Facts about Expats in Switzerland

Expat Insider is one of the largest surveys worldwide offering an in-depth analysis of Expat life across the globe. More than 12,500 respondents representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries or territories answered InterNations' questions, providing unique insights into what it means to be an Expat in 2017.

Expats in Switzerland appreciate the excellent quality of life, while struggling with a distant local population and high expenses.

Nearly half of Expats working in Switzerland can be found in finance or IT (14% each), healthcare (11%), or manufacturing and engineering (10%). Incomes in Switzerland are higher than they would be back home. In Switzerland, an impressive 57% report an annual gross household income of over 100,000 CHF, with 14% even having 200,000 CHF or more at their disposal; these results are nearly three times the global average of 21% and 5% respectively.

In contrast, the country ranks second to last in the Cost of Living Index, with close to three-quarters (73%) rating this factor negatively. “The cost of living is very high, even when considering the high income”, one respondent complains. The majority of Expats also gives the affordability of housing (67%), healthcare (50%), and childcare (71% of parents) a negative rating.

The quality of life in Switzerland seems to make up for such high living expenses. The country ranks 8th in this index and scores especially well when it comes to safety and transportation.

Not one single respondent perceived personal safety as a potential drawback prior to their relocation to Switzerland — and they weren’t wrong. In fact, less than 0.5% end up judging this factor negatively after experiencing life in Switzerland. Peacefulness and political stability earn similar praise with 97% and 93% positive ratings respectively.

The destination has even more to offer. “I love that Switzerland is centrally located and affords me the opportunity to travel all over Europe. Switzerland's public transportation system makes adjusting to life without a car quite easy”, shared another Expat. Around seven in ten respondents give the opportunity to travel (69%) and the local transportation infrastructure (74%) the best possible rating.

In the Health & Well-Being subcategory, Switzerland only loses ground due to the aforementioned healthcare costs - both the quality of medical care (85%) and of the environment (98%) are rated favourably by the vast majority of respondents.

The health and safety of children is also rated positively, with 95% and 97% of expat parents reporting they are generally happy with these factors.

Best of Expat with Kids 2017

You may or may not have seen the "Best 9 of 2017" grids popping up on your Instagram feed these past days? Well, I could not resist the trend and composed my own collage with the nine most-liked Ticino photos from Expat with Kids in 2017. This is what my #2017bestnine looks like... my heart is clearly still in Lugano...

Merry Christmas

Zürich at Christmas

They say homesickness prompts the development of coping skills and motivates healthy attachment behaviors, such as renewing contact with loved ones. In other words, there is no better way to cure a bit of homesickness than to travel back home.

I would debate home is where my family is. I could also say home is where my heart lies. However, home is also where I have left people behind whom will always have a special place in my heart. Lucky for me, two very dear friends of mine happen to live in Zurich where we grew up together. Need I add more? I booked myself onto a Swiss Airways flight back to my home town for some homesickness indulgence.

These were my moments...

Leaving a grey and rainy Paris behind...

... to arrive at the spick and span Zürich airport!

Culinary homesickness cure: Cervelat mit Büürli

Zürcher Tirggel zum dessert!

Traditional Christmas honey biscuits from Zürich.

Reach for the stars! The 157-foot-high tower belonging to the Urania observatory makes it possible. The main telescope allows magnifications of up to 600 times.

I had never noticed this gift from Paris on the Bahnhofstrasse: water fountain dd 1870.

We all know who he is!

Eile mit Weile: a very traditional Swiss board game

Handmade Samichlaus figurines from the Schweizer Heimatwerk, a modern retail shop founded in 1930 offering the finest «made in Switzerland» handicrafts.

Tiger Finkli (tiger slippers) are a Swiss cult object worn by kids since 1938.

When I can see the snowy mountains from the city center I know I'm home.

Zürich looking quaint

S'Määrlitram is yet another Christmas institution. Zürich would not be the same without Samichlaus und Christchind taking you for a round trip through the city telling you stories and feeding you Z'vieri.

