Your first year of working as a physical therapist in Switzerland: What they're not telling you

Your first year as a physical therapist in Switzerland is an adventure. A great adventure, but also an intense one. Many people tell you beforehand how fantastic the mountains are, how good the salaries are and how great the opportunity to work abroad is. But there is also a side that is mentioned less often. Not negative, but honest. Because it is precisely by recognizing those aspects that you will get more strength and joy out of this special year.

1. Moving + new job + new language... everything at once is a lot

Moving to another country is already a big step. Starting a new job, too. And learning a new language? That is practically a part-time study.

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But in Switzerland, this often happens all at the same time. You're trying to find your way around your new practice, meet new colleagues, listen to Swiss German every day, and in the meantime, find your place in your new environment. Van arrange health insurances to discovering your favorite supermarket.

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It is logical that sometimes feels overwhelming. It doesn't mean you can't handle it. It means you are human.

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2. Feeling at home in Switzerland is a process

Many new physios expect the “feeling at home” to come after a few weeks. But in reality, it takes longer. Sometimes, in the first months, everything still feels a bit awkward: the rhythm, the culture, the way of working, the language, the people around you.

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And that is completely normal. Home doesn't happen in a week. It happens in small moments: finding your favorite bakery, meeting someone you know, taking a regular walk that gives you rest. Give yourself time.

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3. Making friends isn't easy

In Switzerland, social life is slightly quieter and more closed than in the Netherlands. People don't automatically jump at you to include you in their lives.

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That means you have to invest, take the initiative, and sometimes step outside your comfort zone to build a new group of friends.

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Fortunately, you can meet via the takeoff community directly people who are in exactly the same phase. People who understand how it feels, people who are also new, and people who like to do activities together. That makes the threshold much lower.

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4. Administration, systems and culture... it takes some puzzling

Health insurances, registration processes, contracts, documentation requirements. It's all slightly different from what you're used to. The Swiss structure is clear, but sometimes complex.

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The first few months sometimes feel like you're playing a new game where you're still learning the rules. And that's ok. Everyone goes through this. Step by step, it will be easier.

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And then... comes the bright side of the first year

Because in addition to all the challenges, there is also an enormous amount of beautiful aspects to this Swiss adventure.

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1. You're suddenly living in the middle of a postcard

Switzerland's nature is no bonus. It is pure quality of life. Each season has its own magic:

• winter: skiing, sledding, winter hikes
• springtime: green valleys and first mountain tours
• summer: mountain lakes, climbing, hiking
• fall: golden woods and quiet trails

Nature is a place to relax, recharge and be proud of the step you've taken.

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2. You're growing faster than you ever thought

The first year makes you more independent, more flexible and more confident. You have to tackle many new situations, which is exactly why you develop as a person and as a professional.

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Many physios say afterwards: “I didn't know I could do this, but I just did it.”

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3. You're building a second home

Slowly but surely, it is created: your rhythm, your place, your network. You start to know people, the language becomes more natural, and you find yourself starting to feel at home in something that was once so new.

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4. And you are not alone

The takeoff community, colleagues, fellow expats. You have a group of people around you who understand what it's like to start over. Working out together, hiking together, drinking coffee together, laughing about language moments together. That connection makes a huge difference.

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Lastly

Your first year in Switzerland is intense, educational, sometimes challenging, but above all incredibly valuable. It's a year where you get to know yourself again. A year where you discover what you can do. And a year of building a life you can be proud of.

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Wondering how your takeoff might look like? Or do you want to know exactly what you need to arrange before you move? Feel free to take contact on.