issue 3 / 2016
AUTUMN HIKES FAMILY FRIENDLY ROUTES ACROSS SWITZERLAND
FISHING IN SWITZERLAND CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
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4 IN THIS ISSUE
33 10
FAMILY HIKES
38
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
CHOCOL ATE TEMPTATIONS
8
COMMUNIT Y WALL: BEYOND BORDERS
Front cover image: © Gorilla/Adobe Stock Photos: (top left) © Tanya Deans; (top right) © Maison Cailler; (bottom right) © Abdulazez Dukhan
WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND Letter from the editor Community wall Your words The last word
6 8 44 46
WHAT'S ON September & October
14
FEATURES Living well in Switzerland Autumn walks with kids Your healthy Swiss lifestyle City guide: Basel Education Choosing the right school
10 12 13 38
Business minds Tobias Undeutsch of Backup ONE Lessons learned Being an entrepreneur's wife
17 18 19
Discover Switzerland Chocolate temptations Fishing in Switzerland Geneva: Where to get pampered Food & drink: Pumpkin soup
33 34 41 42
EXPERT ADVICE Your guide to Swiss taxation Owning your own home The advantages of legal insurance Finding your new home Mobile surfing with 4G+ Safe travels with TCS
22 25 26 29 31 32
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6 LET TER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear readers,
CONTACT
Autumn in Switzerland is a beautiful thing. If you're not ready to say goodbye to the great outdoors just yet, in this issue of Hello Switzerland you'll discover different ways to make the most of autumn in Switzerland. In our special section, Living well in Switzerland, Tanya Deans reveals her favorite family-friendly hikes for autumn. In Discover Switzerland, you'll find delightful daytrips – from fishing to chocolate temptations. As the world we live in becomes increasingly interconnected, entrepreneurship is growing in importance. In this issue, Anil and Aradhna Sethi offer hard-won guidance on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in Switzerland.
Advertising and partnerships Lukas Hayoz +41 58 356 16 27 partners@helloswitzerland.ch Writer contribution enquiries info@helloswitzerland.ch Telephone & helpline +41 58 356 17 77 Web www.helloswitzerland.ch Email info@helloswitzerland.ch Twitter @helloswitzmag Facebook.com/HelloSwitzerland Distribution 21,000 copies throughout Switzerland
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www.helloswitzerland.ch/hello-switzerlandmagazine Disclaimer Content published by Hello Switzerland Ltd. may not be copied or reproduced in any form without prior permission of Hello Switzerland Ltd. or the author. Hello Switzerland Ltd. accepts no responsibility for the views or opinions expressed by its writers. Our full terms and conditions can be found on our website.
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Community contributors: Tanya Deans, Vanessa Gatelein, Martin Hirsch, Fiona Kelly, Marina Moeller, Therese Moser-Rønning , Patsy Morgenstern, Daniel Ng, Marne Platt, Aradhna Sethi, Anil Sethi, Sigal, Oliver Streuli & Stacy Streuli
Gourmet pleasure in Graubünden.
Graubünden offers the best ingredients for top-class cuisine. Our specialities spring from creative ideas and our connection with nature. Our menus feature fresh, local products — highly refined by the top chefs in our gourmet restaurants. en.graubuenden.ch/gourmet
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21.06.16 06:14
8 COMMUNIT Y WALL
Interested in getting involved in Switzerland’s English-speaking theater scene? Peter Gilbert, a member of the English Theatre Group of Zug, takes a look back at the group’s 30 year history and previews its upcoming performance of Chess.
BEYOND BORDERS BY: FIONA KELLY
Fiona Kelly is from Dublin and has been living in Switzerland since 2001. She is married to a Swiss man and they have four small boys. She spent most of her career in foundations and CSR departments of Swiss banks. Last September she formed a group called Beyond Borders which has since been providing emergency humanitarian relief to refugees all over Europe.
The numbers of people passing in a 24 hour cycle were in the thousands. Hundreds of people were sleeping rough on the bridge to the border with no access to food, water or medical services. We went shopping for the most crucial items, many times, and starting to distribute water and food on the side of the road for those refugees passing. I am a mother of four young children, and to witness the suffering that others endure on this journey to safety, it touched me in a tangible way. We mobilized a group of volunteers and set up Beyond Borders.
difference for one other person, then your effort is absolutely worth it. Everyone has their own coping mechanism in dealing with the sheer magnitude of the suffering. My emotions tend to surface when I am alone, and even more so when I am back at home. That said, there have been times where I have cried together with refugees. There have also been many tears of joy on the job, and my team was even able to attend a wedding celebration. There are happy moments that we are able to experience too – and we are very thankful.
CHIOS: SUSTAINABILIT Y AND SOL AR PANELS
CHANGE ON THE GREATER SCALE
Whenever we can identify a worthy longer term project where we can offer a sustainable solution, we do. For example, on the island of Chios, we financed the installation of solar panels to heat containers that were used by the rescue team to change refugees out of their wet clothes.
When volunteering, you definitely lose yourself in your efforts to help as many people as possible. At times, the situation can feel insurmountable, and you can be left feeling momentarily helpless. You quickly regain focus by remembering that even if you can make a small
Refugees often arrive drenched, hypothermic – and at times injured. The solar panel heated containers offer a warm space for people to prepare themselves for the next stage of their journey.
Photos: © Abdulazez Dukhan
In September of 2015, a friend and I very spontaneously decided to get in the car and drive to the border near Salzburg to see if we could be of help to the people seeking asylum in Europe. That first night I spent taking care of a mother and her new born baby, who were sleeping outdoors with no shelter.
COMMUNIT Y WALL 9
SUPPORTING THOSE MOST VULNERABLE Since March 2016, refugees that arrive on the Greek islands are kept in detention centres and face deportation back to Turkey. These developments mean that organisations have to change the focus of how they distribute aid and allocate financial support. Most recently we worked together with a group of lawyers in North Greece to document human rights abuses and to identify vulnerable cases that needed to be moved out of the temporary camps and into safer official accommodation, where they would have a better chance of applying for family reunification. Examples of ‘vulnerables’ are: unaccompanied minors, injured, disabled, elderly, pregnant women, women traveling alone with children, ill and terminally ill. In one camp, we had to go ‘tent to tent’ with translators to identify these cases. The needs of the refugees stranded in Greece are relentless. The Greek camps vary; some are quite well organised while others lack medical aid, water supplies and basic sanitation, and in many, security is non-existent. Some have medical teams, others do not. Some camps have started schools and communal kitchens and others only served rationed military meals. Some army camps allow volunteers and NGOs to enter, and others do not. We have to work with these limitations.
VOLUNTEERING POSSIBILITIES If you have time on your hands you can volunteer, fundraise with your local community for organisations that support refugees with expert help and emergency support. You can volunteer in refugee centres in Switzerland — really the list is endless. If you would like to volunteer in Greece, there are certain skills that are in high demand: doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, translators, engineers, cooks and teachers who have a proficiency in Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and other languages.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Abdulazez Dukhan is a photographer and artist from Homs, Syria. For more of his work, see:
bit.ly/AbdulazezDukhan
HOW CAN I HELP? If you would like to make a donation, you can donate to the Swiss Refugee Council. The Swiss Refugee Council is the umbrella organization for refugee and human rights organizations in Switzerland. You can find more information here:
www.refugeecouncil.ch DONATION ACCOUNT Postfinance AG, Bern 30-1085-7 IBAN CH92 0900 0000 3000 1085 7 BIC: POFICHBEXXX Playing hide and seek
10 LIVING IN SWITZERL AND
AUTUMN WALKS WITH KIDS IN SWITZERLAND Tanya Deans of Moms:Tots:Zurich gives a guide to her family’s favorite autumn hiking routes in Switzerland BY: TANYA DEANS
Some people hang up their hiking shoes when the summer holiday ends. But the Swiss hiking season continues through at least mid-October, and even through November at lower elevations. Our family loves hiking in every season, but some of very favorite hikes have been in autumn when the crowds have thinned and lower sun casts a lovely yellow hue on the dramatic Swiss landscape. The wildflowers and lush green fields may be gone, but intense fall colors more than compensate. Where we once caught picked dandelions and chased butterflies, now we jump through golden leaf piles and collect fallen chestnuts. As the weather chills, the hearty food served in mountain huts has more appeal and we trade popsicles for apple cake. Now we build fires not just to roast sausages and marshmallows but also for warmth and companionship. It’s a magical time. We seem to enjoy these hikes a bit more because every sunny day seems like a gift, a bit of stolen time before we settle in for the dreary cold days ahead, spent mostly indoors. Switzerland usually gets a couple warm sunny weeks in late October that fool us into thinking winter might never come. But we know better and spend as much time as we can outside before the first snow covers the trails and the gondolas take a well-deserved break before ski season opens.
KLÖNTALERSEE There’s a lot to like on this easy stroll along the Klöntal Lake near Glarus south of Zurich. It’s a short but winding drive from the valley to this gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by mountain peaks. There’s a walking path along the west side of the lake, where we enjoyed shuffling through the fallen leaves in the forest. The kids loved gathering wood to build a fire on the lake shore.
BACHALPSEE This spectacular view of the Bernese alps over the lovely Bachalp lake is most photographed in summer. So in October I was a bit worried that we had missed its prime. But the beautiful contrast of harvest colors and light dusting of fresh snow above us was so charming. Before heading on the trail, don’t miss the thrilling cliff walk at the top of the chair lift. Then it’s an easy hour on the obstacle free path to the lake, a perfect place for a picnic while the kids skip rocks. You can hike back the way you came or extend your hike on a beautiful narrow alpine trail, with colorful groundcover and even a waterfall. Don’t forget to reward the kids with some time at the big Alpen playground at the middle station, where they can swing and climb, while you relax with a view. You can add on a little adventure, with a trotti scooter ride down to the valley.
LIVING WELL IN SWITZERL AND 11
FLUMSERBERG Flumserberg has so many attractions for families packed into a compact area. We usually start with the “Wild Man” theme trail for children, with big views and games and puzzles for kids along the easy downhill path. The trail ends at the Cliimber ropes course, where both big and small can test their balance and strength on the Cliimber ropes course. In late September, the Alpinabzug and Oktoberfest celebrations often fall on the same weekend, so you can admire the decorated cows and enjoy some Bavarian specialties while swaying to the catchy tunes of the Oompa band.
GRIMMIALP This hidden gem in the Diemtigtal National Park, south of Bern, quickly won our hearts with its sweeping panorama views speckled with red, yellow and orange in early October. After making its way around the panorama, the trail dips into the forest, along a river and joins a children’s theme trail with fun interactive stations, like a climbing wall, bowling, water play, a memory game, and zip line among other amusements. There are several excellent picnic areas with fire pits, stocked with wood.
GORGES DE L’AREUSE This walk through the Areuse gorge in northwestern Switzerland is a good choice when higher elevations are covered in clouds or early snow storms. The path takes you through forests and meadows along a river, with several narrow sections bordered by dramatic cliff walls. It’s a bit long at 11 km but mostly downhill and easy walking; we saw many families with little kids happily skipping along this one. Even though it's a popular hike, you can easily separate yourself from the crowds, with many peaceful picnic spots next to on the river, where kids can climb around on river rocks and float sticks. In September, a few of the trees were just beginning to change, but by midOctober, it’s an autumn rainbow raining leaves into the rushing river.
in the cliffs above turn bright yellow and orange, begging to photographed.
