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Cross-cultural trips No 1
Some surprising facts about Switzerland: Flag: Switzerland is the only nation with one of square flag instead of a rectangular....

Angie
Oct 28, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Costs of living
The salary proposal with your new offer is tempting. However, are you aware of Switzerland’s costs of living? Here are some examples for a family with 2 children, per month (approximative): Apartment with 3 bedrooms: CHF 3’400.- Groceries per family: CHF 1’900.- Mandatory health, min coverage: CHF 1'100.- to 1'200 Crèche, per day: CHF 140.- 10 Gbit/s Internet / TV : CHF 35.- to 95.- Below a non-exhaustive list of costs of livin

Angie
Sep 30, 20211 min read


Job search support - Dual career No 3
Do I need to write a motivation/cover letter while applying in Switzerland? Most companies will ask for a motivation letter, so yes, it is still considered as an added value in Switzerland, although there are signs on the labor market that international influences tend to make it (very) slowly disappear. Undoubtably, if you are requested to do so in the ad or in the web form, you will have to write one, or you will have no chance to go to the next step and get an interview. I

Angie
Sep 14, 20211 min read


Job search support - Dual career No 2
Where can I find job ads specifically for scientists, researchers and engineers in Switzerland? You can visit the job portal https://www.myscience.ch/jobs , a dedicated webpage displaying vacancies at research centers, high-tech companies or universities. You can also browse https://www.euraxess.ch/switzerland/jobs-funding to access job offers or find further relevant webpages for your search. #relocation #costsoflivinginswitzerland #dualcareer #jobsearch #workinginswitzerl

Angie
Sep 3, 20211 min read


Job search support - Dual career No 1
Where can I find job ads on the net specifically for English speakers ? If most of the well-known job boards like e.g. jobup.ch, jobs.ch, jobtic.ch, jobscout24.ch, monster.ch allow you to search for ads published in or requiring English by typing “English” as a keyword in the dedicated field, you can also visit https://switzerland.xpatjobs.com/ for more refined criteria, like “Language required: English only”. #relocation #costsoflivinginswitzerland #dualcareer #jobsearch #

Angie
Aug 13, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Integration – Ready to chat in French?
Some of us working in an international environment are practicing French too little to be at ease in a conversation. Though, mastering the local language is key for integration! Also, we have all been working in home office for so long, speaking to people through the screen. Enough is enough, now you have the chance to go out socializing. Here is our tip: Boost your conversation skills in French and try a French conversation https://www.ecole-declic.ch #relocation #cocooningr

Angie
Jun 22, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Schooling - Compulsory school start, curriculum, and its options in state schooling
In the canton of Vaud, compulsory school takes place over eleven years of study divided into two levels: primary level and secondary level I. The primary level lasts eight years divided into two 4-year cycles, called the first primary cycle (cycle 1) and the second primary cycle (cycle 2). Secondary level I (cycle 3), lasting 3 years, leads to a secondary school leaving certificate marking the completion of compulsory schooling. At the end of the 11th year, various connecting

Angie
Jun 11, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Schooling – Equivalence Swiss (Vaud) vs. UK, USA/other countries
Which class of the Swiss public system will my child integrate when moving to Switzerland? As per the pupil's age indicated in the country specific diagram and the year of schooling in one or the other school system, the schema shows the types of compulsory and post-compulsory schooling possibilities as well as the possible cycle of examinations and career path. Consult the following link to compare the school structures of the canton of Vaud to a big number of countries. Dia

Angie
Jun 8, 20211 min read


Practical tip - Children's care during school holidays
Your summer break is coming soon… But how do we occupy our children the rest of the school’s summer holiday while working? S ome tips experienced by the Cocooning team… - You may check the summary of Day-Camps on Vaudfamille.ch … Curious for something new? Sports, Music, Arts… Broaden our children’s horizon! Activities during summer holidays - Lausanne (and other communes) offers “ Passeport vacances ”. Do not miss the deadline for subscription http://www.apvrl.ch

Angie
Jun 4, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Integration - Driving license exchange
If you hold a valid foreign driving license and you move to Switzerland, you have 12 months from your arrival to exchange your foreign license for a Swiss document. You can either go in person to the offices of automobiles in Nyon, Lausanne, Yverdon-les-bains or Aigle or send your documents per mail. We recommend the latter as the offices usually takes time to queue, and the Swiss license is not printed on the spot anyway. Count min 2-3 working days. Procedure Per Snail Ma

Angie
May 25, 20212 min read


Practical tip – Housing Entry inspection
Have you thought of taking pictures during your entry inspection? At the moment of inspection, all seems clearly agreed with the real estate agent and in order. But in the excitement of moving into your new home, don’t forget to take photos which you keep in case of need at the exit inspection. Do you benefit of the support with Cocooning? If so, we are taking care of checking the apartment, the paperwork, the follow up with the real estate on repairs, the photos and so much

Angie
May 25, 20211 min read


Practical tip – List of compulsory insurances
Compulsory insurance in Switzerland are : - Basic health - Accident insurance (handled by employer, if applicable) - Third-party...

Angie
May 25, 20211 min read


Practical tip – NEW! card format of work and residency permits in canton Vaud
Until today, only Non-Europeans were required to go to the "Centre de Biométrie" in addition to the visit at the communal authorities to...

Angie
Apr 22, 20211 min read


Practical tip - Propriety / Rental management
Stuck abroad due to quarantine or home office measures? What needs to be done if you are leaving your apartment / house unattended for a long period of time? Ask a neighbor, a friend, or a colleague to do the following tasks while you are absent: - To air thoroughly all rooms to avoid moisture - Empty the fridge and freezer, clean, switch it off and leave the door open - Empty mailbox, have your personal mail temporarily forwarded and dispose advertisement - Coordinate clea

Angie
Apr 22, 20211 min read


Practical tip – Exploratory trip - Discover your future new location
What are the benefits of a Look-and-see trip? Which elements would help you to take a decision where you want to live? - Get a feeling of...

Angie
Apr 13, 20211 min read


Practical tip - Cross cultural training
What are the DO’s and DON’t in Switzerland? You don’t flush the toilet after 10pm. Don’t speak loudly in public, especially on a cell...

Angie
Feb 9, 20211 min read


Practical tip - House hunting
What are the key words for a successful house hunting? PROACTIVE & QUICK! Get informed about the current real estate market and its requirements, prepare a complete application file, consult the latest adds and be one of the first visitor! Decide quickly if you apply or continue your visits! #relocation #accommodation #househunting #apartmentsearch

Angie
Feb 9, 20211 min read


Practical tip - Immigration – language requirements
Practical tip - Immigration – language requirements What's the purpose of legal immigration requirements in terms of language skills ? To know or to learn the spoken language of the place of residency is regarded as beneficial for integration, which is French language for the Canton of Vaud and Geneva. Look at the graphic and find out more details and links to the topic…. #relocation #immigration #languageskills #familyregrouping

Angie
Jan 28, 20211 min read
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