job advert Switzerland. Young family with 2 kids primary age. Please help

[worriednow1]

2 kids primary school age ( just the beginning of primary). the jobs advert is really appealing. Pros: 1. kids could go to international school in Switzerland, 2. good move for me in career. Cons: 1. what to do with my husband job ( earns 24,000 a year, 5 min from our home - so really really convenient) 3. good country for family life ( but! expensive). The reason for change 1. I need to change the job, fed up at my present job politics etc and constant undermining ( I am getting ill from this situation and lost my confidence ) 2. kids could be in an international school. Biffest problem I guess my hb's job? could I go myself initially and see how it goes ( My hb can deal with childcare + parental support - parents live min away from our home)? Or go with children and my husband later? please help me with ideas. sorry for chaotic post

What specific info shall i look out for on these forums pleade?

Expat moms - you need to join then start a thread saying you are considering this and in their experience what prospects would there be for a trailing dh to get work . Many are based further north but their experience will be generally true. There are other spin off groups. It is run by a friend whose dh teaches and she now works at an international school.

I believe the English forum , which is more specific to Geneva area, can be searched or discussions started. Be prepared for some blunt responses.

I don't know if Geneva is similar but at least one Zurich school is cutting back this summer having added extra facilities and campus only a few years ago. Demand for places and staff can fluctuate.

Just realised you are same poster who had misgivings about moving from London to Kent. CH is about 20 years behind again in many respects!

Look at the teaching overseas forum on the TES website, they will give you advice on the school. There is also the International Schools Review website but that is a subscription one. And there is a Facebook group called International School teachers and one called International School families.

I agree with LIZS most support roles will be filled by locals.

Hi Is it a teaching job.i only ask as I know a few people who have come to Switzerland to teach and I think you would struggle to manage financially with just a teachers salary here. Please do not underestimate how expensive it if here.

yes it is teaching job

Agree with Kennet. On one teaching income the lifestyle can be modest and several I knew couldn't easily afford international school fees even with the discount.

I've worked in Switzerland for 7 years. They were the happiest and most rewarding years of my life. If I didn't have a young family now, then I would go back in a flash.

International private schools are expensive, but your children can attend Swiss schools. Young children can learn a new language very quickly, so they will adapt. However, if you or your husband's German/French is poor, then you may struggle to help them with homeworks etc.

Income tax is lower there, but everything is much more expensive and private medical insurance is mandatory. It may be difficult for your husband to find a job there, unless he has specialist skills. So you need to carefully calculate your income and expenses before moving there.

Hope this helps.

sunflower did you teach there?

No, I was a technology specialist. The company that hired me paid for all my relocation expenses plus a golden hello.

I'm based in CH. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Would be concerned about your husband finding a job, what does he do? And as pp said, do not underestimate the cost of living here.

I live in Switzerland,child in local school.

pros
Fantastic scenery, mountains
great public transport
expat network
high salaries
international schools accommodate children well
healthcare

cons
hard to get a job unless you speak one of the 3 languages
locals not v friendly and hard to get to know, especially in the german speaking part
for most people it is apartment living not houses with gardens
cost of living (which by clever shopping across the border can be reduced)
children in international schools are always moving on so your child loses friendships
many rules and regulations to instruct you how you live that can make you feel stifled (eg no noise on Sunday, everyday between 12 and 1pm )