TIPS Hiking in fall has a few considerations. This is a time to pack extra layers, check the weather carefully, and have a Plan B. Weather can change quickly. A trail that was clear one day can be quickly blocked after an early snowstorm. The day might start warm and sunny but the temperature can drop quickly as sun fade on the shorter days and the wind and fog move in. In fall, we always pack warm hats, gloves and rain jackets, even if the forecast looks nice. Better safe and warm, then sorry and shivering. Always check resort websites and trail conditions before heading out. Many mountain resorts and alpine towns have special fall festivals, particularly the Alpinabzug, where they bring the cows down the mountains to the valleys for winter. So the check the event calendars to coordinate your hike with one of these events.
DO YOU LOVE WHAT YOU SEE? You can find many more hikes on Moms:Tots:Zurich
bit.ly/HelloMTZ Happy hiking!
Photos: © Tanya Deans
WALENSEE We adore the picturesque Walensee, with the craggy Churfirsten peaks looming over its deep blue water. The destination is the big Seereenbach waterfalls, which are reached by ferry and either a shorter walk along a road or a longer, more challenging hike along a narrow alpine trail. Both are beautiful and doable with kids, each with a different character. Either way you’ll pass through tiny villages, with adorable gardens, a couple outdoor cafes, and little farm stores. Sometimes you’re right on the lake with open views all around – and sometimes deep in the thick forest, high above the water. In fall, the trees nestled
Grimmialp in the Diemtigtal National Park
12 LIVING WELL IN SWITZERL AND
YOUR HEALTHY FAMILY LIFESTYLE IN SWITZERLAND Embrace a healthy lifestyle, like the Swiss! BY: VANESSA GATELEIN
Coming from NYC, some people think I’m crazy to love living in Switzerland, but I have to be honest – the Swiss have great ideas when it comes to staying happy and health with kiddos. Here’s what we do to get our “Gesundheit” on in Switzerland.
PL AYGROUNDS WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS When you’re in the playground phase of child rearing, this is a lifesaver. Take a gondola ride in the Alps and walk on down with the family to a gigantic playground with stunning views. Pack a picnic or sausages, as there are tables and BBQ pits.
STORMY WEATHER FUN When the weather isn’t cooperating that doesn’t mean staying indoors. Switzerland is teeming with warm indoor pools swirling with fun and entertainment for the whole family. With massive water slides, warm bubbly pools, sprinklers and toddler friendly areas, what else can you ask for?
THE HAPPY & SANE STAY-AT-HOME PARENT Forget about drinking wine at night to relax! Instead go to bed early and start your day awesomely by getting to the gym. Several fitness studios offer babysitting services in the mornings. Just think…2.5 heavenly hours without children hanging on you. You can workout, sweat out your worries in the sauna or you could even sit in their café and have a coffee while reading a book. I sometimes rest in the “Ruheraum,” also known as a tranquility room. This is time for yourself to collect your thoughts and reset your attitude. Then you can go back and
VANESSA'S TIP Luzern Pilatus Park – Pilu Land Being in a snowy playground in the Alps is magical. We went in March and had a blast playing in the snow so much so that it was hard to leave. Want to visit? Find out more information here: bit.ly/HelloPilu
be the best mommy or daddy you can be. This is actually one of the ways I got to know other Swiss moms even though I’m a foreigner.
A FAMILY THAT HARVESTS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER Switzerland is the land of farm fresh…super, regional, and organic! The Swiss are proud of their regional delicacies, their care for animals and the environment itself. It’s their ability to stay loyal and consistent that delivers the best quality. Take the kids to the farm to pick your own fresh food, visit the cherished Swiss cows and learn where food really comes from. My son loved eating raspberries right off the vine, and so did we! And I have to say that getting him involved in the kitchen with the farm bought produce had the added benefit of him eating vegetables. There are many more activities for you and your family to enjoy in Switzerland! What sounds exciting for your family to try?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vanessa is a native New Yorker who writes food & healthy living articles to inspire you to change your lifestyle and change your life: FoodChangesEverything.ch
LIVING WELL IN SWITZERL AND 13
CITY GUIDE: BASEL Basel has many things to offer its residents, and visitors, alike. A modern metropolis, with a beautiful old city, there are sights to see, things to discover, world class culinary delights and vibrant night life! BY: LORENA GROSS
THE BASEL RATHAUS
NIGHT LIFE
Also called the town hall is one of the most famous buildings of Basel. It is especially well known for its red colors and the painted very pictures. Also the bricks of the roof of the buildings are worth to visit. With the visit of the town hall also the market place is worth a visit. Especially during the weekends many things go on.
Basel has many things to offer during night. From bars of all kinds, cinemas to night clubs – you’ll definitely find something exciting to do!
From Bar Rouge, you will have a great view. It's a great place to have a nice drink before the party begins. Visit the Kaserne Basel for dance and pop music. Balz is a little club with a very good THE ZOO OF BASEL Opened in 1874, is Switzerland’s most visited attractions. Even atmosphere, even more in summer on the rooftop bar with pool! with its big size and the beautiful environment of the zoo it is worth a visit. The zoo can be visited during the whole year. During Atlantis is Basel’s oldest concert place and always filled with a winter the animal houses and the underwater world can be various program of dance evenings and concerts. During Friday discovered in the vivarium and during summer the park invites to and Saturday there are legendary club nights, with various music a cozy walk in the shadow of the trees. A visit at the zoo is perfect genres. MusikPark A2 is one of the biggest clubs of Basel. The for a family trip or even couples. different areas and the various music genres will ensure you have an unforgettable night!
OLD CIT Y OF BASEL It is considered to be one of the best preserved old towns of Europe. The old buildings even date from 15th of century and get renovated constantly. When you are there, make sure to visit the Basel cathedral is the trademark of Basel and offers a great view over the city and the river.
BASEL ART MUSEUM One of the oldest public art collections and biggest Holbein collection in the world. Is the city's fine art museum. It is worth a visit!
JEAN TINGUELY MUSEUM The glass hall was designed by Mario Botta and houses the unique metal sculptures by Tinquely. Jean Tinguely is Switzerland’s most famous sculptor from Fribourg. There are nine different fountains in a water basin which are in constantly moving.
FLOAT THE RHINE
Photo: © Basel Tourismus
Basel has a lot to offer when it comes to sporty activities. During summer it is possible to take a cooling bath in the river Rhine. During hot summer days, during lunch time, people in Basel float down the river. The clothes can be stored in a special waterproofed bag.
FC BASEL AND TENNIS Watch a game in the stadium of the FC Basel. Or get to see a game of Basel’s most famous sports men: Roger Federer! The tennis legend plays from time to time in Basel’s tennis courts.
RECOMMENDED Restaurant Rhyschänzli If you're in the mood for a good meal, check out the Restaurant Rhyschänzli . With a beautiful atmosphere, great menu and nice wine, you're in for a treat:
bit.ly/HelloRhyschaenzli
14 WHAT'S ON
SEPTEMBER 2016 31 Aug - 4 Sept
1 Sept
1 - 17 Sept
10 Sept
Jumping national de Sion
Pride & Prejudice in the park
Fondue Chinoise à discretion
Hike through vineyards
Sion, Valais
Zurich
Arosa, Graubünden
Sierre & Salgesch, Valais
An important equestrian competition of Switzerland.
International classic artist will come together at this event.
Enjoy a Fondue chinoise menu with a beautiful view.
Enjoy local wine on the 8 km walk from Sierre to Salgesch.
bit.ly/Hellojump
bit.ly/HelloPridePrejudice
bit.ly/HelloFondueArosa
bit.ly/HelloValaisHikeWine
1 - 4 Sept
1 - 4 Sept
2 - 3 Sept
10 - 12 Sept
Gässli Film Festival
Omega European Masters
VINEA - wine saloon
Knabenschiessen
Basel
Crans-Montana, Valais
Sierre & Salgesch, Valais
Zürich
The festival shows short films by young film-makers.
Takes place in Crans-Montana a scenic golf tournament.
Attention wine lovers, your chance to try top wines.
Traditional target shooting contest, hosted since 1889.
bit.ly/HelloGassli
bit.ly/HelloOmegaEuroMas
bit.ly/HelloVinea
bit.ly/HelloKnaben
1 Sept
1 - 10 Sept
2 - 17 Sept
11 Sept
Canyoning in Viamala
Titantic - the musical
Bätie Festival
Shepherd Festival
Viamala, Graubünden
Melide, Ticino
Geneva
Zermatt
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush?
One of most famous romance stories, performed live.
During 15 days discover local and international artists.
Enjoy this traditional shepherd fest, in a traditional setting.
bit.ly/HelloRaft
bit.ly/HelloMelide
bit.ly/HelloBatie
bit.ly/HelloSheep
1 Sept - 27 Jan
1 - 10 Sept
2 - 4 Sept
17 - 18 Sept
Kadinsky & Der Blaue Reiter
Theatre festival Basel
Riverside Open Air
Marché Bio
Basel region
Basel
Aarburg, Aargau
Saignelégier, Jura
One of the most fascinating chapters in modern art.
A festival with over 170 acts from more than 10 countries.
A late summer festival – enjoy summer vibes!
The largest organic market in Switzerland.
bit.ly/HelloKadinsky
bit.ly/HelloBaselTheatre
bit.ly/HelloAaburg
bit.ly/HelloJuraBio
4 Sept
17 Sept
Expat Expo
Fajita ship
Zürich
Lucerne
Enjoy a Sunday with the English speaking!
Viva México! Enjoy a bit of Mexican culture – and fajitas!
expat-expo.info
bit.ly/HelloFajitaSchiff
9 Sept
17 Sept
B2Run
Gourmet hike
Zürich
Thurgau
Run together with your team at the Swiss enterprise run!
10km long pleasurable hike in Thurgau with tasty delights.
bit.ly/HelloB2Run
bit.ly/HelloThurHike
Fribourg
8 - 10 Sept
17 Sept
"Festibière" translates to "festival of beers" - where many the ancient beer breweries of Fribourg get together and you have the chance to taste different beers.
Autumn Wine Spectacle
St. Gallen Culinary Day
Across Switzerland
St. Gallen
Discover the best wines from the Mövenpick cellars. Cheers!
Taste, experience and enjoy: That’s the motto of the day.
bit.ly/HelloAutumnWine
bit.ly/HelloSGCulinary
03 September Festival of ancient breweries of Fribourg
bit.ly/HelloAncientBeers
RECOMMENDED
Photo: © FBAF
Art, theatre & wine
WHAT'S ON 15
21 - 24 Sept
Petruschka - Puppet theater
Golf week Flims
Lucerne
Laax, Graubünden
The puppet theater tells a story of a girl named Petruschka.
Unforgettable rounds, culinary delights, exciting tournaments.
bit.ly/HelloPuppetTheatre
bit.ly/HelloLaaxGolf
18 Oct
22 Sept - 2 Oct
Brunch in an antique train
Zurich Film Fest
Zürich
Zürich
Enjoy a scenic brunch in the Double Arrow Churchill train.
