The Expat Geneva Experience - Old World Meets New

As a potential expat Geneva, you’re sure to experience some contradictory outlooks: excitement versus apprehension, adventure versus homesickness, new horizons versus old friends. These differ little from the emotions of anyone who’s readying to embark on a journey. However, [living in Geneva Switzerland][1] holds some distinct advantages in the softening of the expat blow, among which include desirable weather, majestic scenery, fluent communication, professional opportunities, and a culture that spans the gap between old world and new. If you’re leaving extreme weather conditions, like those found in North Dakota or the Florida Keys, your internal temperature regulation system is in for a pleasant surprise. Lake Geneva, the Rhone River, the Jura Mountains, and the Alps work to create a temperate climate in Geneva, with moderate temperatures that barely flirt with extremes. Music flows through the city from venues such as Grand Theatre, the Conservatory of Music, and Victoria Hall, where global talents come to perform. Progressive art is given a canvas at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, while old world creations are chronicled at the Rath Museum. Switzerland is rich with antiquity, which comes as no surprise when visitors consider that the birth of the city predates the nativity of Christ. Architecture connoisseurs and weekend browsers can’t help but marvel at the Gothic, Medieval, Roman, French, German, Neo-Baroque, and Neoclassical styles displayed in the structures that line the Rhone, the lake, and Geneva’s city streets. Geneva expat students find international enlightenment in the city’s distinguished universities, including the International University in Geneva, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, the University of Geneva, the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, and Webster University. Likewise, expat Geneva parents are able to choose private elementary education for their children, if they wish. Language barriers can raise concerns for a Geneva expat. Making connections can be complicated when [veterinarians][2], doctors, and other professionals cannot communicate fluently. But don’t fret. Though French is the most prevalent language in Geneva, English, Italian, and German are common, too. About one fourth of residents and most visitors to Geneva speak English. Geneva’s historical richness is complemented by its connection to neighboring cities, countries, and to the future. Trains deliver commuters to Germany, Spain, Milan, and Paris. Planes connect passengers to all European cities in less time than it takes many Americans to drive to work. If your profession is calling you to Geneva, you probably already know that it’s a world leader in medical supplies, technology systems, and banking. Geneva’s competent transportation system keeps those working and living in Geneva connected, increasing the likeliness of professional success. What visions do “Geneva” and “Switzerland” bring to mind? Chalets, cheese with holes, chocolate, prosperous banks, and neutral international relations are common ones, but if you think Geneva stops there, you’ve come up short. This nucleus of language, history, and forward thinking has much more to offer. It’s natural to experience some contradictory sensations when pondering an overseas or cross country move. However, as an expat Geneva, you’re sure to encounter some of the most satisfactory contradictions you can imagine, in this old world that embraces the new. [1]: http://www.livingingenevaswitzerland.org [2]: http://animalhospitalgeneva4.org