[Lydia]

Hi All,

I've been reading some of the posts and it seems that 'everyone' is aiming for either London or Canada. When I first decided to leave SA, I also started out looking at my options for London and Canada - a language thing I suppose. Then completely by chance I found work in Switzerland. Turns out that many companies have their headquarters in Switzerland for tax reasons. This means that many companies use English as their business language here. You have Orange, SGS, IATA, Elizabeth Arden, Nestle, Philip Morris (Marlboro) and of course the UN, Red Cross, World Health Organisation, just to name a few. These companies all speak English.

I'm not saying that it is easy to get into Switzerland, on the contrary, there are loads of paperwork to go through as well but it just seems that specially Canada takes a long time to get to. Maybe it's worth giving Switzerland a go, even if only as a stepping stone. Quality of live is good here - check it out at www.myswitzerland.com

Good luck with all your applications.

[Marli]

Hi Lydia

I have also never considered a non-English speaking country as a destination. However, recently I've been asking myself why this is? When moving to a foreign country, it takes many years to find your feet anyway. You could as well be doing that in a country where you have to learn the language.

The options are so much wider if you are willing to consider learning other languages as well.

Especially if you want to be in close contact with South Africa, Europe should definitely be considered as a destination.

[Paisley]

Lydia I had a look at Switzerland a few years ago, ended up in Austria on Ski resort. It is not an easy task to get in. And then you have all the different types of Permits. A, B, C. Maybe I should give it another try sometime. It is beautiful!

[Lydia]

Yes, there are all the types of permits. But you only need one to get in ;-) It took me just over 2 months from the time I found work to go to Switzerland. The problem is to find work. On the bright side - the market is good at the moment.

I know a couple of English speaking people here who have been here for years and don't speak a word of French. It is a pity of course but, just to show that you don't even need to learn the language. Although you should probably learn how to order something to eat - mind you, we have MacDonalds...

[Dedré]

What? Two months... That is nothing... I can not believe it.

Please explain to us the difference in the permits...

[Lydia]

It depends on each individual case.

L - short term, 3 months
B - longer term, usually valid for a year at a time (5 if you're EU)
G - if you live in a neighbouring country and work in Switzerland.
C - residence permit - have to spend 5 - 13 years in the country to get it - depending on your nationality.

I came over with an L permit and now have a B permit. Your employer needs to apply for it.

[Lydia]

It is better to find out from your local Swiss Consulate which rules apply to you. If you have an EU Passport, it makes things a bit easier of course.