11 days of films, events and celebrity appearances in Zurich.
http://bit.ly/HelloBR
zff.com
18 Sept
23 - 25 Sept
Street Food Festival
St. Gallen Military Tattoo
Zürich
St. Gallen
Over 100 food stands and trucks from all over the world.
The St. Gallen Military Tattoo features military music.
bit.ly/HelloZHFoodFest
bit.ly/HelloSGTat
19 Sept
23 Sept
24 Sept
24 - 25 Sept
Neuroscience Discoveries & You
Evening Spa & Sauna
Museums’ night
Antique market in a garden
Basel
Bad Ragaz, Tamina Therme
Dorfstrasse 27, 6301 Zug | www.kunsthauszug.ch Tue to Fri 12 noon – 6 pm | Sat/Sun 10 am – 5 pm
September 10 to October 13
Ship of Tolerance – Ilya and Emilia Kabakov a participatory project in the public sphere ▸ shipoftolerance.kunsthauszug.ch
Kunsthaus Zug 2016
August 27 to November 20
Paris sans Fin – Cézanne to Giacometti A Collection Collage
Lausanne and Pully
Interlaken
Apply neuroscience principles Relax after a long week at the to current goals and challenges. Tamina Therme.
Discover local events and happenings in the museums.
Get the thrill of finding a bargain in a scenic area.
baselccn.org leading-brains.com
bit.ly/HelloLau
bit.ly/HelloFlohmarkt
24 Sept
29 Sept
Sightseeing Tour in Zug
Wine Festival
Zug
Wilchingen, Schaffhausen
Explore this beautiful town with a guided tour.
Enjoy a wonderful autumn day in Wilchingen vineyards.
bit.ly/HelloZugTour
bit.ly/HelloRegionalWine
24 Sept
30 Sept
Jazzbrunch
Guided walk La Schera
Basel
Zernez
Enjoy a brunch with jazzy ambience at the Volkshaus.
Enjoy this gem of a geology trail, and a great view.
bit.ly/HelloBaselJazz
bit.ly/HelloLaSchera
24 Sept
30 Sept
Tango on the Lake
Traditional Embroidery
Zürich
Appenzell
Dance the night away under a starry sky.
Learn how to embroider a traditional costume.
bit.ly/HelloTango
bit.ly/HelloEmbroidery
24 Sept
30 Sept - 9 Oct
Discover the tastes of Bulle
Foire du Valais
Bulle, Fribourg
Martigny, Valais
Discover the taste of the Gruyére region with this tour.
The most important all-round trade fair in the region.
bit.ly/HelloBulle
bit.ly/HelloValais
bit.ly/HelloSauna
Travel back to the time of the dinosaurs
Aathal, Zürich
Photo: © Saurier Museum
Kunsthaus Zug
17 - 19 Oct
CRITICS'CHOICE
Aathal's Dinosaur Museum (Saurier Museum) is the largest museum of its kind in Switzerland. Owned and funded by a Swiss palaeontologist, the museum features fossils and skeletons from its own excavations across the globe, as well as loads of other models and displays. Featuring life-size models of all your favourites – brontosaurus, stegosaurus, triceratops, velociraptor etc. to the requisite T-Rex skull, as well as dinosaur eggs and various paraphernalia, including a section on dinosaurs in Switzerland.
www.timeout.com/switzerland
16 WHAT'S ON
OCTOBER 2016 From apple queens to Oktoberfest 1 Oct
3 Oct
Apple Queen, WEGA
With the night watchman
Weinfelden, Thurgau
Basel
A beauty pageant at a regional Enjoy a period scenic tour on agriculture and trade fair. these two evenings.
bit.ly/HelloAppleQueen
bit.ly/HelloNacht
2 Oct
14 - 27 Nov
Baking roman bread
Rendezvous Bundesplatz
Augst, Basel
Bern, Bundesplatz
Bake traditional roman bread at this site close to Basel.
Stunning light show displayed on the exterior of Parliament.
bit.ly/HelloAugst
bit.ly/HelloBern
2 Oct
15 - 16 Oct
Traditional cow fights
Chestnut Festival
Geneva
Martigny Foire du Valais
Fully, Valais
Looking for a weekend get away this season? Geneva is the perfect place. From palatial suites to cheery budget hotels, Geneva is full of great places to camp out. Discover the best with Time Out's pick of the city's accommodation. Wherever you stay, Geneva’s manageable size and well-integrated public transport system mean you’re never far away from where you want to go.
CRITICS'CHOICE
bit.ly/HelloCows
bit.ly/HelloChestnuts
5 Oct
18 Oct
Expat Expo
Paris with no end
Geneva
Zug
Enjoy a Sunday with the English speaking!
A collection of renowned artists, from Giamoetti to Picasso.
expat-expo.info
www.kunsthauszug.ch
2 - 5 Oct
19 Oct
20 - 29 Oct
22 - 23 Oct
OLMA
SIS Swiss International School Open House
Swiss Indoors
Museum Schleitheimertal
Basel
Schaffhausen
The famous tennis competition, live and local in Basel.
Why go to Rome to see ruins? Antique thermal baths.
bit.ly/HelloSwissIndoors
bit.ly/HelloSchleitheim
20 - 22 Oct
26 Oct
International Rally of Valais The car race goes through the whole canton of Valais
SIS Swiss International School Open House Rotkreuz Observe lessons at all levels of education and meet the staff!
bit.ly/HelloRally
bit.ly/SISZug
22 - 23 Oct
26 Oct
Mövenpick Wine Fair Taste, and buy, wine from all over the world,
SIS Swiss International School Open House Basel Observe lessons at all levels of education and meet the staff!
bit.ly/HelloWineFair
bit.ly/SISBasel
St. Gallen
Olma is the most popular public Pfäffikon, Schwyz exposition in Switzerland. Observe lessons at all levels of education and meet the staff! bit.ly/HelloOlma
bit.ly/SISSchwyz ZÜRICH - Kongresshaus Sunday, September 4th GENEVA - Ramada Encore Sunday, October 2nd 11 AM - 5 PM
www.timeout.com/switzerland
Valais
Sihlcity, Zürich Admission Free!
Photo: © Geneva Tourism
Enjoy a traditional, and friendly, Chestnut lovers can rejoice cow fight, typical to the region. at the fall culinary delights.
A weekend getaway in Geneva
BUSINESS MINDS 17
ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE HOW DID YOU START BACKUP ONE? Backup One was founded because we were looking for an useful cloud backup solution suitable for Macintosh, Windows and Linux with a simple and web-based administration panel for our other companies, and their clients. After a while I did a diploma in business information technology while working full time. All of us, the original three founders, are still working in other companies which we own and run ourselves. Since we already had a business case, we just needed to start the company.
Photos: © Tobias Undeutsch
HOW WAS THE PROCESS OF STARTING YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DID IT EVOLVE AS IT STARTED TO RUN? Because this was not our first experience in founding a company in Switzerland, setting up Backup ONE went pretty smoothly. We knew how to deal with the commercial registration and how to do all the paper work and legal documents but we still had help from a solicitor, which is necessary to found a company in Switzerland. The main advantage about understanding the legal process of setting up a company is that we could concentrate on our business, and start to develop our product and marketing strategy. We’ve been on the market since February and launched our major marketing campaign in summer of 2016. Because our venture is so new, we cannot say we are 100% positive that our company will be a long term success, but we truly believe in what we’re doing. CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT SOME OF YOUR BUSINESS/ ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNINGS? Working at a startup is a challenging thing to do. You’ll encounter new problems every day, and learn how to deal with the challenges, and how to solve them as cheap as possible (money is always a topic in a startup)! It keeps you creative and makes everything even more interesting. Another thing is that almost every plan you made in advance has a way of working out totally different than you envisioned! But if you work hard, be flexible and creative you can do almost everything.
Name: To bias Und eutsch Nationalit y: Swiss/G erman Company: Backup O ne Sector: B usiness In formation Techn
ology
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO MIGHT LIKE TO START THEIR OWN COMPANY? If you have never started a company, I recommend that seek some help on how to do it your first time. There are professional service companies like startups.ch out there which can give you the help and advice you need. And of course try to spend as little money as possible. There will be a cheap and handy solution for most of the things if you take your time and search. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON WHERE THE INTERNATIONAL IT-BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y IS “PROJECTED” TO GO IN THE FUTURE OF SWITZERL AND? Switzerland has a bright tech start up future, and I think that there will be some highly innovative, and potentially disruptive, startups founded and located here. Some of these might become a strong competition to existing "traditional” companies, and the Swiss economy will profit if we can grow in the direction of innovation together. But Switzerland could be a lot more startup friendly, for example when it comes to the financially valuation of startups for tax purposes. If Switzerland wants to be the European startup cluster, it has to do more to be attractive to small, innovative firms. WHAT’S ONE QUIRKY THING YOU CAN SHARE ABOUT YOUR TEAM? We all love powerful cars and at the moment the car park of the founders is worth more than the whole company. But we aim to change this pretty soon.
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18 BUSINESS MINDS
LESSONS LEARNED Entrepreneurship is universal and knows no geographical boundaries. But what makes an entrepreneurial venture in Switzerland successful? Anil and Aradhna are a modern day power couple. Originally from India, their family settled in Switzerland more than 10 years ago. Together, having founded five successful companies, each authoring a book along the way, Anil Sethi, and his wife, Aradhna Sethi share their lessons learned with Hello Switzerland. BY: SAMANTHA SUAREZ-MAIER
HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER AS AN ENTREPRENEUR? Anil: My company Flisom focuses on flexible solar cell technology. The technology behind the company is 30 years old — we built Flisom around the technology and raised a bit less than CHF 100 million to bring it to the market.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO MIGHT LIKE TO START THEIR OWN COMPANY? Anil: Switzerland has some of the best technology in the world as well as good funding sources available, but you have to have a vision. My book is tailored to people who want create a tech start up, but don’t come from a tech background.
My second company, Scrona, specializes in nanoprinting. There was a need to commercialize, so we initiated a kick starter campaign focusing on the idea of taking science out of labs — we’ll build a microscope that can be used to magnify when attached to a mobile device. We were able to raise more than CHF 250,000. I also manage Swiss Extension GmbH, a company focused on advising young tech companies on funding and growth. It also advises commercial investors, and family funds, on different opportunities, so our portfolio is broad.
Aradhna: I worked as a journalist and editor both in India and in Switzerland. I was the first female Chief Editor of Swiss News. I always dreamed of being an author. My company focuses on Asian-language related work, such as translations, among other services. We focus on knowledge and expertise. Direct communication can be so totally misconstrued without a deep cultural understanding. You have to be able to read in between the lines and understand your clients’ needs.
CAN YOU SHARE ONE ESPECIALLY MEMORABLE LESSON? Anil: Getting straight to the point can be tricky. Once, at the World Economic Forum in Davos,
Photos: © Anil and Aradhna Sethi
In parallel to my businesses, I am also an Entrepreneurin-residence at ETH Zürich, teaching courses on entrepreneurship.
