hi! we are a family of 5 relocating to Lausanne - well in fact my husband has already started his new role in Switzerland and is looking to find us a home for when we (myself and 3 children 5, 7 and 10) plan to move early next year. We are very excited about the move but are also feeling very overwhelmed (and confused and daunted!!) and I am looking forward to finding information on the forum regarding good areas to live with young children and also (local) schools as I am struggling to find information elsewhere! expat friends in other countries have recommended looking for villages/locations with lots of other expats but I am not sure where these villages are!! Any general guidance would be very much appreciated
Congratulations on your move and welcome to Lausanne. Expats are sprinkled everywhere throughout the canton of Vaud. People with children tend to rent single-family homes in the villages up above Lausanne like La Croix, Belmont, Epilinges, La Conversion, etc. because they can get a yard and more space for their money.
If you are comfortable in an apartment, however, Lausanne is great. If you send your kids to an international school, you will automatically find any number of expat friends. If you are going to send them to local schools, you, yourself, will have a harder time making friends if you do not speak french. Since your kids are relatively young, however, THEY will have no problem learning french and making friends.
Hi! I am relocating with my family to Lausanne as well. I currently live in the United States. We will arrive in Switzerland late January/early February. We have secured an apartment in Pully. My kids are 4 (girl) and 7 (boy). When do you arrive in Lausanne? My kids are enrolled at Lake Leman International School. I visited the school during my last trip, and I think it will be a perfect fit for us. Relocating to a different country is so overwhelming - I agree with you! You are not alone! Perhaps we could connect when we both arrive . Also, where do you currently live?
Hi!! It's so good to hear that there is someone else in the same situation as me and my family. We are relocating to Lausanne in March and am a tad daunted already!! We haven't found anywhere to live yet so will be temporarily be in a company apartment until we find somewhere. We have two boys, 4year old who will either be going to GEMS or ISL and a 7month old, and would love to hear from anyone who fancies meeting up.
Hi, I went to ISL as a kid (used to be called CAS back then and it was located in Pully). This is slightly subjective, but I turned out alright. Excellent choice of school!
We also recently moved here (Nyon) in early January with the family and it is a bit full on, still trying to find our feet and get our routine up and going. We'll all be fine, just need to give it time. Having moved around a few times, just watch out for when the "honeymoon" period wears off. Book a real nice holiday in the Alps or something then.
Welcome Salt1979, rf.0205, and Mishkathecat1 to Lausanne! In addition to the areas mentioned above, Pully, Lutry, Preverenges, & Morges are also good places for families...
We are shortly doing the opposite... Currently living in Pully, just on the edge (east) of Lausanne and leaving for Singapore. Might be able to help you out with a soon to be vacant apartment and car, various tips, advice etc!!
Check out Going Local by Margaret Oertig for an overview of Swiss Local schools. And the AIWC Lausanne group has a new moms and kids group that plans activities together, so be sure to go on their website and check that out.