The Sächsilüüte Platz has changed since I was little.

It now hosts an enormous Christmas market including an ice rink and a carousel.

Cookie cutters are still the same.

Swiss Christmas biscuits are the best.

Check out some recipes here.

Jelmoli department store was selling personalised wrapping paper. How cool is that?!? 

 Some traditions never change: de Päcklitisch!

Free gift wrapping for Christmas and not a piece of waste in sight.

Another longstanding tradition is making your own candles at the Bürkliplatz.

It still smells the same when you walk into the tent.

Could not resist this shot.

Contrast from up close reality to far away alps in the background. 

Bis zum nächste Mal: Ciao Züri!

Piazza la Fondue a Lugano

This is the tip of the week!

Piazza la Fondue is the new gastronomic event promoted by the City of Lugano to be held in conjunction with "Natale in Piazza", adding a delicious gastronomic component to the rich pre-Christmas atmosphere!

Enjoy a unique opportunity to to spend time with friends before the holidays enjoying a delicious cheese fondue with friends in one of the city's most beautiful squares at the foot of Lugano's cultural center (LAC).

Click here to enter Piazza la Fondue's website where you can reserve a kit consisting of 1 caquelon and 5 forks with 250 g per person of delicious cheese and bread at the price of CHF 20.- per person.

In case of bad weather the event will move to the city's municipal facilities at Campo Marzio, Pavilion MAC 3 (entrance Viale dei Faggi). IN any case make sure you dress warm!

Venue: Piazza la Fondue
Where: Piazza Bernardino Luini, 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, December 17th, 2017
Time: 11:45 to 13:30
Price: CHF 20.- p.p.
Reservation before Friday, December 15th, 2017 here: https://www.piazzalafondue.ch

Christmas Shopping in Lugano for a cause

If you are reading this today and wondering what to do, don't miss the Annual Christmas Bazaar organised by the IWCL Evening Group.

You are invited to join the IWCL (International Women's Club of Lugano) on December 3rd, 2017 for an afternoon of Luxury Christmas Shopping in favour of Progetto Avventuno!

Progetto Avventuno is an association that supports people with Down syndrome providing activities both recreational and informative, supporting families, training for professionals, and raising awareness.

The doors of the fair will open at 14:00 and there will be something for every pocket, don't be shy and come around!

At 15:00 there will be a free snack time to cure that sweet tooth, along with coffee and tea.

At 16:00 a free wine tasting will begin, by all means with some tasty savoury snacks. Craft activity is offered for little people!

Venue: Christmas Luxury Shopping in collaboration with the IWCL
Where: Hotel Pestalozzi, Piazza Indipendenza 9, 6901 Lugano
Date, Sunday December 3rd, 2017
Time: 14:00 to 18:00

Natale in Piazza a Lugano

With numerous entertainments and events, the Christmas holidays are a fabulous time to spend in Lugano. Christmas in Lugano starts with the lighting of the tree in Riforma Square. From that moment, the heart of the city becomes a bright village, bestowing opportunities for entertainment, musical performances, a market and surprises until the Epiphany.

From November 23rd, the City will be transformed with Christmas lights, sounds and colours. The most beautiful festival of the year is celebrated with the markets, a children’s village, concerts, entertainment, the New Year’s Eve open-air party and many other events that will fill the city with the magic of Christmas up until January 7th, 2018.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree (in the presence of the city authorities, Julie Arlin)

01.12 / 18:00 Piazza della Riforma

There will be a distribution of little gifts for children offered by Migros Ticino. Acoustic concert with Charlie Row, followed by Brass Band T-X-Project.

The Christmas Market

23.11 – 23.12 / 11:00 – 19:00

24.12 / 11:00 – 17:00 City centre

23.11 – 07.12 Piazza della Riforma and via Nassa

08.12 – 24.12 City centre

Christmas Village

23.11 – 07.01 Piazza della Riforma and Piazza Manzoni

Food huts, musical entertainment and family entertainment with the special programme “Christmas for children”.