BUSINESS MINDS 19
I met a young man from Norway. I thought you either had to be heading a large company, or a high-potential startup, to be invited to attend WEF. He said no. Finally, on my insistence, he sheepishly said that he was representing Norway. "Because", continued Prince Haakon, "my father is the King of Norway." Take that as a lesson — you should never make assumptions! HOW TO YOU BOTH MANAGE BUSY CAREERS, AND THE PRESSURES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FAMILY AND DAILY LIFE? Anil: Commercializing a technology can be emotionally draining. Aradhna is a source of inspiration, because she balances my weaknesses. And our kids are a joy — it’s incredible to be able to organize business meetings around their lunch hour. Aradhna: For me, it’s all about open communication. I have the ability to provide Anil with an outsider’s perspective, and this helps with problem solving. In terms of finances, we work together to achieve our greater cause. I was able to continuously work
while Anil was setting up his first venture, providing us with financial stability as a bread winner. WHAT DO YOU PROJECT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SWITZERL AND’S ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNIT Y? Aradhna: From a woman's perspective – I hope to see many other women not giving up. It isn't easy being a female entrepreneur in Switzerland, especially if you aren't Swiss, and especially, if you're a mother. Anil: The international entrepreneurial community in Switzerland has to be constantly vigilant that as older technologies commoditize, there has to be a focus on commercializing new technologies to drive Switzerland's economy into the future. This is what will help us retain the quality of life of Switzerland, irrespective of whether we are Swiss or expats. This is one of the major focuses at ETH Zurich, the process of institutionalizing entrepreneurship.
TOP 5 QUICK-TIPS FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR’S WIFE The Entrepreneur’s Wife – A Survival Guide: 5 tips to surviving as an entrepreneur’s partner BY: ARADHNA SETHI
1. Be prepared for everything. Whether it’s your financial situation or your emotions, you will have to learn to soar with the highs and roll with the blows. 2. Don’t compare your life Some people may be sailing smoothly. But there are others who have difficulties in life you’d never imagined. The more you live and learn, the more you realize that you would not want to trade places with anyone else — however tough your situation may be at the moment. So chin up, and move ahead with trust in yourself and your spouse. 3. Take pride in your strength To endure and keep the communication channel open. You will have to deal with frustrations and disappointment, your own and those of your partner. Remember, you are in this situation because you chose
to support your partner in their cause. It’s a just a matter of time — until then hang on. 4. Don’t neglect yourself Make time for yourself. Meet a friend for coffee. Do what you need to do to keep your spirits high — and do it guilt free. While things are in transition, make do with small celebrations; good for you and great for your soul. 5. Be patient, steady and confident!
THE ENTRPRENEUR'S WIFE: THE SURVIVAL GUIDE Whether you're the partner of an entrepreneur, a business owner yourself, Aradhna's book is full of take-away messages and laughs! bit.ly/HelloAradhna
20 BUSINESS MINDS
NETWORKING FOR WOMEN
Business & Professional Women Club Basel: BPW Basel Anglo BY: MARNE PL ATT
There’s a new network in town for women, with more to it than meets the eye! BPW Basel Anglo is the 41st member club of BPW Switzerland, and a new member club of BPW International. This worldwide women’s network is dedicated to developing women’s professional, business and leadership potential through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world. BPW Basel Anglo was founded as a network for Basel’s international residents whose language at work is English, and who may not be comfortable enough in German to participate fully in other networks. Members are women from across Basel’s many industries and professions, and range from women just entering the work force, to experienced senior leaders and entrepreneurs. Co-President Sabine Schmelzer says, “Our members represent many countries and cultures, offering us the opportunity to practice intercultural communication at every event.”
A special program, Young BPW, helps members under 35 get their careers off to a strong start with dedicated events, trainings, and access to mentors. Co-President Cindy Piccolo says, “Supporting and guiding young women coming into leadership roles is critical to the future.” In addition, regular monthly events are open to members and non-members. Recent topics have included self-branding, working effectively with recruiters, and dealing with group politics.
MORE INFORMATION Interested in learning more or joining BPW Basel? You can go to their website and find all the information you need about membership, upcoming events and much more: www.bpw-basel-anglo.ch
e c n a D , g n i S , Act
with Simply theatre academy
The Number oNe eNglish speakiNg TheaTre school for childreN iN swiTzerlaNd
FEATURED PARTNERS 21
WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND Hello Switzerland has been simplifying relocation and settling into Switzerland since 2008 This is the Featured Partners section of the magazine. Hello Switzerland’s Featured Partners are leading Swiss companies who support you with world-class advice, services and products. A NETWORK OF EXPERTS Our Featured Partners are trusted partners whose know-how is your key to a smooth and efficient relocation and settling-in process. Hello Switzerland’s Featured Partners all provide services specifically tailored to the needs of expats and foreign residents. Enjoy service in English, French, German, and in some cases further languages.
SWISS RELOCATION HELPLINE – FREE ADVICE FROM LOCALS With our new Swiss Relocation Helpline, you’ll receive free guidance and advice from an expert adviser. We will support you and answer your questions. Should you require specific professional assistance, we will connect you with the right partner. We make sure you enjoy the best deals available. Call us at +41 58 356 17 77 for a free consultation, or chat with us online at
www.helloswitzerland.ch EXPERT SUPPORT You can count on expert support from Hello Switzerland’s Featured Partners. Whether you need to open a Swiss bank account or are looking for the right insurance policies, you’re preparing your papers for the immigration process or dealing with Swiss and homecountry taxes, you’re moving your household goods, or buying/importing a car, finding a place to live, furnishing and decorating your new home, or securing telecoms services — Hello Switzerland is here to help.
Banking services
Home & furnishing
We thank all partners warmly for their dedication, involvement and commitment to the Hello Switzerland community, and wholeheartedly recommend our Featured Partners to our readers.
Mike Tomsett Publisher & COO Hello Switzerland
mike.tomsett@helloswitzerland.ch
We wish you every success with your relocation and settling into Switzerland,
Insurance
Healthcare & medical
Tax consulting
Relocation
TV, internet & telephone
22 FINANCIAL ADVICE
TAXATION OF EXPATRIATES AND THEIR FAMILIES LIVING IN SWITZERLAND If you are a foreigner living and working in Switzerland as an expatriate, you will likely be liable to Swiss income and wealth taxes. It is important to understand how Swiss taxation affects you and your family — PwC explains. 1) SWISS TAXES
Tax rates
Who is subject to taxation in Switzerland?
Due to the progressive rates applied under Swiss tax law, family taxation may lead to a significant increase in the tax burden, particularly in cases where both spouses earn a salary. In order to reduce this negative effect of the aggregation of the income and wealth of a family, a “three-tariff” system was introduced. In addition to a singles tariff, there is a tariff for married couples, which lowers their tax burden. If there are underage children living in the same household and their maintenance is financed by the parents, a special family tariff applies at federal level. This is based on the tariff for married couples, but provides for an additional tax deduction per child.
There are two different kinds of tax liabilities: unlimited and limited tax liability. Subject to unlimited tax liability are individuals who have either the intention to permanently establish their habitual abode in Switzerland, or who have a so-called “qualified stay” in Switzerland. Habitual abode is usually where the individual is physically present with the intention of settling permanently, also known as one’s “centre of vital interests”. A qualified stay is assumed if the person either stays in Switzerland performing gainful activities for a period of at least 30 consecutive days (ignoring short absences), or at least 90 consecutive days (ignoring short absences) without performing gainful activities. Non-resident individuals with economic relations to Switzerland are subject to limited tax liability. All tax-resident individuals are taxed on their worldwide income and wealth. Non taxresident individuals are only taxed on Swiss sourced income and wealth.
When are you required to file a Swiss tax return? Essentially, if you are a foreign employee without a C permit (and not married to a Swiss citizen, or a person with a C permit) the income taxes are deducted directly from your salary each month by your Swiss employer. If your gross salary exceeds CHF 120,000 per year (CHF 500,000 in Geneva), you are required to file an annual tax return for your worldwide income and assets. This also applies in case you have additional sources of income not subject to wage withholding tax (e.g. income from securities) or assets such as Swiss real estate. The wage withholding tax is credited interest-free against the assessed tax.
2) FAMILY TAXATION IN SWITZERL AND
The concept of the economic unit Swiss income and wealth tax law defines a family as an economic unit. This means that the income and wealth of married couples is aggregated and taxed according to the principle of family taxation. The same applies to registered civil partnerships. Any income of a minor child is added to the income of the adults with the exception of the child’s earned income derived from gainful employment, which is assessed separately. This means that there is usually one tax return filed per household. In case only one spouse lives in Switzerland, only that one is liable to pay Swiss taxes on its income and wealth, however the tax rate is determined based on the aggregated income and wealth of both spouses.
3) EXPATRIATE DEDUCTIONS The law defines expatriates as foreign managers and specialists with a specific professional qualification temporarily seconded to Switzerland for a period of up to five years, i.e. the contract has to be limited in time for a maximum of five years. Expatriates may claim the deduction of additional expenses such as i) relocation costs including travel costs to and from Switzerland; ii) reasonable accommodation costs in Switzerland if the residence abroad is maintained; iii) costs for a private school in a foreign language for minor children if public schools cannot offer education in their language. Instead of identifying the actual costs for relocation and accommodation, the taxpayer may claim a monthly lump-sum deduction which may vary from canton to canton. No special deductions are allowed if the costs are borne by the employer. This special treatment ends as soon as the temporary assignment is changed into a time-unlimited contract or after 5 years of staying in Switzerland (whichever is earlier). Foreign local hires are usually not considered expatriates and cannot claim these special deductions.
For more information, simply get in touch:
Simone Heinrich Tax & Legal Services 058 792 42 65 simone.heinrich@ch.pwc.com
www.pwc.ch
I F YOU’RE EXPECTING A BUNDLE OF JOY, YOU NEED SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST. Every birth is different. That’s why we take a highly individualised approach at Hirslanden and provide numerous resources that are perfectly tailored to your needs. During the antenatal classes, you can familiarise yourself with our facilities and options and decide for yourself what you need. In Hirslanden’s calm surrounds, you’ll have a professional team by your side – from the moment you first arrive, until you head home with your new baby. www.hirslandenbaby.ch
EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST.
HIRSLANDEN A MEDICLINIC INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
What’s Good Mortgage Advice? It’s Relaxing.
The more expert your financing partner, the more you can relax as you enjoy your own home. Even if your needs are complex, our local financing experts will draw up a personalized mortgage solution for you taking account of the market. Quick and convenient, trusted and secure.
credit-suisse.com/mortgages
FINANCIAL ADVICE 25
MAKE YOUR DREAM OF OWNING YOUR OWN HOME COME TRUE Are you thinking of buying a house or apartment in Switzerland? Thanks to low mortgage interest rates, the current terms and conditions for investing in property are good. But to make your dream of owning your own home come true, you also need sufficient equity capital despite low interest rates.Another important factor when buying your own home is a long-term affordability calculation. There couldn't be a better time for realizing your dream of owning your own home. Mortgage interest rates are still very low at present. But despite low interest rates, it is essential to have sufficient equity capital to fund the purchase. To buy an owner-occupied apartment or your own house, you need to contribute at least 20 percent of the market value as equity capital. This can comprise savings and securities holdings, pension capital, life insurance, gifts, or inheritance advancements. The remainder of the required capital, no more than 80 percent, can be financed with a mortgage. In this case, it is possible to select from different products with different terms.
