Adios Argentina – Grüezi Switzerland

My integration process in Switzerland

Why do I live in Switzerland today and work at xappido? That question has a short and simple answer: my partner is Swiss.

Although we met in Argentina, it was clear to her from the beginning that living together was only an option in Switzerland. For personal and professional reasons she neither wanted nor was able to move. My own strong interest in living in another country with a different culture and language made that big decision easier, of course. And so what was originally planned as a trial Easter holiday in Switzerland turned into the journey into my new life.

My family and my friends here in Switzerland gave me very good advice about the residence permit. The whole process went quickly and smoothly for me. After the first three months I already had my residence permit. Three months after that I received my work permit as well. More on that a little later — first let us look at what I did during my first six months as a newly arrived Argentinian in Switzerland.

Those first six months were fundamental for me. I began to find my way into society, to learn German and to find out about the application process at Swiss companies. I learned the new language mainly by speaking German with my wife’s family, working through a lot of Duolingo and attending a course at the Migros Klubschule.

That period was one of the finest for me. Learning a new language and pursuing my passion for programming kept my mind active and gave my days a structure. Since I arrived in Switzerland in summer, I spent a lot of time stand-up paddling on Lake Sempach.

I look back on that time very fondly today. In my view I used it well to prepare for life in Switzerland. And since I had now made my first progress in German, it was time to look for a job.

The job interview at xappido

When I received my work permit in September 2022, I could officially start job-hunting. My family advised me to look for a job in my own profession as a developer, even though that would probably take a lot of time and would not be easy. But as so often during these two years in Switzerland, I was very lucky. It was not long before I was invited to my first interview.

I still remember that day exactly. My wife’s brother drove me there. Although I was allowed to drive in Switzerland, I wanted to walk home after the interview to reflect. That first interview was a real success for me, and whatever the outcome, I wanted to process it on a walk in the fresh air.

That conversation turned out to be very important indeed. It was my first and my last interview for my first job here in Switzerland. I still remember sitting in the meeting room with Thomas, Manuel and Sandro from xappido. It was very relaxed; we talked about all sorts of things, laughed, and discussed what xappido does and what I had done so far. We arranged a second interview, and a month later I started a three-month internship, which turned into a permanent position.

From then on began, without doubt, the best professional experience of my life. There are several reasons for that. For one, I can do exactly what I most enjoy here: programming. Beyond that, I was able to become part of the xappido team. As well as working together, I like spending time with my colleagues, whether at a good team event, during our sporting activities (running, padel, bouldering, swimming) or simply over a beer.

Similarities and differences

Naturally I have noticed a few differences between Argentina and Switzerland. Let us start with nature: I find the landscape very similar to parts of Patagonia and Argentina. I like that a lot, because I enjoy hiking in the forests and spending time by the lakes, whether swimming or in some kind of boat. The big difference between the two countries is the short distance between city and nature in Switzerland. That lets me enjoy both at once and makes for a better balance between city life and the outdoors. What I find hardest is how little sunlight there is in this region. It is quite different in Argentina, where I could usually do my sport outdoors in the sun. Here in Switzerland I try to compensate with indoor sports. Fortunately the range on offer here is very large and varied.

As for society, I am pleasantly surprised. People are generally very friendly and, above all, very considerate of others. I would say that in Switzerland it is generally very easy to connect with people. Perhaps the Swiss are sometimes too polite and not direct enough, but in my experience it is not usual here for anyone to treat you inappropriately or make you feel uncomfortable. And from my experience here with family, friends and colleagues, I can only speak very positively about Swiss society. What I miss most is spontaneity, since people generally plan everything very carefully, which leaves little room for spur-of-the-moment ideas. That has its good side too, of course: when you plan something with someone here, it does not get forgotten or cancelled at the last minute. Something else I like a lot about Switzerland, and that differs from Argentina, is the mix of cultures. It is possible to meet people from many different cultures here, which I find very interesting.

Another point worth mentioning is work. On that subject I can say that working in Switzerland has many advantages. One of them stands out in particular: there are far more days of holiday in Switzerland than in Argentina (I love that). I am also impressed by people’s professionalism and self-discipline. Here it matters a great deal not simply to get something done, but to do it as well as possible. And the working environment and the team spirit are excellent in Switzerland, from what I have experienced.

In my experience, the whole administrative side of the company runs smoothly here too. There is no chaos, and you can trust that your salary and your recorded hours are correct. I no longer have to check everything meticulously and can invest my time and energy in my own work.

My new home

I had thought Switzerland was a closed society, hard to become part of. I was shown the opposite. I live in a very loving family that is always ready to help and advise, and I have the most relaxed and open-hearted friends anyone could have. On top of that we have a wonderful atmosphere at work, where everyone enjoys sharing time together. Something else I love is the enthusiasm for sport. You can always find someone to train with, and people here always take part in sporting activities. So it is quite simple: if you want to make friends in Switzerland, do sport or go hiking in the mountains. Without doubt someone will come along with you, or you will get to know someone that way.

Today I can say with gratitude that in my private life and at work I feel at ease, integrated and at home in Switzerland. In that spirit: Hopp Schwiiz!