I'm in a bit of a situation and my English speaking advisor has thrown in the towel and I've been passed over to a German speaking advisor only. I have been informed I must bring a translator to the meetings now but bit stumped on how to go about this as its not document translation services I need.
They suggest bring a friend but they schedule appointments during working hours obviously so who is willing to take time off work to help out like this?
Does anyone know any of anyone that can help once a month for max. 30 mins in Zurich?
Not learning enough German to be comfortable in a meeting with RAV counsilor / any governmental official is really not the same as not learning "any" German, is it?
There are plenty of international firms which have policies of using English only in the work place, if one works there, it is pretty easy to work (and live) here without learning "any" German.
Meanwhile, Captainjack... why not ask your friends? The worst that can happen is that they tell you that they can not help / do not have time and if you don't ask, they can't / won't help anyhow... At least give them the chance to step up.
Also, your friends MAY know someone who would be perfectly happy to help even if they can not themselves.
Here's my sponteneous idea. Might be completely stupid, or might actually work.
Find a housewife or student who is a native (Swiss-)German speaker and who would love to practice their English. There's plenty who are fluent in English.
Best case they'll ask that you talk to them for 1 hour in English and pay for the coffees / drinks. Worst case they might ask for CHF 30.- or so.