A LONG-TERM AFFORDABILIT Y CALCUL ATION IS ESSENTIAL In addition to complying with the lending guidelines, you need to determine whether the financing is affordable. The affordability calculation is used to ensure that you can afford the financing of your own home in the long term. This also has to take into account that mortgage interest rates will not remain at the current low level for ever. When calculating affordability, the following rule of thumb applies: For long-term financing, mortgage costs (imputed mortgage interest, repayments, and maintenance and ancillary costs for the property) should not exceed one-third of your gross income. The table on the right gives a simple sample calculation for real estate financing.
When buying your dream home, good advice is essential for making the right decisions from the outset. Please contact the Financing Experts at Credit Suisse to arrange a non-binding personal consultation at 0844 100 114. EXAMPLE: BASIC REAL ESTATE FINANCING CALCULATION Amount (in CHF) Financing
Remarkss Gross monthly income CHF 12,500
Purchase price
800,000
100%
Equity capital
160,000
20%
First mortgage
528,000
66%
Second mortgage
1 1 2,000
14%
Housing costs Annual interest costs for first mortgage (at 5%)1
26,400
Annual interest costs for second mortgage (at 5%)1
5,600
Annual repayment (calculated over 15 years)2
7,467
Depending on the type of repayment(direct or indirect) there are also different tax benefits
Annual maintenance and ancillary costs (calculated at 1% of market value)
8,000
Electricity, water, heating, insurance, property maintenance, and small repairs
Annual housing costs3
47,467
Monthly housing costs
3,956
Income Gross monthly income
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPATS
Affordability
Foreigners who wish to purchase real estate in Switzerland should be aware of the legal requirements. If you are a citizen of an EU or EFTA country or a third-country national and already rent a place to live in Switzerland, you generally need a "B EU/EFTA permit (for resident foreign nationals)" to purchase a plot of land or an existing property for your own use. If you hold a "C EU/ EFTA permit (for settled foreign nationals)" for Switzerland, you are allowed to buy more than one plot of land for residential use or real estate of any kind. For people who are not resident in Switzerland, a permit is required to purchase real estate.
Monthly mortgage charge
12,500
31,6%
Rule of thumb:no more than 33% of gross monthly income
1 This 5% is a long-term average to ensure affordability even if interest rates rise. 2 Mortgage repayment is made in whole or in part in equal, typically annual, amounts. The second mortgage involves a repayment obligations. It generally has to be repaid within 15 years, with a fixed repayment amount every month, before the borrower reaches the age of 65. 3 The annual costs for the homeowner consist of interest, repayments, and ancillary costs. They should not exceed one third of annual gross income.
You can calculate your own personal affordability with the Credit Suisse Mortgage Calculator:
credit-suisse.com/mortgages ďƒ Calculator and Checklist ďƒ Mortgage Calculator
Legal Notice: The reader acknowledges that the information provided in this publication is only intended for distribution and use by persons who are residents of Switzerland. In particular, it is not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by or for the offer or solicitation of any products or services directed to, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability, use, offer or solicitation would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or which would subject Credit Suisse to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction Credit Suisse will not treat readers of this publication as its clients by virtue of them accessing it. Readers of this publication should seek the advice of their independent financial advisor prior to taking any investment decision on the basis of any information contained herein and no information herein constitutes general or specific investment, legal, tax or accounting advice of any kind.
26 INSURANCE ADVICE
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES — DIFFERENT LAWS Starting life in a new environment is daunting in many ways. It means getting to grips with entirely new situations and challenges on both the professional and private level. Helvetia provides helpful guidance here. and saw the section on legal protection insurance. She was immediately reminded of the incident a few days earlier, when another vehicle cut in front of her at a junction. What would have happened if there had been an accident? And ... had she really had the right of way or was it perhaps the other driver who did?
SUPPORT IN LEGAL DISPUTES: PERSONAL AND MOTOR LEGAL PROTECTION Laws vary from country to country. What may be correct in the UK or Germany is not necessarily the case in Switzerland. It is impossible for laypersons to have an overview of the legal possibilities. When something happens, it is therefore important to be able to rely on a professional partner who will represent your interests and defend your legal position. A combination of personal and motor legal protection makes sense.
The insurance advisor provided good support with regard to the necessary insurance ... but initially the family only wanted to conclude the insurance policies required by law. The advisor left additional information on other suitable insurance and agreed to contact them again after a certain period of time. A few days after the advisor’s visit, Ms Henderson noticed the brochures again. She began to leaf through them
The Henderson family will receive more information about the advantages of legal protection insurance from their advisor who will help them to find the right solution for their personal situation.
Find additional information at:
www.helvetia.ch/helloswitzerland Photo: © Helvetia
For the Henderson family, moving to Switzerland was relatively problem-free. The family received support from the new company in their search for a suitable home and a school. Their new colleagues and neighbours provided useful, practical tips. The Hendersons felt welcome and at ease from day one.
Legal protection insurance doesn't just represent you in court but also offers the option of obtaining legal advice where experts inform you of the next steps and assess whether it makes sense to take the matter to court.
HOME IS where I
don’t have to hold in my tummy.
Enter our exclusive competition and you could be the lucky winner of a voucher worth CHF 1,000. pfister.ch/zuhauseist pfister.ch/monchezmoi
ARE YOU RELOCATING TO SWITZERLAND? CALL +41 58 356 17 77 Speak to your personal advisor to receive free relocation guidance on all Swiss cities.
« I just love the apartment
Packimpex found for me. I never would have found it on my own.
»
Lisa Gaynor Director in the beauty industry Currently living in Bern
Design your own relocation package starting at CHF 199 Whether you are moving to or leaving Switzerland, you can tailor your own relocation support package to suit your requirements. Before you purchase anything, you are entitled to a free web-based orientation tour of any town or city in Switzerland, including a telephone consultation with a relocation specialist. Our relocation services for private clients are offered as modules in the Hello Switzerland Relocation Store. This innovative approach lets you combine the steps you’d prefer to handle by yourself with a wide range of service modules from us and other Hello Switzerland partners. We’re redefining relocation — find out more at www.helloswitzerland.ch/store or email helpline@helloswitzerland.ch
GLOBAL MOBILIT Y 29
FINDING YOUR NEW HOME IN SWITZERLAND Packimpex explains rental properties, how to apply, how to avoid pitfalls and understanding the lease contract WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PROPERT Y
If you’re looking for a new apartment in Switzerland, securing one can be challenging and complex. Cities like Geneva, Zurich and Basel have very low availability of rental property, so competition for quality rented accommodation is intense. There are also priorities to juggle when searching for your ideal home, including your preferred location and budget.
The math of budgeting There are many dynamics to consider when searching for properties to lease. Agencies will only consider applicants whose monthly gross salary equates to a minimum of 4 times the monthly rent. If there are two earners in the family, their salaries will be combined and then considered. For ethical reasons, very high earners will not necessarily be given leases for properties with a moderate rent.
Using a specialized relocation services provider, like Packimpex, is recommended if you have little time to invest in the scanning the market or application process, and wish to maximize both time efficiency and chances of a successful housing application. Packimpex can find properties for you, arrange viewings, and review leases and assist with entry inspections.
Necessar y documents Prepare your application documents: 99 Passport copies (all adults) 99 Statement of absence of debt from your local cantonal authority (only for people who have been living in Switzerland for more than 6 months) 99 Copy of employment contract or confirmation of salary 99 Copies of work and residence permit
WHERE TO FIND HELP Which part of town is right for you? How can you get ahead of the competition and successfully secure a rental property? Packimpex offers the Hello Switzerland community special home search support, so you can secure the property you really want. From property research, to lease reviews — Packimpex supports you throughout the process with local expertise.
Start the search through local agency websites or online portals, or for more convenience hire Packimpex for property search. Visit the properties either through a scheduled visit or upon appointment with the agency/landlord. Make sure you dress business casual for viewings for a positive first impression! If you are interested, complete the lease request form. Insider Tip: Only apply to one apartment per agency!
You can call the Swiss Relocation Helpline to schedule a free consultation or book directly in the store.
More information:
www.helloswitzerland.ch/store www.helloswitzerland.ch/permanent-housing www.helloswitzerland.ch/relocation-guides
Follow up to ensure that your form has been received and is being processed. Before signing the lease, carefully review the lease terms and ensure you are clear with regards to cancellation terms and contractual obligations. If you don’t speak the local language, Packimpex can negotiate lease terms for you.
DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING YOUR DREAM HOME? For complete information about home search options, you can refer to
www.helloswitzerland.ch/helpline
or call the Swiss Relocation Helpline at
+41 58 356 17 77
for a free consultation tailored for you.
NEW
GET CONNECTED 31
MOBILE SURFING WITH THE ULTRA-HIGH SPEED SUNRISE MOBILE NETWORK ON THE WAY You're off to live in a new country. Whether you're venturing out for a new job or simply taking a gap year, mastering the local transportation is an important first step. Sunrise keeps you connected on the go.
Train, bus, tram or even boats can help you to get around in your new country. Knowing when to get out at the right train station, quickly checking the map with a geo localization app before heading to the job interview are just a few examples on how mobile data usage is important to access the information you need on the go. Customers with Sunrise Freedom relax, max and super max, as well as MTV mobile Freedom world and max surf on the very latest technology, LTE Advanced (4G+), enabling high speed data access of up to 300 Mbit/s.
KEEPS YOU CONNECTED ON THE GO Coming to a new city and settling in, mobile data usage is key for not getting lost. Useful apps such as the SBB mobile app gives you all the necessary information whilst on the go about public transport timetable details and access to real-time information on current arrival and departure times throughout your journey. You can even buy tickets on the go and subscribe to push notifications that will let you know about any delays or cancellations impacting your daily commute. The data consumption of mobile users is constantly increasing due to a growing number of data-intensive apps and the “always online” user behavior. Sunrise fulfills the growing demand for mobile data by continuously expanding its LTE (4G+) network. The mobile network of Sunrise, which was awarded a rating of “very good” by the independent
magazine connect, supports the requirements of customers completely. With LTE Advanced, even more benefits of LTE (4G+) networks can be experienced: reaction times when surfing are improved, even when significantly more customers are surfing with mobile Internet access at the same time, without any reductions in speed.
ENJOY UNLIMITED SURFING WITH 4G+ Sunrise Freedom super max, max and relax subscriptions now enjoy unlimited surfing with LTE Advanced. For example Sunrise Freedom relax allows unlimited surfing with 4G+ speeds with a flat rate for as little as CHF 65 /month. It’s important not to worr y about the costs of mobile data.
www.sunrise.ch
32 SAFE TRAVELS
8 REASONS TO JOIN TCS Peace of mind on the road BY: PHILIPPE AEBISCHER OF TCS
With over 1.5 million members, you can trust Switzerland’s #1 breakdown assistance. Driving a car in a new country requires good planning. As a Touring Club of Switzerland (TCS) member, you can depend on 24/7 breakdown assistance and roadside recovery, 365 days a year, rain or snow or shine. With over 620 roadside patrols and partner garages, you can be sure that you’re covered in the case of a roadside emergency. Your membership protects you in any vehicle you drive, both cars and motorbikes, and comes with many advantages:
1. 2. 3. 4.
