How are Russians adapting to life in Switzerland?

Introduction

Our interviewees are Alexander, Anna, Irina, Vitaly, and Marina. They are all young people, no older than thirty-five, and they have rich life experiences related to Switzerland. It’s interesting to learn about their stories, the paths they have taken in their professional lives, and how they spend their free time in this magnificent country. – Let’s explore what events preceded their move from Russia to Switzerland. What was the decisive factor in making such an important choice, and how did they settle in their new land?

Stories of the participants' lives

Alexander

After completing my studies in St. Petersburg, I lived in Germany for a while, but the country did not meet my expectations. Switzerland seemed more appealing, so I decided to move here and enrolled in an MBA program at one of the universities.

Anna

During my studies, I moved to Germany because I started a relationship with a local resident. I got a job at the international company Ernst & Young. Later, I decided to transfer my employment contract to Switzerland, hoping for an improvement in my professional life and working conditions.

Irina

I graduated from MGIMO, where I studied international economic relations. My professional career began after my master's program when I temporarily moved to Germany for my studies. Eventually, I was offered an interesting position at the Swiss office of a well-known German corporation, and I couldn't refuse.

Vitaly

In Russia, I was a student, and one day I decided to leave the country because it was very important for me to know about the positive image of Switzerland as a successful and attractive country. I signed a work contract with a local company and moved there.

Marina

I was a young specialist who had just completed my training. My move to Switzerland came as a surprise to me, as I received a job offer from one of the local organizations.

Difficulties when moving

What difficulties did you face when moving (for example, paperwork, finding friends, and so on)?

• Alexander:The moving process wasn't that difficult, however, it certainly brought some challenges related to bureaucracy and various hassles. The most challenging task for me was finding housing in the new place.
• Anna:When moving to Germany, I faced local requirements for marriage registration documents, learning the German language, and the need to acclimate to the local culture.
• Irina:In Germany, I faced difficulties in finding a job and obtaining the necessary permits. In Switzerland, the most challenging aspect for me was building a social circle among Russian-speaking people my age.
• Vitaly:For me, moving has always been associated with stress. I encountered many factors that complicated this process.
• Marina:The main challenge for me was adapting to a new life in Switzerland with its unique traditions and pace.

Our life in Switzerland

What are your achievements and positions currently in Switzerland?

• Alexander:Now I work at a large American high-tech company, and my field is marketing. Finding a job here isn't that difficult, but it can be much harder to find truly interesting and quality offers.

I managed to achieve this.

Anna

Currently, I am working at the Swiss branch of Ernst & Young, having moved here from Germany. I hold the position of senior consultant in international taxation.

Irina

At the moment, I am a financial controller and analyst at one of the American companies. This is my second job in Switzerland. Finding a job was not easy, and on average, the employment process for highly qualified specialists in Switzerland takes between seven to twelve months, while for Russian specialists, it becomes even more challenging.

Vitaly

I work as a product manager. Personally, I haven't faced any serious difficulties finding a job in this country.

Marina

I am a procurement specialist. I am confident that success in finding job vacancies in Switzerland largely depends on the candidate's level of preparation.

How does the local population feel about Russians?

Alexander

Overall, the Swiss maintain a neutral and respectful stance. Many of them view Russians as quite wealthy, possibly due to the behavior of Russian tourists who are eager to spend money at Swiss resorts.

Anna

The Swiss show politeness and courtesy towards all foreigners, but this may only be a superficial impression. They are not quick to open up and share their true emotions, and there are many stereotypes about Russians in society.

• stereotypes about drinking
• availability of girls,
• the characteristics of the culture of the "new Russians".

Irina

Eight years ago, when I first arrived in Switzerland, the locals had a more negative attitude towards Russians. During introductions, the question about my profession often came up, and they frequently expected answers like "I work in a cabaret" or "in a home for the disabled." Their shock when I told them I worked in finance and was single was evident. Today, the situation has changed significantly, and the atmosphere has improved, as there are now many more experienced foreigners in the business circles, especially in large international companies.

Vitaly

Russians are treated the same as all other foreigners. The attitude is not very warm, but overall it's acceptable.

Marina

In my opinion, the Swiss do not divide people by nationality. They treat Russians the same way they treat all other foreigners: if you are a good person, they will show you positive feelings, and if you do not adhere to social norms, they will show you negative feelings.

Do you have experience interacting with the Swiss healthcare system?

Alexander

Yes, and overall, I was satisfied. The approach to treatment here is different from what I'm used to seeing in Russia: in Switzerland, they don't try to solve every problem at any cost; their primary goal is to...overall improvement in the patient's conditionI am very grateful for this.

