how useful is a local opinion?

Seems rather silly if a local person like Sharleenwrites things are fine in Switzerland. How is it supposed to be reassuring or relevant to anyone justlanded if a local says, hey but things are great for ME, I have no problems. I grew up here, earn a decent wage, fit in, etc?

Sharleen. how long did you actually live in all these countries you mentioned? Not sure why it was so hard to be a "white girl" in Australia, perhaps the other countries mentioned you may have stood out more.

Still it is no biggie you are happier now back at home and all that is familiar for you. And you cannot say it is the same being a foreigner everywhere else, you have not been everywhere.

C'mon, read some books, watch some local films like Die Schweizermacher (the Swissmakers) - a classic movie that pokes fun at Swiss self-righteousness and xenophobia (even if it is boring here there still can be some outlets fro humor). Except for a few small cities Switzerland has mostly a rural conservative and closed-minded culture. That is admitted even by some Swiss.

There are pros and cons for every country but as an expat here for 4 years I still say it is not a warm or welcoming society. I say that and think I have it easier (I blend in, speak the language, have a good wage etc). Just how much interaction and friendships do foreigners have with non-white expats. Can locals really know what it is like to be an expat in their own country?

Sure it does matter if you blend in physically and can speak the languages (if you live in the German speaking area, mastering the dialect adds one extra step for integration).

ps - Swiss people also seem to stare a lot at obvious foreigners in buses and trams, but as a local Swiss you may not notice how much. So far, I havent seen many Swiss spitting...

city girl 01 Jul 2009, 08:40 - Report