QUICK RESPONSE & 24HR BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE TCS patrols are there for you 24/7, all year round, with an average waiting time of 35 minutes. SAFE TRAVELS GUARANTEED In 8 out of 10 breakdowns your vehicle will be repaired on the spot. If your vehicle cannot be repaired straight away, we will arrange for a comfortable onward journey. PROTECTION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY With TCS, you don’t need to worry about your family members driving your vehicle. Family members in your household can get coverage for driving a vehicle registered to the policyholder. EXPERIENCED PATROL TEAMS 220 patrol members handle around 280,000 assignments every year. They know what they’re doing!
5. 6. 7.
8.
Become a TCS member: www.helloswitzerland.ch/tcs
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE No matter the make, engine type, of your vehicle, our experts know how to get you back on the road. PEACE OF MIND Did you lock your key in the car? Have you run out of petrol? There’s no need to worry about these little problems — the TCS patrol will come to your rescue (even if you might be at fault). SPECIAL MEMBER OFFERS Members enjoy special discounts: - Discount of up to 25% on cable cars and mountain railways - 2.5 cent savings per liter of fuel at BP - 2% fuel discount at Tamoil - Save up to CHF 100 at Adam Touring and Premio when purchasing four tires SERVICES Before you leave on a road trip, or at the onset of winter, your vehicle will be checked by experts at one of 19 TCS technical centers at a favorable membership price.
DO YOU NEED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE? For complete information about your roadside assistance options, you can refer to
www.helloswitzerland.ch/tcs
or call the Swiss Relocation Helpline at
+41 58 356 17 77
for a free consultation tailored for you.
DISCOVER SWITZERL AND AND 33 33 DISCOVER SWITZERL
A child's dream – a chocolate buffet
CHOCOLATE TEMPTATIONS Experience a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience at the Maison Callier BY: MARINA MOELLER
The mouth-watering aroma of fine chocolate fills the room: freshly made classic milk bars and exotic pieces, dark and white samples, multi-flavored and pralines create a feast for the senses. And we can savor them all! Our Cailler adventure was so otherworldly that my children beg us to go back on a regular basis and even my hard-to-impress Swiss husband was captivated by all we discovered and tasted. After nine or ten different pieces had melted in my mouth I did get rather nauseous, so self-restraint is recommended.
Photo: © Maison Cailler
But you don’t have to be a chocoholic to enjoy: the Maison Cailler official tour includes curious bits of history, geography, manufacturing and theatrical presentations…There’s something new to explore for everyone. The modern chocolate industry was born near Vevey with the development of solid chocolate bars by Francois Louis Cailler, who set up the first Swiss chocolate factory in 1819. His development of a smooth chocolate that could be formed into bars became a worldwide sensation, as chocolate had existed exclusively in liquid form before Cailler’s innovation. In 1875, Cailler’s son-in-law Daniel Peter had the idea of combining the chocolate with his neighbor Henry Nestlé’s condensed milk. The introduction of milk chocolate spread rapidly. In 1929, Cailler
became a brand of the Nestlé group. Today, the original Cailler factory building hosts the headquarters of the brand. The complete production process: from bean to bar takes place locally. Curiously, Cailler produces the only Swiss chocolate still made with freshly condensed milk from the alpine region, while all other large chocolate manufacturers use powdered milk. The Maison Cailler innovative visitor center opened in 2010. Guests can take part in an animated theatrical show about the history of chocolate, experience first-hand every stage in the Cailler chocolate production process. It's a uniquely entertaining and interactive way to discover the chocolate manufacturing process, history, recipes and people that made Cailler chocolate legendary. Maison Cailler is indeed a delectable chocolate dream!
GET TING THERE AND BACK Maison Callier is located in Broc, Fribourg. Easily acceible by car or train from Geneva (90 min), Fribourg (30 min) and Bern (50 min). It is open seven days a week. Admission prices are CHF 12 for adults and free for children under 16. This price includes museum admission and all-you-can-taste chocolate buffet. For more information and details to plan your trip, you can visit: bit.ly/HelloCallier
34 DISCOVER SWITZERL AND
FISHING IN BERN: NAVIGATING THROUGH THE REGULATIONS Unforgettable fishing experiences in Switzerland BY: OLIVER STREULI
GELMERSEE Take Europe’s steepest Funicular up to the beautiful Gelmersee, populated primarily with Lake Trout (Namaycush) but also plenty of trout and char to tempt the hiking angler.
ENGSTLENSEE A beautiful high alpine lake stocked with rainbow trout and lake trout (Namaycush). Just this past winter, an angler caught Switzerland’s largest Namaycush here while ice fishing, over a meter long.
AARE The stretch from the Grimselpass all the way down to Büren an der Aare offers fishing in a fast moving alpine river setting with plenty of healthy brown trout and grayling.
Regulations may vary from different bodies of water, but the most important rules to know are as follows: Licenses are available in Canton Bern for CHF 28 (CHF 17 for ages 16 and under) and weekly permits cost CHF 85 for adults, and CHF 28 for children up to age 16. Monthly and annual permits are available for anglers in possession of SaNa permit, obtained after a short class and written test. Contrary to popular belief, catch and release is not banned in Switzerland. Fishing with the intent to do so however, is not allowed. All undersized and protected fish must be released carefully and immediately back into the water, and non-targeted species may be released. While barbed hooks are allowed in certain situations, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Buy barbless hooks and lures, or pinch down the barbs on hooks with a pair of forceps. Using live fish as bait is also not allowed. It is possible to fish on the Bielersee, Brienzersee and the Thunersee for free, provided you use a single rod with a single hook, and no living or dead baitfish. (See link at the end of the article for more information about relevant seasons and size limits).
Photos: © Oliver Streuli
Fishing in Switzerland is, like many other things here, quite heavily regulated. Fishers used to the ease of fishing in the U.S. or Canada can expect a rude awakening, but with a little preparation. Switzerland can provide unforgettable fishing experiences in an unmatched alpine setting Every canton has different laws, so we’ll focus on the canton of Bern. It offers a nice mix of scenic river and lake fishing. Here’s a small sample of some public waters:
DISCOVER SWITZERL AND 35
Hopefully this is enough to whet the angler’s appetite when it comes to fishing in Bern. There’s plenty more to discover, and plenty more rules to read, which is why Oliver Streuli and Mark Kleimann started Firebelly Fly Fishing with the goal of making fly fishing more accessible for foreigners and visitors to Switzerland. Firebelly offers monthly meetups, fly tying and fly fi shing courses, weekend excursions, SaNa courses and tests in English, and more. Oliver will be taking a small group into the Bernese Alps for an alpine fly fishing and hiking trip over the weekend of September 16-18th, and on the 15th of November, there will be an Orvis-sponsored fly fishing film festival in Freienstein, Zürich, complete with gear giveaways, fly rod demos, local microbrews, a screening of "A River Runs Through It", and more.
Trout in the Bernese Oberland
Hotel Urweider is a small hotel and restaurant nestled in picturesque Innertkirchen. It serves as a great base of operations for a few days of fi shing and the manager is a passionate fly fisherman who’s always happy to offer some local and current tips.
FOR MORE INFORMATION More information and events at www.firebelly.ch Bernese regulations, bodies of water and more are available at www.be.ch/fischerei
You may brush up on your climbing skills too
Oliver in his natural habitat
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Oliver Streuli moved to Switzerland in 2005 and lives in a small village outside Zürich with his wife and twochildren. He has been fly fishing for 20 years, has been giving English SaNa courses since 2013 and started Firebelly in 2015 with his partner, Mark Kleimann.
International School of Schaffhausen We keep your child motivated, curious and eager to learn according to our motto:
«Each mind has its own method» We are an authorized IB World School offering the three International Baccalaureate Programmes, including a Child Care Centre and a Boarding Programme.
International School of Schaffhausen www.issh.ch
Why choose ISBerne? • O ur ISA test scores place ISBerne in the top tier of schools around the world. • Happy students – 96% of our students enjoy school. • H appy parents – our families appreciate and contribute to a strong, supportive parent community. • New campus opening in early 2017. • Accreditation by IB, CIS & NEASC. • E asy access – both current and future campuses are easy to get to by train, car or tram. Bussing can be made available for groups in Fribourg, Neuchâtel, or Solothurn. For more information visit our website at www.isberne.ch. For questions, please call us at +41(0)31 951 23 58.
EDUCATION 37
THE CHALLENGES OF 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION: DEVELOPING THE COMPETENCIES OF TOMORROW PROVIDED BY: SIS SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
For many children in Switzerland, the past weeks presented a major milestone in their young lives: the first day of school. Some of them may end up working in jobs that do not even exist yet. KEEPING UP WITH THE WORLD In an increasingly interconnected world where science and technology are advancing at an unprecedented pace, it is a school’s responsibility to equip students with competencies that will enable them to successfully face the challenges of tomorrow. In addition to a good working knowledge of different languages, especially this century’s lingua franca English, a profound understanding of scientific processes as well as of information and communication technology can be expected to become even more important over the next few decades. In order to cater to the changing needs of society, at SIS Swiss International School we have developed our own curricula for reading, writing, science and - as of next academic year - ICT. The SIS Curricula combine all relevant information from both the Swiss and British curricula and define important content and key competencies for all levels of education in German and English.
NURTURING NATURAL CURIOSIT Y As every adult who has ever been confronted with unprompted and apparently simple questions such as “Why is grass green?”
and thus deepen the children’s understanding of important subject matter and of what working scientifically entails. Students are given time to observe, make assumptions or predictions and draw their own conclusions about the texts, natural phenomena or digital data they encounter in class or in their daily lives. Step by step, children learn new ways and methods to acquire knowledge independently and to put their skills into practice. Equally importantly, they also develop faith in their own abilities.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IN TWO L ANGUAGES According to SIS policy, fifty percent of the lessons in one subject are held by a native speaker of English and the other fifty percent by a native speaker of German. As a result, students acquire subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary in two languages, they are able to transfer important concepts, skills and competencies from their mother tongue to their second language and, on top of that, they are presented with various methods and techniques from different teaching and learning cultures. Furthermore, bilingual teaching at SIS encourages the development of critical-analytical competencies such as close reading skills, methodological thinking and systematic problem solving. These important interdisciplinary skills and strategies can then be fruitfully applied to other areas in life and assist the children on their path of becoming independent and open-minded adults.
