Maiden Issue Living in Europe

“I wanted to experience how it is to live and work in another country” Perpetual Grace Poblador, 31 IT Specialist, World Trade Organization Geneva, Switzerland Why did you move to Switzerland?

Basically it’s out of curiosity. I wanted to experience how it is to live and work in another country. I was already eyeing Singapore, Canada and New Zealand at that time. Then one day, a family-friend suggested that I consider Switzerland.

What are your biggest challenges? How did you overcome them?

I’d always say that my move to Switzerland was a big leap of faith. I hardly know anyone. I just came over all by myself and slowly had been meeting fellow Filipinos along the way. It came a the point that I was giving up, contemplating on returning to the Philippines. But an opportunity came along. Now I would say I’m relatively lucky for meeting good Samaritans.

What are the most important documents that you need to have in your first year in Switzerland?

My passport and my visa, c’est tout! So far.

What do you like most about living in Switzerland? Aside from homesickness, what do you dislike?

What I like about living in Switzerland are: * Swiss time, everything and everyone here is almost on-the-dot; * Swiss Alps, for some adventures in the mountains; * Swiss chocolates, cheeses and wines; * Swiss politics, it’s quite unheard of; and * Swiss quality, it’s proverbial.

What I dislike about surviving here are: * Stores and restaurants closed on Sundays, that’s bad news for typical Pinoys. * Medical services and health insurance, it’s a love-hate relationship; and * Everything goes with a hefty price here, it’s outrageously expensive.

Please give three tips on living in your country of residence.

Be flexible and adaptable. Keep an open mind. Learn the language, and that, I am still working on.