topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

How to assimilate

Crime and the legal system in Switzerland

Major museums in Switzerland

Culture and social etiquette in Switzerland

How to open a Swiss bank account

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Life in Expat voices Expat Voices: Erica Bersin on life in Basel

Expat Voices

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


27/10/2009Expat Voices: Erica Bersin on life in Basel

Expat Voices: Erica Bersin on life in Basel New York expat Erica asks for the sauce separately and makes sure her garbage is tidy.

Name: Erica Bersin
Nationality: American
City of residence: Basel
Date of birth: 10 May
Civil status: Single
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Marketing Communications
Reason for moving to Switzerland: Job
Lived in Switzerland for: 2.5 years


What was your first impression of Switzerland?
A very neat and orderly country. Amazing chocolate!

What do you think of the food?
The Swiss really like their sauces. Everything has sauce. One of the first phrases I learned here was “sauce separate”. And I love that it’s all very fresh; however, fruit goes bad within a day or two of buying it.

What do you think of the shopping in Switzerland?
It’s quite expensive (clothes, food, medicines). And I come from NYC!

What do you appreciate about living in Switzerland?
I appreciate how safe and beautiful it is. The mountains and lakes are just amazing.

What do you find most frustrating about living in Switzerland?
I never knew that there could be a difference between precise and efficient. It’s very precise here, for example with trains, trams, and buses; however, other things can be very inefficient. There are less conveniences and excellent customer service; I miss being able to have anything I want delivered 24 hours a day.

What puzzles you about Switzerland and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
I miss a “can do” environment. You tend to hear, “We’ve always done it this way and we’d never do it that way”.

How does the quality of life in Switzerland compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
I think it’s just different. I absolutely miss being in a big city and all that it has to offer; however, the safeness here is truly like no other place I’ve been.

If you could change anything about Switzerland, what would it be?
Be more open and accepting.

What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Enjoy the adventure and make sure your garbage is tidy.

Expat Voices
If 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.


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Life in essentials
Life in expert Q&A
ask your question
Life in A-Z listings
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Finding your way in Switzerland

Trekking and Backpacking

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Let's coach..Saturday.Free.In English.

Finding your way in Switzerland

Chinese Nanny (Ayi) wanted

Finding your way in Switzerland

Need Househelp who prepares Thai food

Student forum Switzerland

@SAP Business Objects Online Training in Netherlands by SAP BOSS

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.