TACKLING THE UNKNOWN Today’s world requires people to be continuous and autonomous learners. Our environment is changing fast, and while we may not be able to predict the exact nature of the tasks and situations our children will need to deal with in the future, we can provide them with a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding as well as the necessary skills and competencies to adapt to new circumstances. As a school, it is our aim to equip our students with the tools, ability and confidence to tackle tomorrow’s problems in a systematic and innovative way. After all, you do not need to be given all the answers as long as you are able to come up with your own.
or “How do lamps work?” can attest to, children possess an inherent thirst for knowledge and acute observational skills. It is this natural curiosity that the bilingual curricula and teaching at SIS draw on: teachers present students with appropriate challenges, they encourage them to ask questions and to explore
38 EDUCATION
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL Providing the best available education for their child is every parent’s aspiration Daniel Ng, a teacher with experience in international, bilingual schools across the UK and Switzerland, shares his perspective on what elements are both familiar and different from back home. BY: DANIEL NG
Editor’s note: This article is a general overview of local Swiss German educational choices, and international/bilingual education. There are many variables in Switzerland’s public education system which differs on a cantonal/regional basis.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL: WHAT’S YOUR SITUATION? Being well informed prior to the move will definitely pay dividends and aid a relocating child to settle in smoothly. In today’s age of technology parents are able to conduct thorough research online, contact potential schools – often school websites offer virtual tours – as well as seek advice from contacts that are already located in the country.
LOCAL EDUCATION To the newly arrived expat the way that Switzerland’s education is organised can appear to be complex, with the system involving separations between the different stages as well as clear segregations based on ability during the secondary school years. While some – particularly those with Anglo-Saxon backgrounds – may criticise the Swiss system for being rigorous and performance-driven, it can be a somewhat misunderstood system due to its complexities, which in return do provide more opportunities than one may at first believe. Educational matters including the curriculum are regulated at federal level in Switzerland. Not too long ago each of the 26 cantons had a different curriculum. More efforts have been made in the past decade to standardise the curriculum and allow for easier transferability within the country. The ‘Lehrplan 21’ – a curriculum used by numerous Germanspeaking cantons – is the flagship result of these efforts. It is important to note that this regional policy is not a federal plan. The mandatory age for school entry is four years old. At this age, children start attending a Kindergarten programme that consists of two years, with more afternoons off in the first year. The prime objectives of the Kindergarten years are to develop social competences and prepare children for the academic curriculum that they will encounter during their primary years. This differs greatly to other education systems such as the United Kingdom or the United States, where children at that age are expected to begin to develop an understanding of letters and numbers.
At the age of six children normally attend Grade 1 where a prime focus is the understanding and applying of letters and numbers. The curriculum then ascends in rigour as the students’ progress through their primary years with an additional language – often English or another national language – being added in Grade 5. A particular strength of the Swiss system appears to be in the area of Mathematics – particularly in the area of mental arithmetic – which is fostered at a young age. This strength is also mirrored by Switzerland’s PISA results, which boast above-average Mathematics competences. Families who are accustomed to international school curricula or a curriculum of an Englishspeaking country may be surprised by the level of mental arithmetic that is expected at a young age, while units such as fractions and data handling are – perhaps also surprisingly – topics discussed at secondary level. The final two years of primary school often tend to be laden with pressure and anxiety as performance is monitored closely by teachers who must determine and place a recommendation as to which upper school path their students will follow. The main differentiation between the upper school paths tend to lie in whether a child attends the ‘Gymnasium’ – a preparatory path that leads to the ‘Matura’ qualification that is equivalent to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A Levels – or whether a child follows the secondary school path. The ‘Gymnasium’ path will allow students to directly apply for a place at a university providing they successfully complete their examinations. The secondary school path is further segregated into A, B and C, with students placed in the A path being academically stronger and being able to upgrade to ‘Gymnasium’ level should their performance reflect potential by the end of Grade 9. Students who do not upgrade to ‘Gymnasium’ level generally enter apprenticeship programmes at the age of 16. These generally encompass a four-year programme that combines attending relevant educational instruction for at least two days out of five with the remaining days spent in an organisation relevant to the sector selected. In Switzerland the majority of students qualify through apprenticeship programmes as opposed to university, which may be something that parents relocating from other countries should be aware of. Switzerland is proud of its apprenticeship programmes that allow for a highly specialised and well-qualified workforce across the board and qualifications range from tradesmen to bankers.
EDUCATION 39
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION In contrast to local schools international schools offer a more global education to families who are internationally mobile, enabling a smoother transition in terms of curriculum. These schools generally instruct in English. The Swiss Group of International Schools presently boasts 44 member schools – a large amount for a small country. Clearly the fact that English – although widely spoken – is not one of the national languages largely triggered this high presence of international schools. The proportionally large number of international families who relocate to Switzerland due to professional reasons and the demand created through it may be further source that account for this.
DO YOU NEED EXPERT GUIDANCE ON YOUR EDUCATION OPTIONS? For a consultation tailored to your family's needs, you can call the Swiss Relocation Helpline at
+41 58 356 17 77 or visit
www.helloswitzerland.ch/education have shortlisted the schools that appear to be of interest it may be worthwhile investigating whether the individual schools are run as non-profit organisations – where all of the tuition fee revenues are reinvested into the school – or whether the school operates as a for-profit organisation, as this may not always be apparent based on the fees charged. Most international schools stagger their fee schedule based on a child’s age, however, these typically range between CHF 20,000 and CHF 30,000 – excluding additional fees – for students of primary level.
BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Parents who seek to provide their child with an international school education should thoroughly research the different schools present in their desired location. As international schools operate independently there are often differences in the offerings of these schools and their quality and reputation. Large schools, which have been established for decades, are often accredited through a variety of bodies such as the Council of International Schools as well as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Many of these schools are IB World Schools and are chosen by parents who envisage being based in Switzerland for several years before relocating again. Parents who enrol their child at an international school often enjoy the additional services such as a large offering of extracurricular activities and a sense of community due to the events organised by school. Large international schools furthermore provide excellent networking opportunities with other internationally mobile families. Many schools now offer Early Years options – some of which start as early as Baby Care – right through to a leaver’s qualification that leads up to higher education. This is particularly beneficial to families who have several children of different ages. A further aspect that greatly differs to the local system is that most international schools are day schools where the students also eat lunch. In contrast to local schools students of international schools generally attend school five days a week as opposed to four and a half, with Wednesday afternoons by and large also involving instructions. Once parents
Alternatives to the classic international schools are the increasingly popular bilingual schools, many of which have been founded over the past decade or two. Bilingual schools typically offer a balanced instruction in English and the country’s host language – German, French or Italian – and follow their own curriculum that is usually a hybrid between the local Swiss curriculum and selected international curricula. Staff at bilingual schools tends to be international, although most schools require their teachers to be native speakers of the language they instruct in. Bilingual schools cater to expatriate families who seek an international education for their child – maintaining the English language at native level – while at the same time exposing their child to the local culture and challenging them to acquire the host country’s language at native or near-native level. Bilingual schools are also popular amongst local families who wish to equip their child with native or near-native level English proficiency in an international environment while at the same time maintaining and developing their native language. While there is a large choice when it comes to bilingual schools, careful research to ensure the right fit may be necessary, again bearing in mind that there can be differences in terms of quality. As balancing two languages and their culture in addition to aspiring to be internationally minded can portray challenges, some bilingual schools may have a more local and some a more international vibe. While most bilingual schools offer education at primary level there are considerably less bilingual secondary schools, although most offer transition opportunities or partner up with institutions that allow for a smooth transition to take place. Many larger bilingual schools offer extracurricular activities similar to classic international schools; however, parents should take note that the holiday schedules often follow the local school calendar.
40 EDUCATION
RELOCATING WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN A mother of two reflects on the importance of enrolling children from “globalized families” in international schools PROVIDED BY: THE INTER-COMMUNITY SCHOOL ZURICH, ARTICLE BY: LUDMIL A MITUL A-KOWALCZYK
If you plan to relocate and want your children to love their new school from the very first day, then an international school is what you need. I believe that finding the right school is even more important than finding adequate housing or signing a good employment contract. Our family has been on the move for the past 16 years and to be honest, without international schools our lives would have been a disaster. Children who are unhappy at school can influence your entire family’s sense of well-being.
My inquisitive daughter works on her projects and presentations by searching for information online instead of learning from just one textbook. International schools are perfect for open-minded students (and their parents) striving to take advantage of an education that will open up endless possibilities in life. The International Baccalaureate program offered is important because it gives children the framework to study - and later to work - anywhere in the world.
After we enrolled my daughter at her international school in Switzerland, she received an email every few days from her “student ambassador”. At first she was too shy to ask for help, but that changed quickly when all her questions were answered informally from student to student.
Everything I like best about being part of a multicultural community can be found at an international school. I love seeing my children interacting with friends who come from different continents and backgrounds. That’s why I believe that the Inter-Community School Zurich was the best choice for my children. The ICS mix is vibrant, colourful, unique and happy, and the students are self-confident, smart and curious. My children truly enjoy being part of the InterCommunity School Zurich family and as a parent, I’m excited to see what their future holds.
Relocated parents can get help, too. When we arrived, I connected with the international school’s home country representative, who surprisingly turned out to be an old friend! I love the clubs for mothers and socializing helped me enormously at the beginning. Instead of seeing a psychologist, I went on one of the most breathtaking trails in the Swiss Alps with the hiking club and I felt like I had gone to heaven! For people like us, who relocate often but still want our children to grow up in a supportive educational environment, international schools are a must. It’s worth doing all you can to insure that your child has the opportunity to learn and thrive at an international school. And these schools are not only known for their excellent academic programmes, but for an abundance of extracurricular activities as well. Because international schools are committed to helping each student fulfil their unique potential, children can continue to develop interests they already have and discover new ones. I’ve already seen some positive changes in both of my children. My son, who is six, comes home alone now and seems to be more independent every day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mila, an expatriate from Poland is a parent at the InterCommunity School Zurich. As an active and enthusiastic member of the ICS Parents’ Association, she participates in many of the clubs and activities available. She enjoys writing, spending time with her family and discovering new and exciting places within Switzerland.
ICS Inter-Community School Zurich Strubenacher 3 8126 Zumikon contact@icsz.ch
www.icsz.ch
DISCOVER SWITZERL AND 41
GENEVA: WHERE TO GET PAMPERED Here are three unique places that are a must-see for someone seeking to pamper themselves in Geneva, or anyone looking for a special pampering experience! BY: BHATUPE MHANGO-CHIPANTA
FARGANCE: MAKING PERFECT SCENTS Tucked away at the far right end of the cobble-stone Rue Neuve-du-Molard, very close to Geneva’s famous Place du Molard is the one of the cutest, daintiest fragrance boutique you’ll ever see: Fargance. You will find beauty products with effusive notes of petals and fruits that will brighten up any day of the week. Although it is a mere 20 m2 surface, it contains and offers a very unique product: a chance to experience exotic, fairly unknown fragrance brands from around the world at affordable prices. At present Fargance is serving as the sole distributor for a luxurious, all natural collection of skincare and body care items by the Moroccan label, “Les sens de Marrakech”. With an elegant design, an eco-friendly packaging and the most heavenly floral scents imaginable, like orange blossom, prickly pears oils, mango and jasmine, and a buttery composition to most of its lotions, one would expect this treat from the top part of Africa to be reserved for royalty or the glitzy tourists that frequent Geneva. But the owner of Fargance is keen on ensuring that the products remain fairly attainable by most residents in Geneva. In fact, one of their perfume bottles is designed
in such a way as to reduce the consumer’s costs, with a metallic, decorative hat and base that the buyer can use many times. These products are made entirely by hand by a local community in Marrakech, contain no parabens (common preservatives found in most cosmetics) and are organic. This is something remarkable, Fargance general manager and founder, Ms. Christelle R o l a n d s a y s — es pe c i a l l y amongst the Swiss German part of the countr y that appreciates artisanal, allnatural production. What’s not to love? It all makes such perfect scents!
