After almost a year in Switzerland, one thing has become clear to me. There are five things everyone told me before I moved here from South Africa and Mexico — and all five are wrong.
1. The people are cold
No, they are not. They protect their private lives and take the time to build trust. That is not coldness — that is respect. For themselves and for you.
2. It's all about money for them
I have lived in Athens, Amsterdam, Dhaka, Delhi, Paris, Mexico City and Berlin. In all of these cities, money was talked about more than here. It is simple: you work hard, you get paid, you have money. Money is not a big deal here. Everyone can earn money, the system offers possibilities.
I am still new here, but I do not feel that people are only focused on money. Quite the opposite: they spend it, invest it and even share it. I feel that people here have a very healthy relationship with money.
3. Swiss people won't tell you directly what they think
Yes, that may be. But on the other hand — why should they? If someone cares about you, they tell you their opinion to your face. If not, there is simply no reason to. It is a waste of time — and time seems to be the most valuable asset people here appreciate.
4. You cannot find friends in Switzerland
This was the number one thing everyone told me before I moved here. I was not afraid of it, because after travelling to over 60 countries in 15 years I know the world fairly well. You have to be a friend yourself in order to find friends. It is the same here.
People want to get closer to you when you offer value and do not waste their time with nonsense. Be a friend to the people in whom you see something real and for whom you feel respect. Move slowly and build on the foundation of your values and your morals.
Swiss people have a fine sense for people. Because they are not very talkative at the beginning, they listen all the more closely. Those who talk nonsense are avoided. I love that. They filter — and that is a quality of a society.
5. The weather makes the people strange
Yes, but you can buy stylish rain jackets and winter clothing — and you know what? For every kind of weather, people here have different hobbies. I have never experienced such an active and athletic society as here in Zürich. The people are far healthier than in any other city I have lived in.
I can understand that they protect their country by asking of others: integrate, learn the language and our culture. I speak fluent German, I am here as a guest and I adapt to their customs and rules, otherwise I would not have written this post.
Merci, much love from Küsnacht.
Alexandros