Swiss expats on living abroad: The new arrivals

Myria Poffet is looking for adventure in South Africa with her husband Romain and daughter Jeanne. ZVG

Series Expats on living abroad, Episode 1:

More Swiss people live abroad now than ever before. In this series, seven types of expatriates talk about the happiness they have found far from home.

Almost 11% of Swiss citizens don’t live in Switzerland – and the figure is growing all the time. What do these emigrants seek abroad? And what made them decide to leave their homeland? They told their stories to Swiss newspaper Blick.

The new arrivals

Less than a year ago Myria Poffet, 41, her husband Romain, 41, and their daughter Jeanne, 4, left Bern and moved to Pretoria, South Africa. Romain was posted there by his Swiss employer; Myria, a singer and pianist, wants to immerse herself in the vibrant local jazz scene.

But first she had to find a daily routine in this new country. “At the beginning it was difficult. Romain was busy with his work. I had to deal with the administration and I had no one to take care of Jeanne,” Myria says. It took her longer than expected to be able to practise and compose again. In the meantime, Jeanne has learnt English and is sometimes looked after by a nanny.

The family has also had to get used to living mainly indoors and taking their daughter to gated gardens or supervised playgrounds. “In Switzerland there is nowhere you should avoid because of crime or dangerous animals. It’s different here. But the friendly people and great scenery make up for it,” Myria says.

Of course, they are always happy to return to Switzerland, she says. However, “the world is a big place. We’re curious to discover new places and new people and we want to have adventures.”

Series Expats on living abroad

• Episode 1: 1. Swiss expats on living abroad: The new arrivals
• Episode 2: 2. Swiss expats on living abroad: The adventurer