Wesley Verlaan (39) moved to Switzerland in 2010 and still lives there to this day. What started as a student exchange turned into a lifelong love for Switzerland and its culture.

How Did your Interest in Switzerland Begin and why Did You Choose this Country?

During my studies (2002 – 2006), an exchange year was part of the program. When I couldn’t find accommodation in France, I had two options: go to Switzerland or stay home. The choice was quickly made. I contacted the university in Switzerland and, incredibly but true, everything was arranged within 48 hours! My registration, accommodation, insurance, everything involved was processed quickly and efficiently. My worries disappeared instantly. New destination: Switzerland.

How Long Have You been in Switzerland and What Exactly Do You Do?

After my study exchange in 2003, I returned to the Netherlands but had met someone. While I completed my education and gained my first work experience, she lived in the Netherlands. In 2010, we decided to move to Switzerland. Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t work out, but by then I had found my way and decided to stay. So I’ve been living here for 14 years now. I’ve worked in project management, purchasing, and as an internal team leader for very exclusive watches. These were jobs with an international character. Now I work in field sales as a representative for office furnishings. I do telephone acquisitions, travel through Switzerland to visit clients, receive them in our showroom, and handle administrative processing. My working language is now Swiss German. As a Dutch person, the local accent is easier to learn. Additionally, the Swiss like Dutch people, although our humor is often a bit too direct.

How Did You Prepare for the Migration and how Did You Find Work?

I started looking for work while still in the Netherlands. I found a job through online vacancies before I left. This gave me support from the company that hired me, and they helped me with important matters. I drove to Switzerland with all my belongings and moved that way. My advantage was that I had both my Swiss girlfriend and the Swiss company to support me. Having a network in your destination country is very valuable. I’m very active in expanding and maintaining my network here. For instance, I organize monthly ‘Dad’s breakfast’ in my town and meet new people both professionally and personally. My main tip is to actively work on learning the local language; in my case, Swiss German. It’s highly appreciated when you try to integrate. This includes following local rules. If you respect the rules, you’re more easily accepted. The Swiss won’t openly confront you if they disagree with something. They may seem tough on the outside, but they’re soft on the inside. They don’t easily talk to strangers and won’t readily give compliments, but they value camaraderie. Once you have their trust, it’s for life.

What is a Determining Success Factor?

Behave respectfully in the broadest sense of the word. Be honest if you don’t speak the language, but try to connect with people. Adapt, go with the flow. Be open and don’t isolate yourself. Participate in social activities; there’s plenty on offer. Join sports clubs and try to stay out of the expat bubble. Look for similarities rather than differences. Adapting doesn’t mean changing: it’s accepting things as they are and partially going along with these things.

What are Notable Differences in (Work) Culture between Switzerland and the Netherlands?

There are quite a few similarities between Dutch and Swiss culture, but the Swiss aren’t direct, for example. They’ll give feedback indirectly rather than stating something directly. You’ll need to learn to read situations. Switzerland has the image that we’re all rich and don’t have to do anything for it, but the Swiss are an incredibly hardworking people. I work more than 50 hours per week on average. The laptop often opens during weekends too. Small business owners work incredibly hard to pay their bills. We have it good here, but we also work hard for it. Salary is not discussed.

What Made You Fall in Love with Switzerland?

The good order of things. Once you get used to that, everywhere else seems chaotic and stressful. In Switzerland, things are more relaxed. Everything is super organized; you don’t have to worry about anything as long as you keep putting in the effort. Switzerland loves rules, and people hold each other accountable here. You’re expected to follow the rules. Children learn this from day one. Switzerland has beautiful nature. Children learn that you can use nature but must respect it and leave it clean. The Swiss are hyper proud to be Swiss but don’t show it off. They might seem reserved, but they’re confident inside. They’re proud of their independence, strong economy, and direct democracy; politics is alive here. There are multiple votes per year, and you actually have a say. A Swiss person really thinks about voting; what impact it has in the short and long term.

What is your Advice if You Were to Speak to Someone Considering Moving to Switzerland?

Do thorough research and investigate the opportunities and possibilities. The differences within Switzerland are extreme: life is different in each region. Every place has its own accent and culture. This is because each Canton has its own authority. Determine your needs beforehand and align accordingly. Try to build a network and immerse yourself in society and master the language! Come to bring (added) value. There are definitely opportunities if you’re willing to work hard.

How Do You Look Back on your Decision to Emigrate to Switzerland?

I’m still proud of myself and happy with my choice! I’m an organized person and feel at home here. I’ve got things well arranged. I have a nice home and now I’m father to 2 fantastic children. Switzerland has become home and I now have Swiss nationality.

Is there Anything else You’d like to Tell the Readers?

Discover the world and look beyond borders. Create mutual understanding: be kind to each other. Look for solutions instead of problems. With respect, openness, and friendliness, you can go far.