Moving UK to Switzerland

[AbiSussex]

Hi everyone, DH has been offered a job in Geneva. We don’t know the details of the package yet - but wanted some advice on some issues.

1. we have 2 boys who will be almost 5 and almost 2 when we move. We are considering creche and public school for them. Anyone got any views on how they will assimilate into only speaking French (we only speak English at home). How do we help them learn to read and write in English too? We will most likely return to England in 3 years + time.

2. Switzerland is super expensive but has anyone got good tips on cantons and locations to move to? Although the job is in Geneva DH can work remotely and travel in occasionally. We would like a house not a flat.

3. We mainly are interested in moving to promote learning a language with out children, and to be outdoors climbing, skiing etc. If anyone lives out there - do you feel it is worth the extra cost of living for the quality of life for your family?

Finally - I am a teacher and can hopefully find the work. So should we - feel the fear and do it anyway. Or does anyone feel that living in Switzerland hasn’t delivered?

Thank you!

Hi, congrats on the job offer. We live in France bordering Geneva and DH works in Geneva. It's got harder to do this since brexit unfortunately but might be worth checking if an option because it is so much cheaper and I also prefer France as a country to live in! IFree school from age 3 in France. which will save you lots of money compared to Switzerland. If you want a house you probably won't be able to live in Geneva itself. Commuting from Vaud can be ok if you have to be in Switzerland, it's cheaper than Geneva but still expensive. You just kind of get used to the cost of stuff. It's usually built into salaries - is it a decent wage? Lots of people shop in France on the weekends.

We live at the foot of the Jura mountains and so can hike and ski within minutes of home, or get to the alps pretty fast too. Of course the lake is right here too - quality of life is great. Air is clean. It's safe. Your kids will probably pick the language up quickly if they're in full time creche/school - do you get school fees included? Depending on their school depends on how much English they'll get taught.

Takes a while to settle in but it's been worth it for us.

Thanks @arabellairis Really appreciated.
The answer is we don’t actually no the package yet. They say it’s competitive. But he will not be working for a bank or private industry so who knows. That will of course matter when it comes through. Really appreciate your thoughts though.

we also love France and it is our first love. We would have moved there in a heart beat. But you are right to guess that Brexit has ended that. It’s incredibly complex and ultimately means it won’t work for us. Beyond sad about that ☹️

Thanks again.

Sorry also - @arabellairis how old were your kids when they moved? How did they settle in to school and life? Thank you

Such a shame isn't it. Mine were 3 and 1 when we moved, they have settled ok altho learning French does take time unless they are really immersed daily. Geneva is very international so most people speak English which is a blessing and a curse in terms of learning French! I would say go for it. The U.K. is in a right state!

Thanks so much @arabellairis

I think if the suns add up we will do it. We really want our children to experience other cultures, languages and enjoy the outdoors. As you say - the UK is sadly not offering much hope in those areas!!

Well if that's what you want for your kids they will definitely get that here. I am so glad mine are getting such a multicultural experience, and plus today (no school on Wednesdays..) we spent the afternoon playing in a mountain stream in the forest 🤷🏼‍♀️

Sounds perfect. 😀 How childhood should be!

I was tiny when the same happened to my family. I grew up in Thonex, went to a Swiss school, before moving to Vaud as my father commuted into Geneva for work. I speak fluent French as a result and had a wonderful childhood. Happy to answer questions where I can if you have any

Thanks @isntitapip

I think we are lost concerned about our son who will be 5 the month after we move. We worry about how he will connect with people not speaking French and also - how will we make sure he can read and write English well? We are not likely to be there for many years, so they will both need to come back to the UK most likely.

Any thoughts appreciated?

Also - any recommendations on areas to live where we maybe able to enjoy being near Geneva (DH will take a long commute - he does Brighton to Oxford occasionally now). Mountain sports are important to us as well as a nice local community to go drink coffee in and watch the world go by!! Geneva is out as we couldn’t afford to rent a house. I can’t see us in a flat.

Thank you!

I would suggest looking in Vaud. It's not far, and cheaper. We lived near Nyon, the Jura provides summer and winter sports so that meets your needs. My sister was 5 at the time. She struggled to fit in more than I did. However we strongly believe she is undiagnosed autistic so that plays a big part.
She learnt the language very quickly, it wasn't easy for her in that first year though. I didn't struggle at all, but I was younger.
In terms of English, there was never any confusion. French was for school, English for home. I was a big reader so picked up a lot there in terms of spelling. My mum tried to teach me English grammar etc but I wasn't very receptive. My sister still lives there. It was 100% a worthwhile experience for me as a child

Thank you for this insight. Really appreciate it!!

If you get school fees included in the package then an international school will teach your son both languages (and possibly German too). I am not sure about the state schools. In neighbouring France there is a specific programme for English speaking children where they take an afternoon out of their school to go and learn to read and write in English - there may be something similar? No doubt there will be kids who will speak English no matter which school he attends so I wouldn't worry too much about making friends. Lots of cuddles and hopefully the school will be experienced at helping kids settle in.

Hi,

We’re here with three children in Swiss education (because we’re never going back to the UK we saw little reason for international schools). Happy to answer any questions you may have!

I don’t think you’ll regret your move at all, it’s brilliant here. But it’s hard work in terms of integrating yourself and your children into society.

Our DC were 2.5 and just 5 when we moved here 6 years ago. We’re a bit further round the lake so not in Geneva, but not far…. We love it, quality of life is awesome. It’s not all roses but overall we’re really happy here.

You’d only be able to teach in private/international schools (not in local Swiss schools) and the system isn’t really geared up for 2 working parents in terms of childcare, wraparound care (which will need to include lunchtimes) and taxes. So don’t count on landing a job straightaway.

And make sure the package is right. Do your maths. Salaries sound high but so is cost of living. CHF150k per year doesn’t go far for a family of 4 when you’re looking at 4k a month to rent somewhere and 1k per month for health insurance. 200k would be better.

Feel free to PM me.