Homesickness? 7 ways to feel more at home in Switzerland

Your life in Switzerland is actually going quite well. Your work is going well, you have colleagues, maybe already found a nice apartment. And yet, there are times when it suddenly chafes. Nostalgia. Sometimes dormant in the background, sometimes unexpectedly loud. It's part of it, even though no one wants to hear it. Some people have it more often, others less so. But almost everyone gets to deal with it.

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As a physiotherapist in Switzerland, you are constantly “on”. New language, new work culture, different responsibilities. That costs energy, more than you had previously thought. Below, we share seven tips that we often hear from physios who have already come before you. No miracle solutions, but things that help in practice.

Facetime, even when things are going well

A video call from home can help enormously. Not only when you feel bad, but also in between. Share little things. A funny moment at work. What your view looked like this morning. What you ate. This way, you remain part of each other's daily lives, even though you no longer live around the corner.

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Research shows that regular contact with the home front is one of the most important factors in keeping homesickness manageable. Not only in times of crisis, but also when things are going well.

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Plan something to look forward to

Homesickness often gets stronger when everything seems like one long period. By planning ahead, you give yourself something to hold on to. That could be a weekend trip, a planned trip to the Netherlands, or just a few days off that are already on your agenda. The idea that something is coming makes everyday life lighter.

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Use Swiss holidays smartly

Switzerland has many holidays and they vary by canton. By planning smartly, you can suddenly create a long weekend with a few days off. Ideal to go to the Netherlands and really have time there.

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The night train between the Netherlands and Switzerland still runs daily. You board in Amsterdam or Utrecht in the evening and are in Basel or Zurich the next morning. “Just going home” has therefore become a lot more accessible than you might think.

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Don't make the first year too big

Many physical therapists unconsciously put a lot of pressure on themselves. “I need to feel at home here quickly.” But that is not realistic. Think of the first year as an academic year. Everything is new, everything can get used to. You don't have to feel or decide anything definitely yet.

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Psychologists confirm this: adapting to a new country takes time and that is completely normal. That thought alone often relieves tension and makes homesickness more manageable.

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Join the takeoff community

Within the takeoff community we organize group chats and events where physios come together. These are times when you get to know other Dutch and Belgian physiotherapists who know exactly what you're going through.

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As nice as it is to make Swiss friends, it's still incredibly nice to speak your own language from time to time. No need to explain anything. Just be yourself. And sometimes they arise there friendships that make the difference between “I'm fine” and “I'm fine”.

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Seek recognition, but also stay open

Contact with other Dutch people can be very nice. You don't have to explain anything and you immediately feel understood. At the same time, it's good not to just stay in that bubble.

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The combination of recognition and new contacts helps you to feel more at home here step by step. A sports club, a walking group, a neighbor with whom you have a beer. It doesn't have to become your best friend right away. Every connection counts.

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Know that homesickness comes in waves

Nostalgia doesn't go away in a straight line. It comes and goes. One week you feel completely at home, the next week, a little moment can suddenly unleash everything. A song on the radio. A photo of a birthday you couldn't attend. That doesn't mean your choice was wrong. It means you are human.

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By recognizing this, you will prevent you from immediately questioning everything with every wave.

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Homesickness looks different for everyone. For some, it's in big moments that you miss; for others, it's in small things. These are a few tips, not a fixed route. Maybe one works for you. Maybe two. And sometimes it helps to know that what you're feeling is quite normal.

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Do you have questions about working in Switzerland or want to know how we can help you with your move? Feel free to take contact with us.

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