Exchange of Christmas wishes

21.12 / 18:00 Piazza della Riforma

In the presence of the Lugano Municipality and members of the City Council. Panettone and mulled wine are offered to all.

Mass on Christmas Eve

24.12 / 22:00 Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

City Tour on board the tourist train

Saturdays and public holidays from 02.12 to 17.12 / 10:30 – 16:30 (every 30 minutes)

Saturdays and public holidays from 23.12 to 07.01 / 11:15 – 16:30 (every 45 minutes)

Weekdays from 27.12 to 05.01 / 12:45 – 16:30 (every 45 minutes) Piazza Manzoni

50 free tickets will be on offer for kids aged three to ten years accompanied by an adult every Saturday in December and on Saturday, January 6th, 2018.

Shopping: special opening hours

08.12 / 10:00 – 18:00

10.12 / 10:00 – 18:00

17.12 / 10:00 – 18:00

24.12 / 10:00 – 17:00

Great prize-winning competition

Christmas competition of the Lugano Shop Owners Association, in which three great prizes (shopping vouchers worth CHF 1’000.–, 500.– and 250.–) can be won, as well as many other surprises. To take part, simply fill in one of the postcards that can be found in participating stores. The winners will be drawn in mid-January.

Music in the Piazza

30.12 / 20:00 – 01:00 Piazza della Riforma

For the 30 year-anniversary of RETE TRE, the “New Year Swiss Rock Festival” will offer entertainment, DJ sets and many live guests: the CorLeoni, the Dögz, Andrea Bignasca and the Vad Vuc.

New Year’s Eve celebrations

31.12 / 22:30 – 02:30 Piazza della Riforma

RSI will see in the New Year in the Piazza, bringing the evening to life with music and entertainment from some of RETE TRE’s best-loved DJs, the contagious beats of Ridillo and the Frontaliers Bussenghi and Bernasconi.

New Year’s Day ceremony

01.01 / 11:00 Palazzo dei Congressi (Convention Center)

In the presence of the city authorities and the Lugano Volunteer Corps an Aperitivo will be offered to everyone (departure of the procession from the Piazza della Riforma at 11:00).

Open your world

Honestly, I am no beer drinker, never have liked beer, never will... but this Heineken ad caught my attention. The beer company went in a wonderfully different direction from parties and loud music. In fact, it is the exact opposite of what we've come to expect from decades of beer ads.

The ad features people who disagree on issues like climate change, feminism, and transgender rights.
There's one important catch: The two people don't know they disagree with each other when they first sit down.

Take a look for yourself:

Lugano free City Tour

If you hurry you can participate in a free city tour of Lugano today. You might feel at home along the Lago Ceresio but have you ever taken a tour of your own city... just for the fun of it?

Autumn in the region of Lugano gives magic emotions… the glowing “palazzi”, the flavours of the local cuisine and sunny days that can warm up one’s face and heart. Pretend to be a tourist for a day.

Lugano Turismo wishes to promote its city and let you spend unforgettable moments by offering a guided excursion in the city center. You'll discover the most hidden corners and enjoy a small tasting experience of local products.

The guided tour will be held in the two prevalent languages from 10:30 to 12:30.
Meeting point is at the Information office: Ente Turistico del Luganese in Piazza Riforma. For more info call: +41 91 605 12 26

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thanksgiving is a time

For reviewing what we treasure,

The people we hold dear,

Who give us so much pleasure.

Without you as my friend,

Life would be a bore;

Having you in my life

Is what I'm thankful for"

7th World Peace Forum in Lugano

Established in 2011, Culture Ticino Network is a non-profit, apolitical and non-religious association located in Lugano. It promotes a culture of peace, the protection of the human physical and mental integrity and the protection of the environment by organizing many national and international events.

Culture Ticino Network aims to create a network of associations, foundations, schools, universities, public and private institutions, companies and the whole population in the Ticino, in Switzerland and other countries all over the world.

