My Swiss Life: Mid Term Report on Moving to Switzerland

Welcome back to our final feature in the series My Swiss Life.

This series has been such an enjoyable journey for me—there’s so much to explore and share about life in Switzerland, much more than I initially realized. To wrap things up, we’re diving into a reflective interview: discussing what works, what’s wonderful, and what could use some improvement.

What were my expectations when I moved to Switzerland, and were they met?

When I first moved to Basel, I believed I had a clear understanding of both the pros and cons. I expected a beautiful, safe environment, but I also anticipated challenges—such as the lack of domestic help and the difficulty of settling in.

As it turned out, I was right. Basel is a small, quaint, and picturesque city. It’s incredibly safe, and people generally keep to themselves. It’s also an excellent place to raise a family. While help is indeed available, it comes at a steep hourly cost. 🙂

What was your worst fear about moving to Switzerland?

Having spent most of my life in Delhi and Bangalore, India, I was slightly apprehensive about whether I could adapt to an entirely new lifestyle—or if I would truly fit in.

Do you think discrimination exists?

If I had even the slightest inkling of discrimination being a significant issue, I wouldn’t have moved to Switzerland.

To answer the question, yes, discrimination does exist.

It’s not overt or glaringly obvious, but it lingers in the undertones of society. You might notice it in schools, job searches, blogger collaborations, or even in the most mundane interactions. It’s often more of a subtle vibe—something you sense but can’t always put your finger on.

How is the weather in Basel? Are you looking forward to Swiss Winters?

When we moved to Basel, it was summer, and Switzerland was bustling with tourists. Apart from the occasional rain showers, it was surprisingly hot. The sun felt harsher than I expected, and the lack of ceiling fans—or air conditioning, which I’m so accustomed to—made it a bit uncomfortable at times. Thankfully, table fans offered some relief.

But now, winter is approaching. Temperatures can drop as low as -10°C, which is far from what I’m used to. Perhaps after a year, I’ll adjust to the snowy streets and enjoy the mulled wine and cozy winter traditions that come with them.

What about the people in general?

People in Switzerland are notably non-intrusive—they won’t bother you unless you explicitly seek their support or assistance. They tend to be reserved and prefer sticking to their established social circles, which means they’re usually not actively looking to form new social connections.

Was moving to Switzerland a culture shock?

Not exactly a shock, but definitely a transformation. In India, our behavior and social norms are quite different, and it can be hard to gauge whether something you’ve said or done might be interpreted as offensive in a new cultural context. Adapting requires careful observation and adjustment.

One of the most striking—and positive—differences I noticed was the trust factor. Whether it’s invoices or tram tickets, there’s an underlying assumption that everyone will act responsibly and do the right thing. This was a delightful surprise and something I’ve come to deeply appreciate.

Do you miss your family and friends?

Immensely. Moving to a new country with minimal social connections naturally makes you miss the emotional bonds you’ve already built. That said, I’ve been incredibly busy from the moment I arrived here, which has made the transition much easier to manage.

What about the language?

The people Basel speak “Swiss German” which is also German with relaxed grammar. It is no doubt a difficult language, and I have all the intent to learn it. But to learn German even for business conduct takes about 3 years. People are quite impressed if you can speak it and not amused when you don’t know it. It also becomes a deciding factor during job hunts.

What about traveling? Have you explored Switzerland?

The settling-in period has been quite stressful and is still ongoing, so I haven’t traveled as much as I would have liked. So far, I’ve only managed a few day trips to Zurich, Geneva, and Lorrach. Switzerland is stunning, and I highly recommend visiting. However, there’s a big difference between traveling on vacation and exploring a place while living there. If your main motivation for moving is travel, it might be a bit disappointing—living here and exploring day-to-day life is a different experience altogether.

How is raising a child in Switzerland vs. India?

Both places have their own unique pros and cons. In India, it’s easier to pass on your culture since it’s already woven into daily life, but abroad, you have to put in more effort to maintain that connection. In India, her outings were mostly limited to malls, but here in Switzerland, she enjoys trips to forests, day outings, and even strawberry picking. While she watched a lot of Netflix in India (and still does in Switzerland), one of the biggest differences is the time I get to spend with her here. I cherish that aspect the most.

What is the biggest benefit about being in Switzerland?

The biggest benefit is living in such an extremely safe environment. I don’t have to worry about my ability to live the life I want to live. For me, that sense of security is what drew me here—and it’s what will keep me here for the foreseeable future.

How has my lifestyle changed?

I walk a lot now, and it’s definitely a physical challenge. Some days I’m ready to keep going, and other days I feel completely drained. My clothing choices and eating habits have also changed, though different doesn’t always mean better. I attend college three days a week, and while I manage, I wouldn’t say it’s always easy. I’m proud of the things I’m accomplishing, but there are days when fatigue and stress take their toll.

But that’s life, isn’t it? Full of ups and downs, highs and lows.

I’ve tried to cover everything I thought would be important, but it’s only been four months. I may need to revisit this interview in a year and see how things have evolved.

Please leave your questions, thoughts, and perspectives in the comments section.

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