Explore every episode of the podcast Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E90 Why is Swiss German just so difficult?! | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:22:26 | |
Dialect struggles nobody talks about Swiss German is a spoken language first and foremost, shaped by dialect and regional differences. From the absence of autocorrect to the liberal sprinkling of diminutives, communicating in Swiss German comes with some hard struggles that need talking about, gäll? Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Listener feedback 04:30 - Topic of the day: The unspoken Swiss German troubles 14:19 - Swiss bytes: 16:12 - Learning Swiss German:
19:34 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E89 Traditional Swiss toys: simple, sturdy, and full of charm | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:24:34 | |
Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com, a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Switzerland's handcrafted delights for children In this episode we talk about some traditional Swiss toys that are not only fun to play with, but have also withstood the scrutiny of different generations of children and even make great souvenirs. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Listener messages 08:24 - Traditional Swiss toys: 15:36 - Swiss bytes: 19:01 - Learning Swiss German:
21:24 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E88 Come on in! The Swiss house tour tradition | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:24:41 | |
The unspoken rule of giving a tour of your home when guests come over When guests visit where you live in Switzerland, the host almost always offers them a look around. In this episode, we talk about this unspoken rule in Switzerland and why it led to some confusion in our home. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Listener messages 08:24 - What to do if you have visitors over for the first time 15:36 - Swiss bytes: 19:01 - Learning Swiss German:
21:24 - Listener poll
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| E87 Nebelmeer: The fog that drives the Swiss to the mountains | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:19:27 | |
Switzerland's weekend mountain ritual Why do the Swiss regularly abandon foggy cities for the mountains? That’s the question we get into in this episode. Beyond this beloved autumn and winter weekend pastime, we take a look at your messages, our latest poll results, Swiss bytes, and we even pack in a fresh “Learning Swiss German” segment. We’d love to hear from you! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Listener messages
07:54 - Why do Swiss locals go to the mountains when the weather is gray
13:15 - Listener poll: For how long would you travel to see the sun? 15:32 - Swiss bytes:
17:20 - Learning Swiss German: “Rumpelsurig” ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E86 - Can you ever truly feel accepted as an expat in Switzerland? | 02 oct. 2025 | 00:25:24 | |
What acceptance looks like amongst the Swiss Moving to Switzerland as an expat is definitely challenging and it can feel hard to be accepted. But what does being accepted really mean anyway? In this very personal episode, Jo talks about what fitting in means to her and we discuss integration from a very Swiss perspective, including their ongoing interest in expats. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - Listener Feedback 09:01 - Do you feel accepted as an expat in Switzerland? 19:13 - Swiss bytes: Expat Series
20:40 - Learning Swiss German: Glüschtelä 24:43 - Listener poll: Which is your favourite season of the year ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E85 - If you could change one thing about Switzerland... | 11 sept. 2025 | 00:20:26 | |
In this episode of Swiss and Chips - Your British Guide to Switzerland, it's all about our listeners’ voices. We asked what annoys you about Switzerland or what you would change, and you replied! From the pain of exchange rates to supermarket stress (again), Mexican food and laundry room drama (again). Also, don’t forget to vote in our listener poll. Feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Drop us a line to hello@swissandchips.com! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Listener Feedback
05:32 - The one thing to change in Switzerland 11:35 - Swiss bytes: Do you feel accepted as a non-EU immigrant? 13:46 - Learning Swiss German: Gutsch 18:07 - Listener poll: Do you feel accepted as an immigrant in Switzerland? ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E84 The Hidden 100-Year Swiss Tradition You've Never Heard Of | 31 juil. 2025 | 00:20:57 | |
There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could? Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Listener Feedback
08:32 - 1st August badge 2025
15:49 - Learning Swiss German: Tönder (or Thunder) 19:38 - Listener survey: Send us the one thing you would change about Switzerland as an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E83 Navigating Switzerland's Unspoken Rules: A New Series | 10 juil. 2025 | 00:26:41 | |
There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could? Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com. Notes on this episode 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Listener Feedback 09:40 - Coming to a restaurant, be ready to order 16:20 - Swiss bytes: As an expat, if you could change only one thing about Switzerland (Reddit) 21:37 - Learning Swiss German: Gaffi Crème (or Thé Crème) 25:27 - Listener survey: Send us the one thing you would change about Switzerland as an audio or text message to +41 76 282 67 66 or to hello@swissandchips.com ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E82 - To lüft or not to lüft? | 22 mai 2025 | 00:21:30 | |
