8 tips on how to make friends as an expat in Switzerland

Being an expat can be an incredible adventure, but it does come with its challenges. One of the hardest things new expats encounter is making friends in their new country. To help you out, we've put together some tips on how to make friends as an expat in Switzerland.

1. Meet the neighbours

One of the best ways to make new friends is to meet the people who live the nearest to you. If you’re living in a rented apartment or shared accommodation, it is very likely that you will be sharing some common spaces with other people such as laundry rooms, study rooms, lounges - or perhaps just the hallways! - which can be great places to meet new people. If there is a neighbourhood group or get-together, consider joining those.

Additionally, if you do not have a car or are unable to rely on public transportation, it would be very helpful to know your neighbours. If you’re a little on the shy side, a great way to introduce yourself to the neighbours would be to cook something from where you are from and share it with your neighbours!

2. Use existing family connections

If you are an expat because you have a loved one in that country, make the most of those connections. See if your loved one has friends or people around your age that they would be willing to introduce you to. You can also ask family and friends if they know anyone in the new country that you are moving to, which can help you meet new people.

3. Spend time with your colleagues after work

Occasionally going out to a bar with colleagues, if you have that kind of rapport, might be a good idea, especially if they are inviting some of their other friends. We're not advocating going out drinking every night, but spending some time with your colleagues after work can help you build a great network of friends. 

That would then be a good opportunity to network and grow your own group of friends. Don’t be afraid to make plans with these new people and exchange numbers - you may just find that you gain some very good friends out of this.

4. Use the internet

The internet can be a great way to make friends as an expat; consider joining a Facebook group for the new country that you will be living in. If you have moved for school or work, you can join those groups as well, and this will help broaden your network of friends.

You can post an open invitation to people for a coffee meet-up at a local café, you would be surprised how many people are also looking for new friends. Make sure that you are meeting in open, public spaces and that people know where you are.

There are also lots of apps that can help you form connections: Meetup is actively used in Switzerland, and some dating apps, such as Boo, are also used to help people find friends. 

5. Take a course in German or French

Taking a German course or trying to learn French will not only enable you to be able to chat with the locals, but it will also mean you get in contact with people in the same boat as you - some new, some here a while, but all new to the language.

Arrange to practise your chosen language by going out for drinks or something to eat and then just let the conversation flow. You never know, you may learn some awesome things about your classmates and decide to stay in touch after the course is over.

6. Join a group or club

Joining a group or club is a popular way to meet new people and integrate into the local community. Whatever your interests or hobbies, you're sure to find a local club to your tastes - many of them even operate in English, so you don't have to worry about understanding or being understood. 

Whether you like birdwatching and hiking, or amateur theatre and football, joining your local special interest group is a great way to meet like-minded people and help yourself feel more at home. If you ever wanted to apply for Swiss citizenship in the future, it will also stand you in great stead. If you're looking for some options, check out our list of English-speaking groups and clubs in Switzerland.

7. Be open

Having difficulty finding friends when you move overseas is to be expected, and it is nothing to be ashamed of, so make it obvious to people that you are open to making new connections and friends. Let people “set you up” with people they know, especially if you’re more introverted and have more difficulty initiating introductions.

8. Remember, friendships take time

It’s very unlikely that you meet someone for the first time and immediately become best friends. Remember that friendships require consistency. A good way to establish this is to have a set time with a friend if your schedules allow it; maybe meet for brunch every Sunday or for coffee every Friday midday.

Like all good things, time and patience are required to transform an initial connection into a quality, long-lasting friendship. Some expats find the Swiss quite reserved to start with, but once you "break through", you'll have a friend for life. Good luck!