As part of the 7th World Peace Forum, Lugano (Nov. 13th - Dec. 7th, 2017) and on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of formal relations between the Philippines and Switzerland, Dr. Ricardo Trota Jose will explain the Filipino identity, focusing on Filipino psyche and behavior coming from more than three centuries of Spanish rule and more than 40 years of American occupation.

You are all warmly invited to “Bridging East and West: The Philippines in Asia and the World, commemorating 60 years of Philippines-Switzerland Relations and More”, a lecture by Dr. Jose, Professor of History and Director of the Third World Studies Center, University of Diliman (Philippines).

The event is sponsored by the Embassy of the Philippines (Bern) in collaboration with the association Culture Ticino Network (Lugano).

Venue: 7th World Peace Forum, Lugano - Guest lecture by Ricardo Trota Jose
Where: Nielsen Auditorium, Franklin University Switzerland, Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
Date: Tuesday, November 21st, 2017
Time: 19.00 till 20.00
Programme: 7th World Peace Forum, Lugano

The Anglican Church's Advent Market

The Anglican Church of St. Edwards have a brand new web site where you will find details about who they are, a little of their history, and news of current and upcoming events in and around the English-speaking church.

But why not check it out yourself and visit their yearly Advent Market on Saturday, November 18th, 2017.

You'll be spoilt with homemade cakes, puddings and preserves, coffee and light snacks, Tiffany’s Treasures and Children’s Christmas Gifts. This is a major fundraising initiative for the church and any support is welcome. There are many parishioners currently working very hard behind the scenes to make it a success.

St Edward’s welcomes visitors as well as permanent and temporary residents from all over the world. Whatever your background or circumstances, everyone is invited.

Venue: St. Edward's Advent Market
Where: Casa Benson, Via Clemente Maraini 6, 6900 Lugano, Tel: 091 968'11'49
Date: Saturday, November 18th, 2017
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
https://www.stedwards.ch

World Freedom Day

In many parts of the world, freedom is something that is taken for granted. The freedom to choose any religion we want or no religion at all, the freedom to be in a relationship with the person we love, the freedom to travel…the list goes on. Unfortunately, there are many, many places in the world where these freedoms are not available to people.

If you don’t know what it means to be afraid to voice your opinion, then you can consider yourself very lucky to live in a place where liberty is a priority as well as a basic human right. And like all good things, liberty should be celebrated, and that’s what World Freedom Day is all about.

The History of World Freedom Day

The World Freedom Day is a federal observance commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. The day commemorates the end of communism in Eastern and Central Europe and was designated in 2001 by President George W. Bush. It was created to celebrate the reunification of loved ones separated by the Iron Curtain and differing ideologies, and ultimately serves to acknowledge that the resolve of the masses can shift boundaries, break unfavorable resolutions and ultimately determine the type of leadership they desire so as to live is a freer, more fair society.

World Freedom Day is celebrated every year on November 9th.

Halloween Capital of the World

The scariest, silliest, sugariest night of the year is finally here. Halloween is spreading around the globe like a zombie outbreak.

From Germany to Japan, young adults are embracing the holiday, particularly its costume parties, as they escape the status quo for a night. Americans take their Halloween pretty seriously, even if many don't know exactly why we carve pumpkins, hang fake ghosts, hand out candy, or dress up like something dragged in by a graveyard cat.

European immigrants brought Halloween to the United States, where different Old World traditions mingled in America's cultural stew. The celebration gained steam with the explosion of Irish immigration to the United States in the 1800s.

Anoka, Minnesota is believed to be the first city in the United States to put on a Halloween celebration to divert its youngsters from Halloween pranks. When Anokans awoke to find their cows roaming Main Street, their windows soaped and their outhouses tipped over, they decided something had to be done.

In 1920, George Green and other Anoka civic leaders suggested the idea of a giant celebration. The idea was adopted by the Anoka Commercial Club and the Anoka Kiwanis Club; both giving their full support. In September of that year, a Halloween committee was organized.

Working hand in hand were businessmen, teachers from the Anoka public and parochial schools, parents, and students. For weeks before the big event, more than a thousand Anoka school children made plans and costumes for the big event.

