Life in Switzerland most certainly has its share of challenges. However, it also has many advantages which seemingly can outweigh those challenges. Given enough time, one can grow accustomed to some of these challenges and just learn to live with them. However, there is one challenge that really impacts almost every other aspect of daily life: the language.
I will 100% concede that I was less than enthusiastic about needing to learn German. As all of our friends and most of who we interact with are so kind to switch to English for me, it would seem that there has been little need to actually start learning. Sure most Swiss want to practice their English, but in reality, how does that actually help ones ability to integrate and feel like you belong? It does not.
So, for reasons that would bore most...after 18 months of living here as a "passenger", the decision was made to dive head first into leaning German. With merely 8 weeks of intensive courses completed (A1 level)...I must say that I should have started the month we arrived.
How has 8 weeks of German impacted daily life? In a word: dramatically.
No longer is there a dependence on those who are closest to me to help.
No longer is there the shyness of asking for things.
No longer is there the embarrassment of having others translate every word that is said so I will be included in any given social setting.
No longer is there the need to be simply an observer.
No longer is life in Switzerland a passive experience.
Sure my skills are not perfect and have a long way to go. But, in just 8 weeks, the impact on daily life has been tremendous. As such, my simple words of advice for those who may feel like Switzerland is distant or cold or unfriendly or difficult: learn a few words...they will go a surprisingly long long way.
I promise.
I will 100% concede that I was less than enthusiastic about needing to learn German. As all of our friends and most of who we interact with are so kind to switch to English for me, it would seem that there has been little need to actually start learning. Sure most Swiss want to practice their English, but in reality, how does that actually help ones ability to integrate and feel like you belong? It does not.
So, for reasons that would bore most...after 18 months of living here as a "passenger", the decision was made to dive head first into leaning German. With merely 8 weeks of intensive courses completed (A1 level)...I must say that I should have started the month we arrived.
How has 8 weeks of German impacted daily life? In a word: dramatically.
No longer is there a dependence on those who are closest to me to help.
No longer is there the shyness of asking for things.
No longer is there the embarrassment of having others translate every word that is said so I will be included in any given social setting.
No longer is there the need to be simply an observer.
No longer is life in Switzerland a passive experience.
Sure my skills are not perfect and have a long way to go. But, in just 8 weeks, the impact on daily life has been tremendous. As such, my simple words of advice for those who may feel like Switzerland is distant or cold or unfriendly or difficult: learn a few words...they will go a surprisingly long long way.
I promise.