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Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Your British guide to Switzerland: an audio podcast for English speaking expats living in Switzerland and Swiss interested in Britain. Everything expats need to know about finding a job in Switzerland, how to find an apartment in Bern, Geneva or Zurich, how to find friends and get to know Swiss culture, traditions and of course, learn the language. We will try to answer your questions and give you personal insight into what it's like to move from London to Bern. This is not just a view from the outside looking in however, we will also bring you the Swiss perspective, from a "real" Swiss, born and bred in the Bernese Oberland.

Your British guide to Switzerland: an audio podcast for English speaking expats living in Switzerland and Swiss interested in Britain. Everything expats need to know about finding a job in Switzerland, how to find an apartment in Bern, Geneva or Zurich, how to find friends and get to know Swiss culture, traditions and of course, learn the language. We will try to answer your questions and give you personal insight into what it's like to move from London to Bern. This is not just a view from the outside looking in however, we will also bring you the Swiss perspective, from a "real" Swiss, born and bred in the Bernese Oberland.

Location:

Switzerland

Description:

Your British guide to Switzerland: an audio podcast for English speaking expats living in Switzerland and Swiss interested in Britain. Everything expats need to know about finding a job in Switzerland, how to find an apartment in Bern, Geneva or Zurich, how to find friends and get to know Swiss culture, traditions and of course, learn the language. We will try to answer your questions and give you personal insight into what it's like to move from London to Bern. This is not just a view from the outside looking in however, we will also bring you the Swiss perspective, from a "real" Swiss, born and bred in the Bernese Oberland.

Language:

English

Episodes

A 'BEA' Special: the must-see traditional Swiss agricultural fair

5/2/2022
The BEA is open! This annual traditional Swiss fair is a must-see for anyone living in or around Bern and it's open until May 8 this year. From donkey displays to fairground rides and the chance to sample local beers and a staggering range of cheese, there is so much to see for children and adults. We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly hidden...

Duration:00:11:18

E61 St. Moritz in winter

4/14/2022
Snow, a frozen lake and beautiful mountains: there aren't many more things you need to complete the perfect Swiss winter destination. When we headed to St. Moritz in January 2022 we had high expectations for this famous ski resort with a glitzy reputation. And it absolutely lived up to them! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, ...

Duration:00:12:01

Relocating to Switzerland: Part 2

1/20/2022
What is it really like to move to Switzerland? In the second of two episodes looking back at when Jo first relocated from the UK, we delve into some of the unexpected sides to setting up a new life among the Swiss. In this episode we cover: Previous episodes we refer to in the show: How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat How to find a job in Switzerland as an expat

Duration:00:20:03

Relocating to Switzerland: A personal perspective

12/30/2021
Jo moved to Switzerland just over a decade ago, so it seemed to be about time to talk about her experience, the highlights, and what she would do differently if she would do it all over again.

Duration:00:14:28

How to organise a Swiss (and British) passport for your newborn

12/9/2021
If you have a British-Swiss child and live in Switzerland, like we do, how do you go about getting their first passports? In this episode we'll explain everything from organising all of the documents to taking a suitable picture of your little one. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify) Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland what you needonline form Learning Swiss German This week's word is:...

Duration:00:14:56

Becoming Swiss, part six: 'the interview'

11/18/2021
It's the big moment in the Swiss citizenship process: finally you will meet someone face-to-face who will decide whether all the paperwork you have collected, all the forms you have filled out and all the studying you have done is enough to make you a viable candidate for becoming Swiss. My moment finally came when I was invited to the office that handles citizenship applications in Bern. I've read so many reports in the media about the difficult questions posed at these interviews and...

Duration:00:05:55

Trip tip: An easy walk through the vineyards

10/14/2021
Vines, food and splendid views: if you're looking for a short and easy walk to do by yourself or when you have visitors in town, this is an episode for you! We talk about a scenic, circular walk in canton Bern that will take you from the village of Twann to Ligerz, via the vineyards and back along the lakeside to Twann. To get to Twann, you can go by train or park your car at the train station. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Google Play Music, ...

Duration:00:07:48

Becoming Swiss, part five: ‘One form to rule them all’

7/29/2021
Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all of your personal details including your entire education history and certificates, Swiss employment history, references and more. In this episode, I explain exactly which documents I had to gather as part of the more than 50 pages I had to put...

Duration:00:10:37

What to expect at a Swiss apéro

6/17/2021
Before or instead of a dinner, at a garden party, a wedding, an office function or even a funeral, it‘s always the right time and place to join or organise a classic Swiss apéro. But what is expected at this typically Swiss get-together? We talk you through the food and drinks, the preparation, and, as always, the subtleties of navigating a Swiss event. Don‘t forget to subscribe to our show and drop us an email for comments, questions or recommendations! What is a Swiss apero? The classic...

