High-quality schools, infrastructure, and public services are just some of the advantages of living in Switzerland with family. In this second article, we cover what you need to know about life in Switzerland: childcare, schools, cultural differences, and child-friendly activities.
Start with the first part of this two-part series, Moving to Switzerland with Family.
In Switzerland, maternity leave lasts for 98 days. There is also paternity or second-parent leave, which lasts for two weeks. If your child is ill and can’t go to crèche or school, you’re entitled to three days’ paid leave for minor illnesses and up to 14 weeks’ paid leave for major illnesses.
There are several daycare options:
The Swiss school system is distinct from other countries, and there are significant cantonal differences. In most areas, children are separated into two to four ability streams from age 11. Those in the highest ability stream are on track to go to university. Everyone else does an apprenticeship or attends technical school. However, this doesn’t mean students in lower ability streams can never get a degree. Because the Swiss school system is very porous, many who initially completed an apprenticeship do a vocational diploma and go to university later in life.
Find out more: Podcast episode about the Swiss education system with Margaret Oertig
Children are assigned to schools based on proximity, so you won’t get to choose unless you opt for a private school. Take this into account when deciding where to settle.
Switzerland’s culture is still traditional in many ways. This may impact your children’s experiences in several ways.
Many schools start very early, often at 7:30 am. In most areas, day schools are still not the norm, so children are sent home at lunchtime. Fortunately, almost every school now offers a lunch club (Mittagstisch). Sometimes, this day care service is also available before and after school.
On Wednesdays, kids in most state schools finish school at lunchtime. However, there are many after-school clubs and activities on offer in every area.
Depending on where you come from, you might be surprised by some of the school rules. For example, many teachers forbid sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and fast foods in school. You have to provide your child with snack options such as fruit, juice, cheese, or crackers.
Lateness isn’t usually tolerated. Children who are consistently late for school often get reprimanded, and they might lose points in the class reward system. Make every effort to be on time in the morning and after the lunch break because this makes a good impression on the teacher and most likely makes your child’s time at school easier.
In Swiss schools, there is a big focus on independence from a young age. Your child will be expected to take responsibility for their belongings and homework from primary school. In some schools, it’s expected that children walk, cycle, or scoot to school on their own. Car commutes are frowned upon, and some schools even have campaigns and posters to discourage them.
In the past, many expats found it difficult to integrate into Swiss society. Locals often socialise with the people they went to school or university with, and it can be hard to break into these friendship groups. However, things have changed in recent years. Now, around 25% of residents are expats, and there are countless international groups in every city. Places like Meetup and Facebook can help you find relevant groups in your area. For kids, there are several additional options.
Scout groups, called Pfadi in Swiss German, are a great way for nature-loving and outdoorsy children to meet peers outside of school. These groups are present in most parts of Switzerland, and kids can join from age five. Some common activities include hiking, outdoor sports and games, orienteering, and pioneer construction.
Community centres, Gemeinschaftszentren (GZ), are another great place to find activities for the whole family. In Zurich, there are 17 GZ, and they offer a variety of activities from Pilates to kids’ language classes to music playgroups. Although many activities are run in the local language, you might find some activities in your target language. For example, there is a Czech playgroup at GZ Grünau and a bilingual German/English playgroup at GZ Leimbach.
You won’t be bored in Switzerland with a family. There are so many things to do:
Looking to settle in Switzerland? Read the first part of this article, Moving to Switzerland with Family.
Living in Switzerland with family can be a great experience. Your children will get to enjoy a safe, clean environment and excellent educational opportunities. Sign up for our Rigby AG newsletter to access our comprehensive Living in Switzerland ebook. You’ll learn about everything from permits to housing to social security.