You have just arrived in Switzerland and you are wondering where all those friendly people are hiding. Good news: they are right here. You just have to know where to look.
1. Join a sports club (Verein)
Swiss people love their *Vereine*. From football to volleyball, from climbing to rowing: every village has a handful of sports clubs humming with activity. And here is the thing: these clubs are not only about sport. They host barbecues, seasonal parties and long evenings in the clubhouse.
Membership usually costs a few tens per year and gives you instant access to a fixed group of people. Bonus: your German (or French, or Italian) improves by the week if you stick around for a beer after training. Speaking of German: with takeoff you can learn German with David to get ready for exactly those club nights.
Pro tip: check your municipality's website for the *Vereinsverzeichnis*. Everything is neatly listed there.
2. Join a run club
Running is big in Switzerland. Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne: run clubs for every level, everywhere. From relaxed jogs to serious training for the next mountain marathon. The nice part is that you do not need to be a top athlete. Most clubs have groups for beginners and for experienced runners.
After the run, the evening often ends at a bar. Perfect for getting to know people without forcing it. And as a physio you already know plenty about injury prevention. Instant conversation starter.
Where to find them? Instagram, Facebook, Meetup, or walk into Ochsner Sport or Decathlon: there are usually flyers from local clubs on the noticeboard.
3. Explore the outdoor communities
With the Alps as a backyard, it is only logical that Swiss people head outside in large numbers. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, climbing: there is an endless list of outdoor groups welcoming new faces. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) organises weekly tours for every level. On Meetup.com you will find international groups exploring the mountains together.
The beauty of being outside together? Conversation happens on its own. Especially when you both survive a steep climb or share the view at the top. Friendships forged in the mountains tend to last a lifetime.
Extra tip: as a takeoff physio you can also join our own mountain hikes and ski outings.
4. Dive into the language courses
A language course is gold for your social life. You are surrounded by people who, like you, are new to the country. Perfect foundation for new friendships. Many schools also organise drinks, trips and cultural activities on top of the classes.
Want to practise for free? Try a *language exchange*. You help a local with English, they help you with German. Win-win. Check Tandem or search Facebook for "Language Exchange" plus your city. Solid command of the language also helps you professionally. Read more about diploma recognition and language requirements for foreign physiotherapists.
5. Live in a WG (shared flat)
A *Wohngemeinschaft* is the fastest way to make friends. You share not only the kitchen and living room, but also shared dinners, film nights and weekend plans. Many WGs are home to international young professionals trying to find their feet in Switzerland, just like you.
It also gives you an instant window into daily Swiss life. Your flatmates know the best spots, can help you with practical things, and introduce you to their own circle of friends.
Where to look? Try wgzimmer.ch, Facebook Marketplace, or local university noticeboards.
And do not forget takeoff
As a takeoff physio you are already part of our lively community. Monthly drinks, mountain hikes, weekends away: you hit the ground running. Our WhatsApp groups are there 24/7 for tips, spontaneous plans and plenty of fun.
Plenty of physios who moved to Switzerland with takeoff have built lifelong friendships here. So yes: making friends in Switzerland is actually fairly easy. You just have to be willing to take the first step.
Ready to meet your new squad? Join our community and discover how social Switzerland can be.