Duration:00:13:47

Having a baby in Switzerland

4/6/2021
There have been a few long breaks between our last podcast episodes, but we had a good reason: we have a new person in our family! Please welcome Maeve, our beautiful baby girl, who you may now hear in the background of some of our recordings. She was born in early 2021 and our lives became a whirlwind of excitement. Now that the chaos has calmed down we wanted to give you an update and share Jo's thoughts on how pregnancy and having a baby in Switzerland is different to the UK. Learning...

Duration:00:07:55

Weirdest thing you saw when you moved to Switzerland

2/23/2021
Setting foot into another country can mean a significant change of your lifestyle and sometimes a culture shock. We asked in our Facebook group about your weirdest thing you’ve experienced when you moved to Switzerland and got loads of fun and interesting comments as well aas interesting discussions started. Thanks a lot for that! In this episode we talk about a few of them and Jo will tell you about her personal story when she moved to Switzerland.

Duration:00:18:48

How to celebrate Christmas as an expat in Switzerland

11/24/2020
Christmas is drawing nearer but thanks to coronavirus, making plans to celebrate it this year isn't very easy. It's difficult enough to get together with family if you live in the same country, but almost impossible if you don't. We like to look on the bright side though! This year could be a chance to find new ways of celebrating Christmas and maybe start some new Swiss traditions at home. In this episode we talk about the parts of a Swiss Christmas that are perfect for our...

Duration:00:13:30

Becoming Swiss, part four: The Swiss citizenship test

10/27/2020
We're still here and still making podcasts: not as often as we'd like, but there's a good reason for that, which we'll explain in this week's episode. But the main topic in this episode is the Swiss citizenship test. Did you know we have a Facebook group? Switzerland for English Speakers is a great place to ask questions and share experiences. Take a look! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Der kleine Schweizermacher'.

Duration:00:19:20

Becoming Swiss, part three: 'Starting the Application Process'

8/4/2020
After living in Switzerland for ten years, I can now formally apply to become a Swiss citizen! There are a number of conditions I had to make sure I met before applying, which we mention in this episode of the podcast. We'll talk you through how to start the process in Bern specifically, as there are differences depending on where you live and exactly which type of naturalisation you are applying for. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland

Duration:00:15:41

What are we missing when trying to make Swiss friends?

5/19/2020
Finding it difficult to make friends with the Swiss is a common complaint from expats in Switzerland. Do the Swiss really have such different ideas about friendship? What does it take to be able to read between the lines in a conversation with a Swiss person and are there any tips that can help you feel less isolated here? We share our insights on this contentious topic and give you an update on Jo's application to become Swiss. Looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland?...

Duration:00:18:45

Walk with us along Bern's Aare river

4/14/2020
If you can only get out outside at the moment to go shopping or for some fresh air, you might be starting to get a little bored of your local surroundings. Pop your earphones in and come with us as we head out for a walk along the Aare river in Bern. Looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland? Check out our Facebook group. Where did we go on our walk? Bern animal park Elfenau park rare species garden

Duration:00:19:50

Five ways to perfect your Swiss knowledge while staying at home

3/24/2020
The coronavirus might have stopped you from getting out and exploring Switzerland, but you can still learn plenty about Swiss culture from inside your own home. Here's our list of five things every person interested in getting closer to the Swiss or looking to become Swiss should know. We chose a film, a book, a musician, a recipe and a game that you can look up and enjoy to see you through your weeks staying at home in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, your British...

Duration:00:17:44

When to shake hands in Switzerland

3/10/2020
Shaking hands in Switzerland is common: children learn it at school and it seems to be a regular feature of everyday life. But when is holding out your hand too much and when would it be a faux pas not to? What are the alternatives when you can't shake hands, for example during the Coronavirus outbreak? We'll run you through the hand-shaking dos and don'ts of Swiss culture! @jofahy@simonzrydFacebook Group: Switzerland Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: your British Guide to...

Duration:00:15:13

Should you join an English-speaking club in Switzerland?

2/25/2020
Joining a club in Switzerland is a simple way to make new friends and connections. There are several English-speaking clubs in Bern and other Swiss cities, like the British Residents' Association of Switzerland, which we visited in October 2019. Should you sign yourself up to a club? Listen and find out! @jofahy@simonzrydFacebook Group: Switzerland Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland British Residents' Association of Switzerland

Duration:00:13:15

Unspoken Swiss rules

2/11/2020
"}]],"markups":[["em"],["a",["href","http://twitter.com/jofahy"]],["a",["href","http://twitter.com/simonzryd"]]],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[0],0,"We love to hear from you! Chat with us on Twitter "],[0,[1],1,"@jofahy"],[0,[],0," or "],[0,[2],1,"@simonzryd"],[0,[],1,"."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It can feel like there are a lot of rules governing life in Switzerland. They‘re often written on signs in public places or in the building where you live or work. But what about those unspoken rules? The...

Duration:00:20:04

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