Swizterland, Geneva, Zurich

[FreeWiley]

Hi,

Have started to make progress with a potential contract based in Geneva.

Anyone have previous experience of working and living in this city?

Good / Bad ?

[zeitghost]

There's free Sprite in the fountain.

[FreeWiley]

yum..

[mainframedinosaur]

Languages ?

Parlez Vous Francais ?

Sprechen Sie Deutsch ?

I have been to Zurich, Bern, Lucerne on business, very nice places , although the beer really IS expensive not sure about Sprite though

Seriously, do you speak French or German, it will help depending on which part of Switzerland you are in.

If you need any help with the Lingo, drop me an EZmail, I speak German and my wife speaks French

[Sysman]

Switzerland, Geneva, Zurich

Zurich is 3 to 3.5 hours by train from Geneva.

Zürich (or Zuerich for the keyboard challenged) is Swiss German speaking. It is not the same as High German.

Geneva is French speaking, so having French would be a great asset.

You _do_ need a proper work permit, and need to register with your local town hall within something like 10 days of arriving. If you are going through an agency, they should arrange that for you. You'll also be on PAYE, but that's not as bad as it sounds.

[FreeWiley]

Re: Languages ?

i have no other language skills other than eeeeenglish. and even that is suspect.

client says that is fine.

if i were to get the contract for 6months, then i would book some french evening classes. as i am interested in learning a different language.

[Sysman]

Re: Languages ?

"client says that is fine."

Do go for the evening classes. You may not need French at work, but you'll find life outside work a lot easier, and more fun too.

[JJ]

On;y eeeeeeenglish ?

Don't worry. A guy I am currently working with has just returned for 3 years with an investment bank in Zurich.
He only spoke English when he went out there, and he only spoke English when he came back.
Yup, the beer's expensive, but it's good !

[Sysman]

Re: Only eeeeeeenglish ?

> He only spoke English when he went out there, and he
> only spoke English when he came back.

Possible, but it reduces your opportunities, and definitely not as much fun.

> Yup, the beer's expensive, but it's good !

Certainly expensive if you restrict yourself to English speaking bars

What are typical beer prices in the UK nowadays?

[FreeWiley]

Re: Only eeeeeeenglish ?

lager = £2.50 - 3.00 a pint