Anna

Swiss medicine is more focused on alleviating symptoms than on diagnosing and treating the diseases themselves, as this requires significant financial resources.

Irina

In my opinion, the Swiss healthcare system is...unjustifiably expensive pleasure.

On one hand, I was lucky to be in a good local hospital, where I was taken by ambulance with a suspicion of appendicitis. This facility has modern diagnostic equipment. However, the flip side is that the cost of the emergency ambulance ride is a whopping 500 francs.

When I called for an ambulance, it was not medical staff who came, but rescue service employees dressed in bright orange overalls. They insisted on the need for an appendectomy, without even waiting for any signs of inflammation. In Russia, such situations are handled differently — a doctor reassures the patient in just 10 minutes, making sure there are no urgent threats. In Switzerland, however, I was literally forced into a car with two rescuers in orange overalls, after which I spent three hours in the emergency department undergoing numerous tests.

Although I am grateful for the attentive care and thorough examination, I feel that such lengthy procedures could have been avoided. Moreover, I was once billed 700 francs for a 15-minute consultation with a phlebologist who suggested the possibility of varicose veins.

Opinion on medical services

Vitaly notes: in my opinion, the level of medical care here is rather mediocre, although the situation may be worse in some other European countries.

Marina adds: I am cautious and distrustful of Swiss medicine because I don't quite understand how the diagnostic system works in this country. The question is whether it is really effective.

Difficulties in everyday life

— What challenges do you face in your daily life?

Alexander notes: Overall, I don't see any serious problems.

Anna shares: Knowledge of the German language and experience living in Germany help me tackle the challenges that arise from not knowing the local nuances and language. In any new city, it naturally takes time to find a reliable specialist—whether it's a doctor, hairdresser, or seamstress.

Irina says: In shopping centers, the doors close only at eight in the evening, and on Saturdays they operate even less — until four or six, depending on the city. Sunday is a day of complete inactivity. There are also other difficulties:

• Difficulties in finding a good hairdresser.
• The lack of parking spaces on weekends in Zurich;
• Traffic jams on the bypass road during weekdays can last up to twenty minutes.

To enroll a child in kindergarten before the age of four, it will cost 140 francs per day, while for older children there are state-run kindergartens that only operate from eight to twelve. In this context, it is not beneficial for a woman to work full-time if she has young children. However, in many fields, it is impossible to find part-time work.

Despite all their peculiarities, the residents of Switzerland generally strive to maintain a friendly and polite tone in communication. Irina notes that it is customary to greet each other with a handshake and, to make the conversation more personal, to use each other's names when meeting. Even when saying goodbye, it is important not to forget about greetings and names. From her perspective, this practice may seem somewhat unusual. Overall, among different cultures, the Swiss truly stand out for their healthy habits: they start their workday surprisingly early – some as early as 7 AM – and also return home early. Regular exercise, a modest lifestyle, careful financial management, and moderate spending are all characteristic traits of the Swiss people.

Vitaly emphasizes that over time, his surprise at the peculiarities of Swiss society has significantly diminished. Marina, on the other hand, was astonished by the closed nature of Swiss people from the very beginning. She also decided to figure out how budget control can be implemented in this country and how much money is needed to live, taking all expenses into account.

Expenses and income

Alexander shares his experience of financial expenses, which amount to approximately 3000 to 3500 Swiss francs per month. This amount includes:

• rental
• health insurance
• other necessary expenses

Anna notes that everything she manages to earn goes towards everyday needs. Irina adds that her salary starts at5500 francsThis indicates a decent standard of living. Vitaly points out that his expenses fluctuate depending on the circumstances. At the same time, Marina mentions that a significant portion of her income goes towards covering living expenses.

Free time

When the conversation turns to how they spend their free time, Alexander talks about his hobbies:

• actively engages in sports, including badminton and cycling
• spends a lot of time in nature
• travels to the mountains
• attends cultural events such as theaters and concerts
• spending time with friends

Anna prefers to spend her leisure time in the mountains or by the lakes, and she also visits beauty salons and sports events. Irina finds pleasure in household chores, sports activities, and meeting with friends. Vitaly usually travels, engages in sports, or simply enjoys his time at home. Marina, on the other hand, finds joy in sports, meeting with relatives and friends, and she also enjoys movies and concerts.

