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cheers2:
Mate, it seems pretty clear to me that the problem isn't just Switzerland. You're just not ready to let go of home just yet.
Whatever country you decide to visit will be different to Australia, and while you compare it to home you can never appreciate things for what they are.
It's like walking around with blinkers on.
There are many people who get fed up with Switzerland and leave, so you're not alone. The things that irritate you can bother a lot of people..... if you let it.
A trip back home might do you some good and give you some time to recollect your thoughts and experiences.
Perhaps in time you can give things another go, but the best parting piece of advice I can give you is still..... stop saying " In Australia " wherever it is you may go.
Good luck
I'm sure the forum look forward to welcoming you back under your next guise
But, please... as you have done before... don't make any empty promises! Go, and don't look back. Good luck in your new/old surroundings.
Otherwise CH is amazing! Would have been nice to have a beach nearby though
Shame, because we have found this to be a wonderful country, with so much to offer. We are here two years now.
Kids are in local school, we have learned to speak German and we have been totally accepted in our town.
I would say that when you move to a new country, you need to embrace it and work through the cultural differences.
Also, it is counter productive to make comparisons to your home country.
One of the positives about relocating is to experience new things and new people.
That said, not everyone settles/ adapts as easily. Perhaps home is a better option for yourself. Best of luck.
I’m very grateful for that! I know I could go to town for the day, speaking with shop assistants and never having to use my German.
(I do speak in German though but I know i don’t "need" to)
If this was a couple years ago Id probably be more negitive but after you eventually settle in.... things are ... better
Hope I gave you enough explanations
Personally, I love travelling and experiencing new cultures and I've travelled a lot. So far, the only other country I would ever consider living in (outside of Canada - which is incredible) as my permanent residence is Switzerland. Its absolutely amazing.
I think people lucky to be born/raised in English speaking countries... really take it for granted that when they travel everyone is expected to know English, somehow it became the universal language. Personally, I am thankful that its easier as a native English speak to get around this world, at the same time I know 2 other languages and I am looking forward to learning German (well, hopefully Swiss German).
Yes, it is expensive, but I believe in general that people who move here are compensated accordingly
Sorry, I do not think the Swiss are rude. They have a culture of seemingly being more closed with feelings and expressing themselves, but that is not the definition of rude
I think in most countries, people have opinions about foreigners moving to their land. Even where you are going to, it isn't easy for foreigners to get permits, to work, to live, I think you are seeing this only through limited experience. But using a word like racism is a strong label
See my earlier point... I believe it is difficult and it has been EXTREMELY difficult for me, especially being alone... some days I am bouncing off the walls.. but, endurance will prevail
No real comment here, I don't go out at night, though I know there is plenty to do in Basel
Sorry, but this isn't limited to Switzerland
Maybe just take the beer next time
Toilets cost money in most metropolitan places around the world.. I have never been in a McD's since moving here so I cannot speak to that specifically.
Ok, you got me on this one.. I am totally anti-billag........... but I pay it
Australia - 7,692,024 km2
Switzerland - 15'940 km2
Australia Population 22.62 million
Switzerland Population 7.907
I presume I need not explain this any further?!?!
I have not experienced such behavior when eating out, and yes, it is expensive, but I covered that.
The weather is the weather, it does rain a lot, but it is also beautiful a lot
Sorry, but this seems to be Swiss 101.. I love the rules personally, makes my life easier
Cannot argue this one too much, but .. I adapt
Many have already reminded you that English is not an official language, so you would just have to suck it up and learn at least German if possible.
WAY too many.. and yes, i think it seems there are more here than anywhere else
That isn't Switzerland's fault I do not believe
Sorry you see it this way
Yes, but the upside is you get to pick from LOTS of choices who you want as your provider.
I wish you lots of luck with your move and I suspect in time, you will see that maybe these things were not as bad as you thought.
Some I think is just a matter of getting used like shops closed sundays, although you have at almost all train station some shops open for an emergency.
Complaining about the language is not an excuse, you just need to read on wikipedia to know that German is the most spoken official language here and english is not even an official language although many people can speak or communicate in it!.
You had a bad experience and is hard to not being traumatized and start hating here because of that but I think once you decide to leave your country, the things you use to like are there in terms of geographic location and time (in the past).
About racism, don't be deluded by SVP ads only, you can find racism everywhere and the video below is just a remind!!! Good luck
I still think that your attitude had more to do with it than the country itself, but what do I know.
Good luck back home, I hope you are not disappointed
I have lived here for a year and a half and have met some nice people and I do enjoy a lot of the activities you can get involved in here, but it is extremely hard to find work here without having a very high level of German. I am working on mine, but in the US I worked as a nurse for two years and I would have to be here several more years in order to work efficiently as a nurse here. It surprises me how difficult it is to obtain a job here with an English/German knowledge when so many people here speak English.
I actually feel Switzerland wants to make everything difficult for non Europeans which is sad to me because I am American and my husband is Swiss.
And I would definitely agree that EVERYONE bumps into you here without a simply apology and who ever wrote above you are only saying that because you have culture shock is naive. Obviously people here are just used to the rudeness and I am thankful I come from a place that actually respects other peoples personal space.
Thank you for the post.. made me feel like I am not the only one who has frustrations here.
Good luck!