The Bain Blue Hamman & Spa
LEMONGRASSE HOUSE Lovers of beautiful fragrance products will appreciate Lemongrasse House, Geneva. Easy to find at 15, Rue Du Lac — it’s located only metres away from Geneva’s Jet D’eau. The idea began in Thailand; but now, Lemongrasse Spa has now grown to become a brand that is stocked at top hotels and spas around the world, including the Four Seasons chain. The company is focused on delivering fresh, handmade skin, body care and aromatic products.
Photos: © Fargance, Geneva © Geneva Tourism
BAIN BLUE, GENEVA With over 350 m2 of aquatic facilities, the Bain Blue in Geneva is an oasis in the city. The rooftop pool is especially enjoyable, with scenic vistas of the mountains and lake. They offer many spa services, including a relaxing "Rituals of the Hammam" package. If you're looking for a relaxing couple's weekend, they have a special package ideal for romantic relaxation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bhatupe is a writer and an artisanal fragrance designer. She’s currently working on her first signature scent and in her spare time wanders the streets of Geneva, Rive and Versoix, in search of lifestyle gems. Fargance in Geneva
Follow her on Instagram @babybhatupe
42 DISCOVER SWITZERL AND
MANGO & PUMPKIN SOUP Therese, the Norwegian Hausfrau, shares her favorite soup recipe for when the days start to turn crisp. BY: THERESE MOSER-RØNNING
WAYS TO SERVE Serve with fresh nut bread, pumpkin seeds and/or croutons. Vary your decoration with swirling a little cream or crème fraîche around on top. I prefer to use Hawaiian salt, also called alaea salt, which is a natural, unprocessed sea salt, notable for its dark pinkish colour. If you do not have this, Maldon salt or another flaky type will do just fine. You can replace half of the water in this recipe with coconut milk to get a creamier soup. Also very delicious!
*This recipe serves 2 people
THERESE'S TIP THIS IS WHAT YOU DO Heat up a soup pot with a tbsp. of nut oil and add the chopped onion and garlic. Let this turn golden before adding diced (cubed) pumpkin. If you precook the pumpkin it will all go a little quicker.
The mild Annapurna curry is just great for this soup because it has a little cinnamon in it. If you don`t have Annapurna, regular curry spice will work fine and if you like, add pinch of cinnamon spice in the soup.
Photo: © Therese Moser-Rønning
WHAT YOU NEED* ½ ripe mango 200 g pumpkin, butternut ½ red onion, chopped into small pieces Nut oil for pan 1 clove of garlic Ca. 400 ml water 1 topped tbsp. broth-powder, chicken or vegetable 2 dl white wine (can be skipped, but will add an extra good aroma) 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme 3 teaspoons curry powder Salt & pepper & sugar, to taste – one pinch at the time
Now pour in the white wine and let it all simmer at medium heat till the white wine is just about gone Then add half of the water and the broth powder. Stir it all well together. When the pumpkin is tender, you add the sliced mango. Add the rest of the water and the chopped thyme and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Pour it all into a blender (or use a handblender directly in the pan) and blend until smooth. Put the blended mixture back in the pot. You can rinse the pot first out if you have bits and pieces of ingredients left. Add a little extra water if you find the soup too thick. Now it's seasoning time! Add the curry, salt and pepper. Make sure you taste it and keep adding until you reach your desired taste. If it is too salty or too spicy you can add a little nut oil or sugar to balance it out.
Enjoy a warming bowl on a chilly day
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Therese has been living in Switzerland for the past 10 years with her Swiss husband and family. Her favorite place in the home is kitchen. You can find more recipes on her culinary blog: thenorwegianhausfrau.com
DISCOVER SWITZERL AND 43
THE RELOCATION QUESTION Sunita shares her tips for successfully integrating into Switzerland, both in personal and personal life, with the Hello Switzerland. BY: SAMANTHA SUAREZ-MAIER
Sunita Sehmi of Walk the Talk, has lived in Switzerland since 1992. Having worked on literally every continent, Sunita has developed expertise in multicultural communication and a deep understanding of intercultural dynamics in globalized work environments. From handling an international move, to those seeking to enter the work force in Switzerland, Sunita is happy to share her expertise and knowledge . WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE TIP TO SUCCESSFULLY HANDLING AN INTERNATIONAL MOVE? When I moved to Geneva, I faced one big challenge: I spoke no French. As the daughter of Indian immigrants in the UK, I understand how important adaption and integration is for becoming comfortable in a new environment. I began to learn French, and took my move as an opportunity to reinvent myself. I started a new career teaching Business English, transitioned into a managerial role — and then realized that I truly love developing people. That is where Walk the Talk began.
"Embrace the differences, and try to embrace your new values. Force yourself to seek out new connections... Don’t hesitate to try new things.”
Photo: © Sunita Sehmi
Even though I moved to Switzerland in 1992 — I believe that the challenges have stayed roughly the same. Technology might make it a bit easier to stay in contact with loved ones back home, but the feeling of starting over from scratch in your career, especially for accompanying spouses, can be quite overwhelming. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR NUMBER ONE TIP TO SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE IN YOUR NEW ENVIRONMENT? Don’t deny the differences between your home and your new environment. If I had to give one important tip, it would be to embrace the differences, and try to embrace your new values. Force yourself to seek out new connections, join networking events, enroll in a language course, take
advantage of English speaking adult courses in your region (many are offered at local universities at no charge) — and try to make the best of your opportunity. Don't hesitate to try new things. Also, gather all the information and be as informed as possible about your environment. Even if you know that you’ll only be in Switzerland for a short term stay, don’t play a waiting game — maximize your stay! ANY TIPS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING A NEW CAREER IN SWITZERLAND? One of the first things I recommend even prior to market research and approaching the job market is to do a professional and personal assessment. By this I mean writing down and examining your aptitudes, ideals and attitudes about your move and where you would like to be ideally. Make your CV specific to your context. I advise clients to always revamp their resume according to their new or upcoming cultural context. The crucial factor to success is to make sure you present your skills and experience in the most effective and culturally appropriate manner. For example, in Switzerland recruiters do like to see a photo on CVs — this is definitely not the case for the USA. If you have many questions about cultural norms, it could be worth hiring a knowledgeable and experienced career coach to help you create a winning CV and one that is appropriate for the local market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sunita is the founder of Walk the Talk and is an executive coach. She offers career coaching and consults on emotional Intelligence, cross cultural communication and leadership development. For more information, see her website: walkthetalk.ch
44 YOUR WORDS
THE LONG GOODBYE BY: MARTIN HIRSCH
And now begins The Long Goodbye Bathing in the beauty of our Basel balcony I relax with the soundtrack of our land lady’s fountain And chirping birds Contemplating this morning’s phone call From you in New York Painting the picture of our lives ahead As each of us composes The next refrain In the symphony of our remarkable marriage Now begins the creation of The you you want to be The I I want to be The we we want to be The joy we both feel bubbling From the wellspring of the imperfect union That spawned our perfect pairing
Now begins the pecking of our twin beaks Tapping tiny cracks in the egg Conceived at the Dish of Salt in the spring of ‘91 Or earlier yet at a chance meeting on 57th Street When our eyes met in passing And our fates joined In a small apartment in Chelsea overlooking The Great Blue Hudson Now begins the best part The part we could only imagine would emerge From all the struggles and uncertainties The part I never knew would come But you in your boundless strength and will Are making real as you always have Now begins The Long Goodbye The garden path from all that was to all that will be
LISTEN TO THE RHYTHM OF LIFE
RECYCLING IN SWITZERL AND
BY: SIGAL
BY: E. BARTH
Listen to the rhythm of life, Learn to sing the song of birds, of flowers growing blooming Wilting dying, the destiny of an eternity Of movement Recycling a record playing the craft of karma moving everyone And everything
Whether you see or hear or feel, Whether you fear or you allow life near, If you listen You will hear the melody And maybe comprehend both the melancholy and the happy, And the silence of words.
SHARE YOUR WORDS Do you have a creative mind? Share your creative work with Hello Switzerland.Send your work by email to
samantha.suarez-maier@helloswitzerland.ch
Illustration: © E. Barth
Illustration: © Randall Barriga
Now begins the setting down Of the design and architecture The colors and accoutrements of happiness The foundation of the transatlantic bridge
Connecting our past with our future Now begins The Great Circling Back The end of our long exile from New York The initiation of our bicontinental period The rumbling before The Big Bang That will give birth to our new universe
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46 THE L AST WORD
CANCER SUPPORT IN GENEVA VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CANCER ASSOCIATION
BY: PATSY MORGENSTERN OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CANCER ASSOCATION
Serving the entire Swiss Romande, ESCA, the English Speaking Cancer Association, offers emotional support and practical aid — in English — to cancer patients and their loved ones. Trained volunteers, many of whom have been directly affected by cancer, are at the heart of the organization. ESCA’s volunteer coordinator Leanne describes the group as a small business run by volunteers. She is in charge of their training and placement. Besides fundraising, outreach, external communications and manning the Drop-In Centre, volunteers also represent ESCA in the community by participating in panel discussions, making presentations to medical and non-medical groups, and staffing stalls at conferences and events.
An energetic, mother of three, Leanne trained as a nurse in her native New Zealand before taking off on a multi-year global adventure. Always involved in a caring profession she nursed on the Arctic Circle, was a Red Cross volunteer in the Middle East and a medical coordinator for Medecins sans Frontieres in the former Yugoslavia. Her work has also led her to Israel, Africa, Iraq, Canada, the USA, and Holland. She now works fulltime for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
An additionally-trained group of volunteers become peer supporters, offering an empathetic ear to clients undergoing the demands of cancer treatment as well as aiding others recently bereaved. Running errands, driving to appointments, shopping and walking the dog are among the many ways peer supporters offer practical help.
“Our volunteers are committed. They are motivated by a need to help others.”
Leanne got hooked on ESCA when she paddled for cancer in the 2011 Dragonboat races. The group’s determination to support ESCA’s purpose and still have fun impressed her. She began her dry land involvement with visits to the Drop-In Centre where volunteers handle administrative tasks, manage the dedicated lending library of 300 volumes, keep the specific cancer brochures up-to-date, and maintain lists of professionals and other organizations which support — in English — cancer patients and their loved ones. Noting the diverse nationalities and backgrounds of the volunteers she met, she immediately felt connections because she had lived and worked in many of their own homelands.
ESCA's an
nual Drag
onboat ra
ce
ARE YOU INSPIRED? GET INVOLVED www.cancersupport.ch
Photos: © Paddle for cancer
The value and professional delivery of all ESCA’s services have been acknowledged by the area medical community through collaborations with the HUG (Hôpital Universitaire de Genève) and CHUV (Centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois).
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