Housing issue

When it comes to housing, renting an apartment in Switzerland is a serious challenge. For example, you can find spacious apartments in Montreux, with an area of180 square meters...which can include up to five rooms. This accommodation features modern design and is located in a prestigious residence by the lake. Inside the apartment, there are provisions for:

• large hall
• spacious hall with a dining area
• fully equipped kitchen
• A 20-meter balcony with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
• four bedrooms
• two bathrooms
• laundry
• parking space

Victoria Gayard offers another interesting alternative – cozy apartments in Montreux with an area of64 square meterslocated in the very center of the city and not far from the shores of Lake Geneva. This option for choosing housing in such a picturesque place makes life in Switzerland much more attractive and comfortable.

An interesting offer for renting an apartment.

If you are considering a two-room apartment, you should pay attention to this attractive offer. Here is a well-planned apartment featuring a stylish hallway, a bathroom equipped with a shower, and a spacious living room with an open kitchen that has all the necessary amenities for comfortable living. The living room connects to a terrace, adding extra comfort. I should note that this property will be available for rent starting from June 1st. For information on pricing, you can contact a representative of Victoria Gaillard Sarl.

An apartment in picturesque Montreal

One interesting option is an apartment located in charming Montreux, Switzerland. The area of this property is180 square metersIt includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The option for online viewing and remote rental processing significantly simplifies the process. Payment can be made in Russian rubles or using cryptocurrency.

Comfortable accommodation with beautiful views

This magnificent apartment impresses with its high-quality finishes and stylish design, and it can easily become your new home. The high ceilings and panoramic windows offer stunning views of the Montreal waterfront, creating a unique atmosphere in the house.

Other offers from Victoria Gaillard Sarl

In addition, Victoria Gaillard Sarl offers another apartment in Montre, which has an area of120 square metersand is located in the very center of the city. This is a new building situated onmain streetIt provides easy access to all the necessary amenities, including shops and restaurants. There is also transportation infrastructure in the vicinity, including a train station and bus stops, which is convenient for getting around the region.

Attractive apartment on Quai des Fleurs

Another enticing option is4.5-room apartmenton Quai des Fleurs. It not only delights with magnificent views of the famous lakes and the Alps, but is also located near the waterfront and the city center. The pleasant layout includes an entrance hall with built-in wardrobes, making it a convenient solution for modern residents.

Reviews from tenants about apartments

It's also important to familiarize yourself with tenants' opinions about their current apartments. For example,Alexanderlives in a three-room apartment in the center of Zurich, with a total area of110 square metersHe notes that he found an excellent price-to-quality ratio, having paid1750 francs per monthand quickly rented accommodation using an online resume.

Annais renting a one-room apartment with an area of30 square metersShe finds its location very convenient, as it takes only twenty minutes to get to work. Because of this, she enjoys the comfort of modern housing and has everything she needs – both furniture and kitchen utensils.

Irinaprefers a less urban lifestyle and rents a two-room apartment in a village located near her workplace. Although her rent is only1100 francs per monthShe is still planning to move closer to Zurich, as that is where all the advantages of city life are concentrated.

Conclusion

Each of these stories highlights how diverse and multifaceted the rental housing market in Switzerland can be, as well as the importance of finding the perfect place that meets your life needs and provides comfort.

Conclusion

In conclusion to our conversation with Alexander, Anna, Irina, Vitaly, and Marina, it became particularly clear to me how diverse and multifaceted the experience of life in Switzerland is for Russian emigrants. Each of them has gone through their own journey—from the challenges of moving and adapting to a new cultural environment to professional successes and social interactions.

Difficulties of moving

The challenges they had to face include:

• Bureaucratic obstacles,
• Language barrier,
• Searching for friends,

They demonstrated how important it is to have support and perseverance when moving to another country. Despite the initial challenges, everyone managed to find their place in Swiss society, which confirms the high mobility and adaptability of Russian professionals.

The attitude of Swiss people towards Russians

It's interesting to observe how the attitude of the Swiss towards Russians has changed over time. Just eight years ago:

• Bias and stereotypes were at the forefront.
• Now, thanks to the large number of skilled immigrants, the attitude has become more open and respectful.

This confirms that the success stories of each of us can help break down stereotypes and expand the boundaries of intercultural communication.

Healthcare in Switzerland

The challenges of the healthcare system will also prompt us to think about how the understanding of medicine and health care differs across countries. The opinions of our interviewees about Swiss medicine highlight the importance of personal perspectives on healthcare and the level of service in different countries.

Main findings

Thus, life in Switzerland for these young emigrants is not only about measures to ensure personal and professional growth, but also about constant interaction with a culture that is foreign to their original identity. This is a great example of how individual paths can intersect, bringing new understanding to the experience of migration and integration. I hope that their stories will serve as inspiration for those who are just starting their journey in a new place.