, you normally get the work permit first then find the job(s) but at least getting a job seekers permit should be quite easy, being from the netherlands.
Third, B1 / B2 French is quite an ask in the short term.
I'd say get a job, any job to support you and if you choose the training route, do it part time to build it up / supplement income.
I did a PT course in the UK; it was literally 2 weekends, pay 1000 pounds, send in the paperwork, and boom, you area fully qualified Level 3 personal trainer, and can work in any gym in the UK.
Hi all,
I have a question regarding getting a job and accommodation.
First of all is it common for people to share flats?
Second, if my French is on a A2-B1 level, could I get a job working in catering, cleaning, horeca, hotel, supermarket or a shop like a bakery or something?
My background is Bachelor in commerce and i have about 2 years experience in a inside sales support role. But I m afraid that with my French only being at a A2-B1 level I will not find a job in a similar role?
What are my chances finding a “lower level” job?
I can always try to get up higher once I ve improved my French but it s just for the first year or so.
Thank you all!!
You will find, the "lower" the position the more you need the local language in order to communicate with your co-workers in a common language which is very unlikely to be English as these levels.
Thank you for your reply! What about working in catering or cleaning? I was thinking I can save myself with a french level on A2/B1?
How can you communicate with your employers, with your fellow workers in an efficient manner.
These so called "low level" jobs require a good understanding of the local language in order for you to work properly and employedrs have PLENTY of choice for people with these skills
I think A2-B1 could work to get your foot in the door. There was a guy a while back that got a job at McDonald's with limited German. Give it a shot. Apply where you are interested and sell yourself and your skills.
I have seen people with a zero German skills start working in gyms in Zurich. At least, this was the case with Silhouette before it got bought by activefitness.
So it is certainly possible in bigger cities.
Thank you! That gives me a bit of hope ! I still have a whole year to learn French and I m trying to study everyday and got a private teacher so hopefully the level will be even better