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You are here: Home Life in Expat voices Expat Voices: Anne Monstad on living in Switzerland

23/06/2009Expat Voices: Anne Monstad on living in Switzerland

Anne The shopping and fondue in Switzerland are great but, surprisingly enough, Anne misses chocolate from her native Norway.

Name: Anne Monstad    
Nationality: Norwegian
City of residence: Zürich, Uetikon am See
Date of birth: 20.01.78
Civil status: Married
Occupation: Editor and co-founder of mamizeit.com
Reason for moving to Switzerland: My husband got work here
Lived in Switzerland for: four years

What was your first impression of Switzerland?
A lot of snow-covered mountains and a good climate!

What do you think of the food?
I have become quite fond of fondue but I tend to eat too much. The good thing is that I usually forget. Smile

What do you think of the shopping in Switzerland?
There are great shopping possibilities here in Switzerland and Zürich is no exception. The problem is that serious shopping tends to empty my account, so I try to keep it on a moderate level.

What do you appreciate about living in Switzerland?
It’s placed in the middle of Europe which means that you can easily plan a road trip to France, Italy, Austria, Germany or other nearby countries.

What do you find most frustrating about living in Switzerland?

Siesta at 12h00.

What puzzles you about Switzerland and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
That it is so clean, and strangely enough I miss Norwegian chocolate.

How does the quality of life in Switzerland compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
Compared to Norway, the quality of life here is different but good.

If you could change anything about Switzerland, what would it be?
Longer maternity leave, cheaper daycare and end the long lunch break at school.

What advice would you give to a newcomer?

Be patient, learn the language and travel as much as you can.

expat voicesIf you would like to share your perspective about life in Switzerland and contribute to Expat Voices, send an email to editorCH@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line.

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