What To Do
What to do when you first arrive and don’t speak the language.
Tip Number 1
It’s all about the attitude. Be positive. You have an opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with an extremely stable political system. Enjoy it. Learn from it.
Tip Number 2
Smile – In the initial phase of learning the language, it is very difficult to communicate. But what universal communication tool does every culture have in common? A smile. Use it and use it often, it works magic.
Tip Number 3
Shake hands when you come, shake hands when you go. While shaking hands, greet the person by using their name for example “Grüezi Frau X. If you are on a first name basis (per du), use Hoi or Sali "Maria" accompanied by three “kisses” on the sides of the cheeks. CAUTION – no smackers please. These are little whispers of kisses, more to the air than on the face.
Tip Number 4
Get to know the area. Take a bus, cable car or train to a different place each week. You will:
see some gorgeous scenery
- practice your language (where nobody knows you and can hear your mistakes)
- meet the locals
- Keep yourself busy – which during your initial time here may help you adjust.It gives you less time to be homesick, feel sorry for yourself, or anything that doesn’t move you forward on your journey.
Do take the first step – introduce yourself to your neighbors. You might bring a little something from your home that your neighbors aren’t familiar with. Invite them for tea or coffee, even if you have to use the hand and foot method of communication. They will appreciate it.