(For nursing i think we can both agree German is a must )
1.5 years here is not a long time, generally it takes a good 2 years to get over the "Trauma" of moving to a different country.
I know Switzerland is far from perfect (Then again where is?) but i really believe life is what you make of it.
Here is the catch. When I was working I no longer had time to learn any more German. As a result, I have actually forgot a lot of things I learnt. Now that I am no longer working I have the time, but not the money to continue intensive classes. How are you supposed to take classes at 800 CHF a month when you're unemployed?
We tried to compensate it by having a really big rabbit but it is not the real thing.
Also friends in Frnace & the dole sent them on french courses...
Its worth checking out!
In Germany people are a bit more laid back (not as much as Australia though), seem happier, and more friendly than the Swiss. I rarely ever see a Swiss person smiling, seems like they are all miserable. The Swiss seem to wear depressing dark clothes (especially the women) with shades of grey and brown. In Germany they wear a lot brighter clothes. It is also rare to ever see a Swiss woman wearing anything but jeans, while in Germany they tend to dress more feminine and wear skirts/dresses more.
They still have a lot of silly rules in Germany, but not as extreme as in Switzerand.
Not sure why they think 3 months is enough to end up speaking German fluently for a job?
Canadians are too nice?
I actually prefer the culture of Brisbane to Sydney. The people are friendlier and dress better. They are also taller and cleaner...
The healthcare might be expensive but it is worth it in terms of quality. I understand if you are a person who doesn't need to go to the doctor often then it might seem like a waste, but when you really need it it will be a life saver - literally! Plus the fact that it makes you hesitate before going to the doctor... well that is a good thing, you clearly didn't need to go to the doctor in the first place!
English - well it's not an English-speaking country. The fact that there are jobs here where you don't need to speak the local language is pretty amazing in the first place. Imagine going to Oz as a German speaker and looking for a German-only speaking job!
Laundry - you live in the wrong apartment. Confront your neighbour over the laundry - or stop their cycle mid-way and put it in a basket.
Weather - welcome to northern/middle Europe! .. I went to Sydney a year ago and it rained the whole time I was there too, I was pretty annoyed!
Lack of nightlife - totally with you on this one. I miss London! However I do have single friends in Zurich and they seem to have a great time. Try joining some of the expat groups maybe? Don't go looking for friends who are just Swiss.
Racism - I remember coming across a lot of racism in Oz! There are some pretty intolerant people there!!!! I remember one guy who worked as a tourist guide telling me that he got so angry when people dared to come to his country when they didn't speak English properly. I mean a tourist guide said this!
Expensive - yes I agree, but when you go on holiday outside of CH isn't it just a joy to go on a huge shopping spree!!
Wish you the best of luck, but everywhere has its ups and downs!
When are you having your leaving party? I'll bring a bottle of water. Should also drop the Swiss of his user name.
I'd never though in my life that I would ever read the word "germans" and "friendly" in the same sentence!!
PS:
My motive to move is to experience something different, and adapt to the environment not expect the environment to adapt to me and if you are thinking any other way then "you're going to have a bad time"
HOWEVER...
I say this as a trailing spouce yet to move out, so perhaps get back to me in 6 months and I will be angry that no english is spoken in a non english speaking country too
You can't fool me twice!
How much will it be for the water???