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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

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

How to hike to the top of a Swiss mountain

10/8/2019
Hiking in Switzerland is a favourite national pastime, especially in autumn, which means there are plenty of maps, online resources, and books to help you find the perfect hike! To get you into the mood, we'll tell you what you have to watch out for and give you all sorts of other tips, including a short excursion we made recently up a mountain and tell you what secrets are waiting for you at the top. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, Your British Guide to Switzerland: How to...

Duration:00:19:14

This is what it sounds like in Switzerland's capital city, Bern

9/17/2019
Come on a walk through one of Bern's picturesque neighbourhoods, Kirchenfeld, and listen in to what the Swiss capital sounds like on an ordinary day. Starting off at the Tierpark (animal park), walking through Helvetiaplatz with many of the country's important museums, I'll talk you through what you will see and hear as you head up into the city centre, walking over a beautiful bridge and ending at one of the city's main attractions, the Zytglogge. Take in the sounds of Bern wherever you...

Duration:00:15:13

Swiss German sayings: what they mean (and how to say them!)

9/3/2019
"There's enough hay down there now" to "even his chopping block will calve": these are just a few everyday sayings that make perfect sense in Swiss German, but don't exactly translate into English. Whether you've heard some of them already, or just want to impress with a sentence or two at the right moment, this is our pick of some useful sayings in Swiss German. In this episode, we try to explain their meaning and talk about when you can use them. And as always, we have some suggestions...

Duration:00:20:11

The Swiss and Chips guide to dating in Switzerland

8/20/2019
Is dating in Switzerland any different to anywhere else in the world? The Swiss have a reputation for being difficult to get know, so in this episode, we talk about expectations, stereotypes and traditions when it comes to attempting to get romantically involved with a Swiss. How to date in Switzerland: Show notes How to make friends in Switzerland

Duration:00:17:24

Get a holiday vibe without leaving Switzerland

7/23/2019
With the temperatures heating up again this week, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Switzerland and get to know a few places where you can create the feeling of going on holiday without straying too far from home. We explored some of the locations the Swiss head to when they need a 'staycation'. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Estavayer le Lac

Duration:00:15:31

Hit the road: driving in Switzerland

7/9/2019
Do you need a car in Switzerland? And what other options are there apart from buying one? We asked what you wanted to hear about in this episode of our podcast, and driving in Switzerland was one topic you suggested in our Facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers. We talk about why you might decide to get a car, and how leasing, hiring and car sharing works. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland Owning a car - Great public transport, do you really need a...

Duration:00:13:30

Your questions about Switzerland: answered!

6/25/2019
There’s been lots of questions in our facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers, over the past couple of weeks, so we wanted to talk about a few of them. Moving to Switzerland can be quite a confusing time, from the paperwork to the forms, to saying and doing the right thing..it can be tough! But there‘s always a funny side in the end. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland

Duration:00:18:43

Taking to the classroom to learn Swiss German

6/11/2019
Many say it can't be done, but some of us will still try! Jo has been attending a Swiss German course and in this episode, she shares her experience of signing up and going to classes. From precisely what the course entails, to what happens in the classroom and the kind of things she has learnt, there were some unexpected elements to the course. Could taking a Swiss German class be something for you? Have a listen as we talk about the pros and cons of taking on learning the local dialect,...

Duration:00:17:04

Do you need to know Swiss German to move to Switzerland?

5/21/2019
Moving to a country where you don't speak the language can be a 'chicken and egg' situation: which one comes first, the language or the move? It's a challenging situation for anyone relocating abroad, and for newcomers to German-speaking Switzerland, this is a big issue. It's hard to get hold of resources to learn this dialect outside of the country. Once here, there are many different regional variations to get to grips with, and the differences between Swiss German and high German can feel...

Duration:00:14:54

Where to find Swiss second-hand delights

5/7/2019
Looking for furniture, clothes or something for your home in Switzerland that won't cost the Earth? Then you definitely need to find your nearest flea market or second-hand shop. In the German-speaking part of the country thrift stores are called "Brockis" (short for "Brockenhäuser"). In this episode we'll take you through how you can find them and what to expect, and tell you where to look online if rummaging for a bargain in person isn't really your thing. Did you know we have a Facebook...

Duration:00:14:45

'Fête des Vignerons': make merry at the Swiss winemakers' festival

4/22/2019
If you’ve looked at any Swiss newspapers or programmes in the past few months you’ll have heard about the ‘Fête des Vignerons’. It’s a once-in-a-generation event that sounds like it's not to be missed. So what’s all the fuss about, and will there be wine? Did you know we have a Facebook group? Switzerland for English Speakersis a great place to ask questions and share experiences. Have a look! Notes on this episode We try to answer the most important questions before it begins. What is...

Duration:00:15:31

Shopping in Switzerland: what do you buy where?

4/9/2019
What are the main shops in Switzerland and where do you go for specific items? In this episode we go through the big name shops, what they sell and where you can find them, plus we talk about some smaller, specialised shops or boutiques, and what you can buy online. Find out about the classic out-of-town shops traditionally frequented by farmers which could be useful for you and the surprisingly affordable electronics. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Shopping in...

Duration:00:15:27

Dealing with cultural diversity, the Swiss way

3/26/2019
Switzerland is a very diverse country with four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The Swiss also share their border with five countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. And out of all the people living in Switzerland, 25% don't have a Swiss passport. So how does this work? How do the Swiss communicate and how do they all get along with each other? Did you know we have a Facebook group? Switzerland for English Speakers is a great place to ask...

Duration:00:21:25

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