Dating in Switzerland can be confusing, especially for new expats. But there are plenty of singles looking to settle down. You just need to know where to find them. You might encounter various roadblocks when dating in Switzerland: ·      Finding people to date ·      Confidently approaching locals ·      Cultural differences ·      Understanding local dating faux pas In this episode, Trea Tijmens from SuccessMatch helps you understand where to find like-minded people in...

We speak to Daniel Shalom, the founder of Rigby AG, about the role of staffing companies in the Swiss job market and how recruiters can help expats find a suitable role. Daniel describes the difference between contracts, projects, and permanent placements. Then, he talks about the reasons why so many businesses work with a recruitment company and how the process works. In the final part of the episode, he explains why candidates, especially those from outside of Switzerland, should...

We speak to Pragati Siddhanti, the founder of the popular blog My Swiss Story, about how expats can get set up and build a successful career in Switzerland. Pragati shares how she came to Switzerland over eight years ago and has since worked as a technology leader in large, international companies, set up her blog and community, and become a guest lecturer at a Swiss university. In the first part of the episode, she takes us through the practical steps of getting set up in Switzerland, like...

We speak to Lisa Arnet from the Swiss Tourism Federation about sustainable tourism in Switzerland. The classification “Swisstainable” was created around three years ago. While it stated with only a few service providers, over 2,000 businesses and multiple destinations are involved today. Lisa explains the three dimensions of sustainability, how the classification works, and some of the measures businesses are taking. We also discuss what residents and tourists can do to make their trips...

We speak to four women from the Zurich International Women’s Association about social groups and expat life in Switzerland. Karin, Martha, Debbie, and Carolina offer diverse perspectives on finding a social network. They speak about topics such as how to approach your neighbours, what you can do to meet others in your community, and how to juggle work, having a family, and leisure time. We also discuss the importance of joining social groups like ZIWA and what to look for in a group. If...

We speak to Carolyn Schönafinger from Holidays to Switzerland about travelling around Switzerland. Carolyn has been visiting Switzerland for over 30 years and runs her own travel podcast. She tells us about four famous places (Lucerne, the Berner Oberland, Zermatt, and Montreux) as well as several destinations off the beaten track. We also talk about the different seasons, the best times to travel, and ways to save money while visiting Switzerland. No matter if you’re a first-time visitor...

We speak to Serge Frech, the director of the Swiss national association of ICT training (ICT-Berufsbildung), about basic and continued IT training in Switzerland. Unlike in many countries, most Swiss IT professionals complete vocational training. After achieving a basic degree, they can continue their education by obtaining a federal or advanced federal diploma. These qualifications are equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Expats with a degree from another country can also take...

We speak to Laura Vrinceanu, who got her IT job through Rigby, about moving to Zurich, Switzerland. Laura relocated a year and a half ago to work for a bank as a Tableau developer. With seven years of professional experience under her belt, she is committed to never stop learning and strive for excellence in her field of work. Moving to Zurich has been a positive experience for Laura. She loves many aspects of life in Switzerland, from the great amenities to the beautiful scenery and the...

We speak to the Swiss education consultant Stefanie Busse about local, bilingual, and international schools in Switzerland. As a former German teacher, Stefanie has first-hand experience teaching in both public and international schools in Switzerland. She has been advising expat families for over 10 years about the Swiss education system and collaborates with educational authorities and schools. Join us as we explore how schools work in Switzerland, the advantages and potential challenges...

We speak to the food experts Jessica Manurung and David Moginier about regional foods in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Basel and Vaud. Jessica is a Basel-based food blogger. She has been sharing her restaurant recommendations on social media since 2019. Last year, she published the Basel Cookbook, sharing a mix of innovative and traditional recipes from local chefs. David has been a food and wine journalist for many years. He was in charge of gastronomy for the daily 24...

In this episode, we speak to the finance blogger Baptiste Wicht about Switzerland’s financial system. Baptiste has been running his blog The Poor Swiss for over six years. He helps expats and locals find the best financial products such as savings and investment accounts, pension providers, and credit cards. He also writes about financial independence and shares monthly insights into his family’s financial situation. Join us as we talk about getting set up financially as an expat: Opening...

In this episode, we speak to the artist Nikolai Kleist Burkal about art in Switzerland. Nikolai grew up in Greenland and has lived in several countries before settling in Switzerland in 2022 due to a work opportunity. He runs the platform Art-Beats, where he publishes articles on the pulse of art scenes, trends, and art activities internationally. Join us as we talk about the role of art in Switzerland, the best places to enjoy art, and ways to get involved as a creator. And don’t forget...