By the 1930s, the festivities had expanded as had the attendance at the parades. There were over 2,000 costumed children marching down Main Street. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators lined the streets to watch this night-time spectacle. In 1937, 12-year-old, Harold Blair, donning a sweater embellished with a Halloween Capital insignia, carried with him to Washington, D.C. a proclamation naming Anoka the Halloween Capital of the World.

A walk along the lake

Back in town and it is a fabulous sunny autumn day. How many pictures can you take while strolling along the lake of Lugano? Take a look...

Never get tired of this view

This bench has my name written all over it

Indian summer in Lugano

Geometric visual games

A shot right out of a Hollywood movie

Sometimes you need to change your angle.

A black and white impression 

Feel like a ride?

Playing with shadows

An exotic touch

Time to call it a day!

Southern Switzerland Innovation Forum

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is pleased to invite you to the Southern Switzerland Innovation Forum.

A pooling of opinions between the political, economic and scientific worlds on the theme of innovation viewed and analyzed from three differents perspectives: European, Swiss and Regional.

The focus of the three sessions is a reflection about the innovative level and capacity of our region, provided by the participation of prestigious personalities supported by solid examples of innovative firms.

The Forum will be held in English and chaired by Charlotte Geerdink, European Advisor for Innovation of Swisscore and Diego Gilardoni Strategic Advisor and international speaker.

Registration deadline: 25th October 2017 via the following link: http://form-gen.app.supsi.ch/form/view.php?id=53995

Programme:
14.00 Welcome by Alberto Petruzzella, SUPSI President.

14.15 Panel 1
During the three sessions, European, Swiss and Regional visions are compared and discussed to evaluate convergence and divergence of their roles and explain tendencies.
Guest speakers
Europe: Stefano Fontana, Head of Unit at European Institute of Technology.
Switzerland: Gerd Folkers, President of the Swiss Scientific and Innovation Council.
Ticino: Giambattista Ravano, SUPSI Deputy Director of research and innovation.

15.15 Panel 2
Economy today is innovation driven. What does innovation mean for
the economy and how is this concept practically translated?
Guest speakers
Europe: Benedikt Bitzi, Head of Google Marketing Solutions for Switzerland and Austria.
Switzerland: Monika Rühl, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of economiesuisse.
Ticino: Glauco Martinetti, President of the Camera di Commercio; Fabio Regazzi, President of the Associazione Industrie Ticinesi.

16.30 Panel 3
Does an innovation policy exist? How will it act and interact with Science, Economy and Society?
Guest speakers
Europe: Robert-Jan Smits, Director General DG RTD European Commission.
Switzerland: Johann N. Schneider-Amman, Federal Councillor, Department of Economy, Education and Research.
Ticino: Christian Vitta, State Councillor, Director of the Department of Finance and Economics; Marco Borradori, Major of Lugano.

17.45 Disability on stage
Students’ performance of the Accademia Teatro Dimitri, part of a research project supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

18.00 Questions and conclusions

18.30 Closure by Claudio Boër, SUPSI Vice President.

18.40 Apéro and SUPSI research project exhibition

The Expat Bubble

Though stereotypes suggest that expats stick together, data from the Expat Insider study reveals that those living abroad are integrating with local residents and expats alike to form an international community of friends.

Thanks to Internations' Expat Insider 2017 study, you can find out where expats are the most, and least, likely to be friends with local residents and discover the potential reasons for this in the following infographic.

Survey statistics suggest that the “expat bubble” stereotype might be outdated: only a third (33%) are mostly friends with other expats, while 19% count mainly locals as their friends. The majority of respondents (48%) says that their social circle is a mix of locals and expats. Men are slightly more likely to make friends with local residents: 22% say that the majority of their friends are locals in comparison to 17% of women. Expats age 26–35 are most likely to stay in the bubble (two out of five are mostly friends with other expatriates), while those over 51 are more likely to have local friends (27% vs. 19% across all age groups); this might be linked to the fact that two-fifths of them have already lived in their current country of residence for more than ten years.