Let the sunshine (and fresh air) in! In this episode we talk about the Swiss ritual that plays out daily in homes, offices, and schools across the country: Lüften. It’s the practice of throwing windows open wide and letting fresh air circulate through rooms and buildings. But why is Lüften so important to the Swiss mindset? As always, we’ll give you some insights, but mostly personal experiences of living with the fresh air in Switzerland. 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - Listener Feedback 07:08 - To lüft or not to lüft
15:26 - Swiss bytes 17:36 - Learning Swiss German: Dürzug 20:22 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| The surprising reality of day-to-day life in Switzerland | 03 avr. 2025 | 00:21:06 | |
Not everything is as glossy as it seems Many thanks to all the listeners who reach out to us! Today’s episode is for you. If you have questions or thoughts you want to share with us and the other listeners, let us know! In this episode, we talk specifically about Jonathan’s feedback and his experiences of visiting Switzerland. It inspired us to talk about some other surprises and controversial aspects of ordinary life in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Introduction to this episode 00:58 - Listener feedback 02:12 - Swiss Controversies 14:55 - Swiss Bytes: Ali on Switzerland 17:25 - Learning Swiss German: “Bodäsuri” 20:00 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Walking Across Borders: Switzerland to France on Foot | 13 mars 2025 | 00:15:54 | |
A journey to Fahy and the history of Tête de Moine cheese. In today’s episode of Swiss and Chips, we’re taking you on a journey across the Swiss-French border on foot! Join us as we explore the charming town of Fahy, visit the House of the Tête de Moine cheese, and dive into the history behind this delicious Swiss cheese. We’ll also share our experience of crossing the border and why many people shop across it. Tune in for an adventure filled with cheese, culture, and travel insights! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - Listener Feedback 05:35 - Walking to France
13:49 - Learning Swiss German: Vögeliwohl 14:55 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Skiing in Switzerland: going beyond the bunny slopes | 13 févr. 2025 | 00:24:07 | |
Tips, passes, and resort advice for newbies on the pistes In today’s episode of Swiss and Chips, we’re talking about how to enjoy a ski day when you’re ready to move beyond your first slope but you’re not ready to hit a “red” yet. We discuss some basics, like choosing the right ski pass or picking a resort, and skiing etiquette. But mainly Jo shares her personal experience. 00:00 - Introduction to this episode 01:26 - Listener feedback 03:08 - Swiss Bytes: Alertswiss 05:04 - Skiing in Switzerland: going beyond the bunny slopes
19:49 - Learning Swiss German: “Spitzcheeri” 22:23 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Only in Switzerland: The curse of the washing room in apartment buildings | 23 janv. 2025 | 00:21:49 | |
It’s been a while, but we’re back - and we’re diving straight into a topic that’s Swiss and surprisingly sensitive: the (unspoken) rules of the shared washing room. We’ll share some personal stories of washing room drama and tell you what you need to know when searching for a new flat. 00:00 - Intro 02:42 - Swiss Bytes 06:27 - The curse of the washing room in apartment buildings 18:47 - Learning Swiss German: Töggelä 20:46 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| How to be polite in Switzerland | 28 oct. 2024 | 00:36:41 | |
“Especially in times of the pluralisation of lifestyles, there is a need to know how things should be done correctly. Because manners provide security in how to shape interactions positively. They simplify interactions and prevent misunderstandings.” This is a quote from the ‘Swiss Knigge’, a book about good manners and behaviour in Switzerland. Though often associated with formal manners, Knigge in Switzerland has evolved to cover modern-day needs, while retaining its core values of explaining respect and politeness. In this episode, we give you an overview of the book’s chapters, talk about how it can be useful for expats in Switzerland and go through a few of the guide’s most interesting bits. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Listener Feedback 03:08 - Swiss Bytes: Swiss SBB clock turns 80 05:23 - The Swiss Knigge as a book and ebook 29:58 - Listener give-away: Send us your message! 32:20 - Learning Swiss German: äs herbschtelet 33:03 - Listener poll ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Learning Swiss German with 'ABC SRF 3' - Discover Swiss Traditions | 08 août 2024 | 00:23:03 | |
Let's dive into another episode about Swiss German through the lens of the traditional Swiss radio game ‘ABC SRF 3’. We' haven’t laughed so much in an episode yet; we’ll let you decide if that’s a good thing. And we introduce two new segments. First, we address user questions and feedback, featuring Cathy, who proudly participates in Swiss traditions. Second, get ready for the brand new "Swiss Bites" (with a must-hear sound effect) and our listener poll. 00:00 - Intro 06:22 - Learning Swiss German
19:34 - Listener poll: Vote here! ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Let‘s talk about Swiss National Day | 18 juil. 2024 | 00:18:11 | |
Swiss National Day is coming up! Let’s talk about what happens on the big day and what it means to the Swiss. We’ll help you figure out how to mark the occasion even if you haven’t been in Switzerland for long. We also have some new features in our podcast for you: “Swiss bytes”, listener feedback and our survey. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| How to survive Swiss queuing culture | 05 mars 2024 | 00:20:39 | |
How do you cope with the chaos, confusion, and frequent frustration of queuing in Switzerland? In this episode, we explore Swiss queuing culture and share our experiences and advice on how to survive and possibly thrive in the chaotic queuing land of the Alps. We have some horror stories to share that you might be able to identify with. Whether you’re a newcomer, a visitor, or a long-time resident, we hope this episode will help you to navigate Swiss queueing protocol, or at the very least, give you a laugh. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German
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| Decoding Swiss German Nicknames | 21 déc. 2023 | 00:19:08 | |
Switzerland, a country known for its linguistic diversity, is home to the unique dialect of Swiss German. It has many variations around the country, with words, sounds and phrases changing by city or valley. Here, we dive into a very specific topic of Swiss German - the use of nicknames. In this episode of ‘Decoding Swiss German Nicknames’, we aim to unravel the meanings, origins, and usage of nicknames. Let’s decode together! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German
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| What noise does an animal make in Swiss German? | 07 déc. 2023 | 00:19:55 | |
Discovering animal sounds in Swiss German: A fun exploration at the Dählhölzli Petting Zoo Come with us on a stroll through the famous Dählhölzli petting zoo in Bern where we talk about the different animal noises in English and Swiss German. A special welcome and thanks to all our super early subscribers: Samir, Julian, Nuclei, Alicia, Nicholas, Joee and many more - we really appreciate the early support! And Krissy! She was the first to comment in the subscriber chat about what advice she’d give anyone planning to move to Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German
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| 5 things you need to know before going to a Swiss cinema | 23 nov. 2023 | 00:11:16 | |
The experience of going to see a film in Switzerland has some quirks. The first question you’re probably going to ask yourself when trying to catch a new release is what language it’s going to be shown in and secondly, how much the pleasure is going to set you back. We also explain why we moved the Swiss and Chips community to Substack, a place where we want to hear from you and get to know you better. All our content and community chat on Substack is free. On Substack, you can directly subscribe to the episodes and additional content via email, be part of the subscriber chat, give direct feedback on the episode articles and have your say in polls. This is what happens if you get in touch with us
At this point, many thanks to our first new subscribers on Substack 🥳 and a special welcome to Amritam, Jane and Krissy 👋 Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Learning Swiss German Swiss words we explain in this episode: “Schärmä”, not to be confused with “Schirm” (umbrella) or being “andercover”. And as a bonus, a more cinema-related word: “Küder”. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Unboxing the Swiss ballot papers | 19 oct. 2023 | 00:15:45 | |
After 13 years of living in Switzerland, Jo is finally allowed to have her say in her new home country and participate in the democratic process. The Swiss elections are coming up and after becoming Swiss, this might be the second most exciting day for a new citizen. The papers have arrived (a long time ago) and are ready to be explored. Let's do the unboxing together and talk about the specialities of the Swiss elections. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
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| We taste traditional Swiss food and drink so you don't have to: Rivella | 02 févr. 2023 | 00:17:17 | |
The Swiss can't get enough of it: Rivella is the Alpine nation's traditional soft drink of choice. But there's an unusual ingredient hiding beneath the bubbles of this thirst-quenching liquid. Any idea what it is? In this episode, we'll introduce you to the delights of Switzerland's weird and wonderful fizzy refreshment, and Simon takes a blind Rivella taste test to find out how Swiss he is after all. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German How to properly order a Rivella in Switzerland. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| From Bern to Colmar: Swiss and Chips over the border | 22 déc. 2022 | 00:10:35 | |
If you're looking for Christmas magic, put Colmar, France on your list of must-see places. A beautiful city at any time of year, it is decorated and lit up to perfection every Christmas. The city's cobbled streets are flanked by Medieval or Renaissance-period buildings and small canals run alongside the main thoroughfares. There are six different markets to see, each with a different focus such as artisan crafts, food or even an area aimed at children. On top of all that, the city's park has an ice rink and even a merry-go-round that has been adapted into a highly festive rotating drinkery. Although Switzerland has an abundance of lovely Christmas markets, a trip to Colmar is something special: we'll tell you why in this latest episode! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "biräweich". ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| The must-know websites for Switzerland | 01 déc. 2022 | 00:18:48 | |
It can take time to figure out what the useful websites are when you move to a new country. What are the most-popular car-sharing, price comparison, weather and buy-and-sell sites in Switzerland? We crowdsourced a list of the must-know websites in Switzerland from our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers. In this episode we explain why they're useful and what we personally think of them. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "Sidäfin". ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Six things you'll find in a Swiss kitchen (and what's missing!) | 10 nov. 2022 | 00:20:20 | |
Warning: this episode is a rollercoaster! We try to navigate our way through a traditional Swiss kitchen, and explain the classic items you'll find in any Swiss kitchen cupboard. From flavourings to implements, we lift the table cloth on the secrets of Switzerland's home dining habits - and we reveal a few foody preferences of our own along the way. Plus: what's missing in a standard Swiss kitchen? We name three items that we can't live without, but which have proven to be somewhat of a novelty to your average Swiss. Interested in connecting with us and other listeners? Want to chat about the show, talk about life in Switzerland or even meet up? We want to know how! Please vote and we'll try and make it happen. If anything is missing, you can add it in the comments at the bottom of this page. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German Chnuuschti - if you have a better explanation, let us know in the comments. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Voting in Switzerland | 20 oct. 2022 | 00:16:55 | |
After Jo got her Swiss passport it was time to step up and get her first real taste of Swiss democracy… and what better way to do it than going to vote in the regular Swiss polls in person. In this episode, we talk about how to vote in person or by post, and how to navigate political discussions with the Swiss. The Swiss and Chips vote Come and vote, we want to hear from you! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode: 'Gfröörli'. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Driving to the UK from Switzerland | 29 sept. 2022 | 00:13:42 | |
The traditional ways to travel between the UK and Switzerland are plane, train and car. 2022 turned out to be the year we used the channel tunnel to make the trip for the first time. We drove from Bern to England and then back a few weeks later. It was an experience to remember! And one that’s worth talking about and sharing with you. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German Our word(s) in this episode: 'Plapperä' and 'Plapperi'. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Becoming Swiss, part seven: 'Crossing the Finish Line' | 08 sept. 2022 | 00:13:55 | |
It took around two years, but the moment has finally come. Ten months after the final interview a confirmation letter arrived in the post: Jo is Swiss! Now that's worth talking about. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What happened so far: Check out our other episodes on 'How to become Swiss'. What happened since the interview What changes after becoming Swiss What's next? Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode is: 'Gschtabi'. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| A 'BEA' Special: the must-see traditional Swiss agricultural fair | 02 mai 2022 | 00:11:18 | |
The BEA is open! This annual traditional Swiss fair is a must-see for anyone living in or around Bern and it's open until May 8 this year. From donkey displays to fairground rides and the chance to sample local beers and a staggering range of cheese, there is so much to see for children and adults. We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly hidden place. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode is: 'Zuckerwatte'. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| E61 St. Moritz in winter | 14 avr. 2022 | 00:12:01 | |
Snow, a frozen lake and beautiful mountains: there aren't many more things you need to complete the perfect Swiss winter destination. When we headed to St. Moritz in January 2022 we had high expectations for this famous ski resort with a glitzy reputation. And it absolutely lived up to them! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing.
Learning Swiss German This episode's word is: Iischzapfä. Hint: you'll see a lot of these in Switzerland in the winter! Don't forget to visit our website for photos. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Relocating to Switzerland: Part 2 | 20 janv. 2022 | 00:20:03 | |
What is it really like to move to Switzerland? In the second of two episodes looking back at when Jo first relocated from the UK, we delve into some of the unexpected sides to setting up a new life among the Swiss. In this episode we cover:
Previous episodes we refer to in the show: ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Relocating to Switzerland: A personal perspective | 30 déc. 2021 | 00:14:28 | |
Jo moved to Switzerland just over a decade ago, so it seemed to be about time to talk about her experience, the highlights, and what she would do differently if she would do it all over again. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| How to organise a Swiss (and British) passport for your newborn | 09 déc. 2021 | 00:14:56 | |
If you have a British-Swiss child and live in Switzerland, like we do, how do you go about getting their first passports? In this episode we'll explain everything from organising all of the documents to taking a suitable picture of your little one.
Learning Swiss German This week's word is: 'Schoggijob' ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Becoming Swiss, part six: 'the interview' | 18 nov. 2021 | 00:05:55 | |
It's the big moment in the Swiss citizenship process: finally you will meet someone face-to-face who will decide whether all the paperwork you have collected, all the forms you have filled out and all the studying you have done is enough to make you a viable candidate for becoming Swiss. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Trip tip: An easy walk through the vineyards | 14 oct. 2021 | 00:07:48 | |
Vines, food and splendid views: if you're looking for a short and easy walk to do by yourself or when you have visitors in town, this is an episode for you! We talk about a scenic, circular walk in canton Bern that will take you from the village of Twann to Ligerz, via the vineyards and back along the lakeside to Twann. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Becoming Swiss, part five: ‘One form to rule them all’ | 29 juil. 2021 | 00:10:37 | |
Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all of your personal details including your entire education history and certificates, Swiss employment history, references and more. In this episode, I explain exactly which documents I had to gather as part of the more than 50 pages I had to put together. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
Learning Swiss German This episode's word is: Häbel. We explain what it means, its other forms and when to use it. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| What to expect at a Swiss apéro | 17 juin 2021 | 00:13:47 | |
Before or instead of a dinner, at a garden party, a wedding, an office function or even a funeral, it‘s always the right time and place to join or organise a classic Swiss apéro. But what is expected at this typically Swiss get-together? We talk you through the food and drinks, the preparation, and, as always, the subtleties of navigating a Swiss event. What is a Swiss apero? The classic Swiss apéro involves nibbles and drinks and is suitable for any occasion. The food usually consists of cold meats and cheese, crackers and/or (Zweifel) crisps. It can be a little fancier with small pizzas, mini croissants, or anything you find in the kitchen to serve and eat by hand or from small plates. For drinks, you‘ll find white wine and mineral water and most of the time, orange juice. But also here - from tea to beer - nothing is a must, most things go. That‘s it food- and drink-wise, but it can also be much more elaborate of course. The occasion can be anything. It can be a big celebration, for a wedding for example, but it can also be without any major occasion at all if friends walk by and you invite them to your home for an apéro if the time feels right. What do you do at a Swiss apéro? You meet, greet and chat. It's a great opportunity to get to know people better and talk to them. And that's it! All the in-betweens, what you can expect, what the atmosphere's like, and the do‘s and don‘ts are all discussed in this episode of the Swiss ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Having a baby in Switzerland | 06 avr. 2021 | 00:07:55 | |
There have been a few long breaks between our last podcast episodes, but we had a good reason: we have a new person in our family! Please welcome Maeve, our beautiful baby girl, who you may now hear in the background of some of our recordings. She was born in early 2021 and our lives became a whirlwind of excitement. Now that the chaos has calmed down we wanted to give you an update and share Jo's thoughts on how pregnancy and having a baby in Switzerland is different to the UK. Learning Swiss GermanWe've also introduced a new regular slot in our show to help you learn Swiss German! In every episode we'll talk about one typical Swiss tradition, event, word or saying you need to know. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Weirdest thing you saw when you moved to Switzerland | 23 févr. 2021 | 00:18:48 | |
Setting foot into another country can mean a significant change of your lifestyle and sometimes a culture shock. We asked in our Facebook group about your weirdest thing you’ve experienced when you moved to Switzerland and got loads of fun and interesting comments as well aas interesting discussions started. Thanks a lot for that! In this episode we talk about a few of them and Jo will tell you about her personal story when she moved to Switzerland. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| How to celebrate Christmas as an expat in Switzerland | 24 nov. 2020 | 00:13:30 | |
Christmas is drawing nearer but thanks to coronavirus, making plans to celebrate it this year isn't very easy. It's difficult enough to get together with family if you live in the same country, but almost impossible if you don't. We like to look on the bright side though! This year could be a chance to find new ways of celebrating Christmas and maybe start some new Swiss traditions at home. In this episode we talk about the parts of a Swiss Christmas that are perfect for our socially-distanced, outdoor times and how you can mix these with your usual festivities to make some wonderful winter days. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Becoming Swiss, part four: The Swiss citizenship test | 27 oct. 2020 | 00:19:20 | |
We're still here and still making podcasts: not as often as we'd like, but there's a good reason for that, which we'll explain in this week's episode. But the main topic in this episode is the Swiss citizenship test. Did you know we have a Facebook group? Switzerland for English Speakers is a great place to ask questions and share experiences. Take a look! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
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| Becoming Swiss, part three: 'Starting the Application Process' | 04 août 2020 | 00:15:41 | |
After living in Switzerland for ten years, I can now formally apply to become a Swiss citizen! There are a number of conditions I had to make sure I met before applying, which we mention in this episode of the podcast. We'll talk you through how to start the process in Bern specifically, as there are differences depending on where you live and exactly which type of naturalisation you are applying for. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland
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| What are we missing when trying to make Swiss friends? | 19 mai 2020 | 00:18:45 | |
Finding it difficult to make friends with the Swiss is a common complaint from expats in Switzerland. Do the Swiss really have such different ideas about friendship? What does it take to be able to read between the lines in a conversation with a Swiss person and are there any tips that can help you feel less isolated here? We share our insights on this contentious topic and give you an update on Jo's application to become Swiss. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Walk with us along Bern's Aare river | 14 avr. 2020 | 00:19:50 | |
If you can only get out outside at the moment to go shopping or for some fresh air, you might be starting to get a little bored of your local surroundings. Pop your earphones in and come with us as we head out for a walk along the Aare river in Bern. Where did we go on our walk?
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| Five ways to perfect your Swiss knowledge while staying at home | 24 mars 2020 | 00:17:44 | |
The coronavirus might have stopped you from getting out and exploring Switzerland, but you can still learn plenty about Swiss culture from inside your own home. Here's our list of five things every person interested in getting closer to the Swiss or looking to become Swiss should know. We chose a film, a book, a musician, a recipe and a game that you can look up and enjoy to see you through your weeks staying at home in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, your British Guide to Switzerland
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| When to shake hands in Switzerland | 10 mars 2020 | 00:15:13 | |
Shaking hands in Switzerland is common: children learn it at school and it seems to be a regular feature of everyday life. But when is holding out your hand too much and when would it be a faux pas not to? What are the alternatives when you can't shake hands, for example during the Coronavirus outbreak? We'll run you through the hand-shaking dos and don'ts of Swiss culture! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: your British Guide to Switzerland
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| Should you join an English-speaking club in Switzerland? | 25 févr. 2020 | 00:13:15 | |
Joining a club in Switzerland is a simple way to make new friends and connections. There are several English-speaking clubs in Bern and other Swiss cities, like the British Residents' Association of Switzerland, which we visited in October 2019. Should you sign yourself up to a club? Listen and find out! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||
| Unspoken Swiss rules | 11 févr. 2020 | 00:20:04 | |
It can feel like there are a lot of rules governing life in Switzerland. They‘re often written on signs in public places or in the building where you live or work. But what about those unspoken rules? The ones you don‘t know exist until a realisation slowly dawns on you that you‘ve been doing something differently to everyone else, and never known.
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| How to hike to the top of a Swiss mountain | 08 oct. 2019 | 00:19:14 | |
Hiking in Switzerland is a favourite national pastime, especially in autumn, which means there are plenty of maps, online resources, and books to help you find the perfect hike! To get you into the mood, we'll tell you what you have to watch out for and give you all sorts of other tips, including a short excursion we made recently up a mountain and tell you what secrets are waiting for you at the top. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, Your British Guide to Switzerland: How to prepare for a mountain trail
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| This is what it sounds like in Switzerland's capital city, Bern | 17 sept. 2019 | 00:15:13 | |
Come on a walk through one of Bern's picturesque neighbourhoods, Kirchenfeld, and listen in to what the Swiss capital sounds like on an ordinary day. Starting off at the Tierpark (animal park), walking through Helvetiaplatz with many of the country's important museums, I'll talk you through what you will see and hear as you head up into the city centre, walking over a beautiful bridge and ending at one of the city's main attractions, the Zytglogge. ... Subscribe to the free newsletter | |||