In this episode, we speak to the authors Anita Lehmann and Katie Hayoz about immigration in Switzerland. Anita and Katie have recently published a book called 50 Amazing Swiss Immigrants. It features people of all walks of life, both historical and contemporary, who have made Switzerland their home. Join us as we talk about common reasons for moving to Switzerland, how immigrants are making a positive difference in Switzerland, and what we can learn from other immigrants’ stories. And...

In this episode, we speak to Swiss German teacher Rahel Roth and bestselling cartoonist/author Sergio Lievano about Swiss German. We explore whether expats should learn this dialect or focus on standard German instead. Rahel’s series of books, Swiss German for English Speakers, is one of the few resources that teaches Swiss German from scratch. Sergio has published six books in Switzerland, including the popular “Hoi” series and The Indispensable Illustrated Dictionary to Swiss German. Join...

In this episode, we speak to Ben Crawshaw from Zurich Together about how newcomers can use expat groups to build long-lasting friendships. Originally from Manchester, Ben moved to Switzerland as a child. He is an event manager and the founder of Zurich Together, a large international community that hosts a wide range of events in and around Zurich. Join us as we explore the Swiss social scene. You’ll learn how to get started as a newbie and why expat groups are perfect for meeting both...

In this episode, we speak to James Macsay and Margaret Reilly Baer from the American International Club Zurich about how expats can build a social network in Switzerland. Margaret is the president of the AICZ, and James is on the board of the Association of American Clubs. They have both been living in Switzerland for many years, and they’re part of a thriving community of international people living and working in Switzerland. Join us as we chat about how to meet other expats, connecting...

Hi everyone, It’s Daniel here from Rigby. I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the summer so far, and I'd like to take a moment to thank you for joining us and following the podcast until now. We recently crossed the two-year milestone since we started, and during that time we've looked into quite a few different topics and spoken with lots of interesting people about life in Switzerland. We have plans to do even more in the future, but it’ll be under a different name. Starting with...

In this episode we welcome back Margaret Oertig, to continue the conversation about schools in Switzerland.   In our first call together we covered what’s different about the Swiss school system, what is taught at Kindergarten, getting ready for secondary school, common issues that incomers sometimes find challenging, the different paths available in the Swiss school system, the apprenticeship system, the selection criteria for the Swiss school system, a little bit about the Gymi and quite...

Today we’d like introduce you to another member of our team, who will be joining us on the podcast, Kathrin Spinnler! Kathrin is Swiss, from Bern originally, currently living and working in the UK.  Kathrin has a background in the Swiss education system and is part of our content team here at Rigby. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the Swiss School System, together with Margaret Oertig. If you have any interest in the Swiss school system, then we have a treat in store for you. ...

In this episode we'll be speaking once again with Anita Lehmann who joined us for episode 19.   Anita is a multi-award winning author of 9 books for children and adults, with her picture book 'Slobber, Slobber, Kiss, Kiss' shortlisted for the German Children's Literature Prize in 2020.   Born and raised in Bern, Anita moved to Geneva as a student, for the first of two stays there. She gained an MA in Economic and Social History from the University of Geneva and has lived and worked in all...

Please join us for another talk about life in Switzerland🇨🇭   Today we are joined by Katrin Gygax.   Katrin and her family emigrated from Switzerland to Canada when she was four years old. Now based back in Zurich as a travel writer, essayist and translator, she is the author of the cycling guide ‘Flat Switzerland’, and ‘Today's Office Looks Like This - 60 unconventional workspaces in Switzerland’.   Any time would be good to speak with Katrin, but especially now, as summer...

To celebrate International Women's Day, in this episode we welcome the authors of the book 50 Amazing Swiss Women; Laurie Theurer, Katie Hayoz, Anita Lehmann, Alnaaze Nathoo and Barbara Nigg.

In this episode, we welcome authors Melinda and Robert Schoutens of Freshairkids.com. Originally from the US but now living in Switzerland since 2007, the Schoutens are the authors of three family-friendly, useful guides about hiking and fun outdoor activities to do in Switzerland. If you are interested in getting outdoors and taking advantage of all the beautiful scenery, then these guys will have lots of tips and suggestions for you.

In this episode, we welcome author and publisher Richard Harvell. Richard was born in New Hampshire in the US and now lives in Basel here in Switzerland, where he is Head of USA Publishing at Helvetiq, and Publisher at Bergli Books. In addition to being a publisher, Richard is a best-selling author in his own right, with work translated into 15+ languages.