For those who said their friends are mostly expats, the main things holding them back from making local friends are cultural issues (44%), the language barrier (36%), and having mostly expat colleagues (39%). Interestingly, language skills are mainly an issue for expats under 30 (mentioned by up to 44% in this age group).

Top Findings
- The majority (48%) says their social circle is a mix of expats and locals.
- Men and expats over age 51 are more likely to have local friends.
- Almost three in ten (28%) had friends or family already living in their destination.
- Those living in the Gulf States are most likely to stay in the expat bubble.

Are you living in an Expat bubble?

Lugano's Autumn Festival

On the first weekend in October, Lugano celebrates the beginning of Autumn with a festival dedicated to local products. The Autumn festival concludes the open-air events with a large fair in the pedestrian zone of Lugano.

In the classic city scenario, in a grand choreography of colors and tastes, you will be able to find the typical grottini, a lot of folkloric music, Ticinese gastronomic delights and many stands around town. For three days the center of the city will welcome the visitors in numerous grottini operated by local companies which will offer typical Ticinese specialties, such as polenta with stew or beans and mortadella or roast pork, risotto, minestrone, gnocchi and many other exquisite local delights.

Swiss and foreign guests and the local population will be able to taste and relish, in cheerful company, the best our region can offer: apart from the delights for the palate, also musical groups, artists and entertainers invited specially for the occasion, who will stage a series of very different shows. This is a big festival for all, from the children to the elderly: why not take advantage of the opportunity for a pleasant celebration of the end of summer?

Finally, there will also be a free guided tour on offer to discover and admire the beautiful architecture and landscapes of Lugano (offered by Lugano Turismo).

Autumn market: Numerous stalls, with local food and wine, to delight the palate of many and liven up the center of Lugano.
Fri 16:00 - 22:00
Sat 10:00 - 22:00
Sun 10:00 - 18:00

Local cuisine: The grottos will offer different traditional menus, so you can enjoy the local Ticino gastronomy in a convivial and festive atmosphere.
Fri 16:00 - 01:00
Sat 10:00 - 01:00
Sun 10:00 - 18:00

Lugano City Tour: Free guided tour to discover and admire the beautiful architecture and landscapes of Lugano. For tickets pass by the Ente Turistico del Luganese behind Piazza della Rifoma.
30.09 from 10:30 to 12:30
30.09 from 14:00 to 16:00
01.10 from 10:30 to 12:30

Click here for the programme: https://luganoeventi.ch/festa-autunno/

Statistical Data on Switzerland

Since 1997, Statistical Data on Switzerland has been published every year with the latest data available on a range of diverse topics such as Switzerland's geography, population, work and income, economy, transport, social security, education and training and science.

This publication gives an overview of the most important key figures. It has any number you can think of so dive in and learn all about the country you call home: Download publication

Council of the Swiss Abroad

The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) represents the interests of Swiss expatriates before the authorities and public opinion in Switzerland. This is why the media call it the "Parliament of the Fifth Switzerland"

The CSA gathers in Switzerland twice a year for a day-long meeting to discuss important matters concerning the Swiss abroad and to voice an opinion on current affairs on behalf of the Fifth Switzerland.

Between January and August 2017, Swiss citizens around the globe were called upon to elect their 140 representatives on the Council of the Swiss Abroad for 2017–2021. The new Council has 131 members, 64 of them new. Nine seats are currently vacant.

There have been many achievements and the CSA has always played a decisive role in carrying these through: the inclusion of Swiss living abroad in the Federal Constitution, maintaining optional old-age and disablement insurance (AVS/AI), livelihood protection thanks to the Solidarity Fund, several civil rights revisions, information to Swiss abroad, promotion of training young Swiss abroad or the introduction of the right to vote by mail - all these deserve to be highlighted as major achievements. It is also thanks to the activities of the Council of Swiss Abroad that the presence of the Fifth Switzerland back home over the years has increased significantly.

Here is the a closer look at the composition of the Council of the Swiss Abroad: