I think it would be a great idea for the OP and her family, but my understanding is the program is meant to help people who may not have the financial means to help themselves with settling in.
hi Gal, I'm glad people are aware of these great services from the Red Cross, but I wonder if this recommendation isn't a bit misplaced for the OP. According to the Red Cross' web site, the "Mitten unter Uns" (In our Midst) program is aimed at asylum seekers who presumably have little other avenue of integrating into Swiss society. Fighting prejudice of asylum-seekers and promoting cultural understanding is among the program's goals.
Oh thanks for that information Batholemew, I had no idea. It was something that someone recommended to me when I was trying to get my 14 year old settled in and I thought it was a brilliant scheme. I did not realise it was for a specific type of migrant.
Gal xx
Hi Matzule,
Completely understand how you feel! It will get better though. I can say having just come up to my 1st year anniversary here me and my two kids are settling in even though we do watch a lot of english tv the kids are also very happy to watch children's programmes in German without even noticing the switch in language.
You are lucky to live in a lovely city and you are bound to meet other parents if you join local toddler activities. Also don't forget to take some time out for yourself to recharge. If you're into spas there are lots to choose from and the American Women's club is a great suggestion.
I think you'll also feel better once you actually start some German lessons. I know it might sound 'sad' but I do get a buzz when I recgonise some new phrase or word I've learnt in the paper or on tv! You might get the same buzz too!
no worries Gal, I think it's a brilliant scheme too (it was one of the volunteer opportunities I looked at when I started with the Red Cross, though I ultimately went for a different one) and I think something of that order would be brilliant for the OP.
I used to get out of bed, thinking...wow, all the people look so sad, is so SWISS ...with their head's bowed and just minding their own things, and its hard....
Then..one day I decided to get up and look out the window again, and decided that I would notice the laughing people, and the kids that are jumping to school, and I greeted the old lady in the street...and to my surprise, I found that none of my sad people live in the street anymore...It was just me.
I found my best friend in CH in the sandpit in a playyard....kids make it easier, they find friends FOR you. So, take yr little one to teh playyard, sit there (even if he/she is young), people love to look at small kids, and you will maybe also find someone that is looking for a friend.
Its hard, really hard...we have all been there...but you have to put your MIND and BODY in the same place...live in CH, learn the language...integrate here, put your thoughts here. watch kids TV, you will learn german like that too...
It does not help to keep living in the past countries, put your heart in CH and you will love it, and it will give you also many smiles back.
Good luck...
a guy I worked with in US had come here for a 3 year stint. He said that after the first year his wife was miserable. Then she found the American Wives club. They had kids in the same quantity/age range as you. After joining the Wives club, everything turned super for them.
ME? I dunno, I just got here...
I just got here on July 16th and I have tw boys (one is almost 3 1/2 and the other is 15 months). We are moving next week to Kusnacht. How about we plan to get together and keep each other positive?