Volunteering in Basel - english speaker

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1
I will be moving to Basel in January with my partner who will be working with Roche. I will be looking for things to do to fill my days and thought of volunteering and becoming involved in any other groups that may be fun and helpful in making new friends.

I am from Canada speak English obviously and some French but no German. I plan to take both French and German lessons.

I wondered if anyone can give me advice re volunteer opportunities for someone like myself? Other ideas where I can be productive and get to know Basel? I am a docent (tour guide) at a large Art Museum in the US and do that as a volunteer. I know there are many museums in Basel. I wonder if they might be interested in someone like myself?

What about working full or part time as an English speaker? I expect this may be quite difficult to accomplish. Maybe later once I have learned some German and French.

I understand from Swiss friends that I should be able to get along quite well with English but I want to learn German (at least enough to be polite and for it to be helpful in my everyday life in Basel).

Any advice and feedback will be welcome.

2
That's an understatement... They should welcome you with open arms.

Look here .

With an attitude like yours, you will have no problem adapting.

Good luck.

3
Visit this website:

http://www.centrepoint.ch/Become-a-Volunteer-14

4
Thanks very much for your help and compliment. A positive attitude has always been a big help in adjusting to new places I have lived. Your catch more flies with honey than with vinegar - that's is an old saying from my Grandmother which I think is really true!

I will look into the museum volunteering when I visit Basel next week.

5
That's my favorite saying too!! From my great granmother . I will be moving to basel in a few weeks. My hubby is already there Mon-Friday until we find temp acommodation. All very exciting. I may have a look at the volunteer site as I won't be working to start with.

Enjoy your visit to Basel.

6
Thanks SwissPete for your encouragement and the museum information. I will be in Basel next week to see what life is like. I am a bit concerned about such a big move which I suppose is natural but I will try to be positive about it all.

7
Centrepoint is an excellent place to start for both getting to know Basel, other international people and for conversation classes.

I am sure, if volunteering there isn't enought for you, they'd be happy for you to take tours round Basel, once you've settled in.

They offer a multitude of excursions, and days out to members.

Check it out, see the link above.

Shirley

8
You might want to try http://www.freiwilligenjob.ch/dnn/Fr...S/Default.aspx

Although all information and positions are advertised in German, I think it's better to work in a German speaking team so that you can boost your language level.