Trying to move to a foreign country is never an easy decision. How and where do you start when you have no roots, no family and no friends? One popular destination for many young professionals is the US. The country, at least for many Europeans, still seems to have an image of “the new world”. But is life there really like what we see in the movies?
To get an inside look of what life there is like for a Swiss expat, and also to understand why this country keeps attracting so many of us, GBN spoke to Mr. Jean-Rodolphe Luthi, President of Swiss Mixer, a group of professionals representing the interests of the Swiss Abroad in Southern California.
First steps in “the new world”
At the age of 29, Mr. Luthi went to the US for the first time to study at Cornell University. A few years later, he decided to go with a work visa valid for three years. While there, he found work and decided to stay. Today, he has admittedly spent more years in the US than in Switzerland.
What attracts so many people?
Mr. Luthi could not answer for the country in general, but from his point of view, San Diego is a very attractive city. Why? "Before, the city was not very well known to foreigners," recalls Mr. Luthi. "However, in recent years, a wealth of language schools have cropped up and the city is now 'inundated' with young people aspiring to study English."
For Mr. Luthi, the climate could also be one of the reasons that attracts so many people to San Diego. But not only that, in a country known as “the land of freedom”, many people feel they can find a certain liberty that they don’t have in their home country. And of course, there are all the wonderful and cheap attractions in the city, such as museums, beaches for surfing, and great food. All of these factors combine to make people want to go.
How hard is it to get a visa?
For those who are no longer eligible for a student visa, the first step before getting a work visa is to find a US company who is willing to hire a foreigner. Like many countries in Europe, each candidate must find a company who not only wants to hire the person, but also is willing to wait or help that person to get a visa. Once the company agrees, the candidate will have to physically go to the American Embassy in his or her home country to have an interview, where it is common for the interviewers to look into one’s life in detail. If everything goes well, the candidate will be granted a visa.
That is the standard procedure. However, some prefer to go to the US with a travelling visa of 90 days, and then stay longer. The down side of that method is that although nothing will happen when they return home, if they ever try to go back to the US, they will be refused entry.
One thing that many underestimate is the wait. It can take between two and six months to get a visa because the procedure can take quite a while. When a company needs to hire someone for the next week, a valuable opportunity could be missed.
A visa does exist for a professional under the age of 30 years old that is easier to obtain. The J-1 Visa or H1b Visa is valid between one and two years. This is an exchange visa, meaning that if a Swiss person goes to the US, an American will go to Switzerland.
Given the complications, Mr. Luthi suggested that best way to try to find a job in the US would be to save enough money to go, and then knock on doors until a company agrees to be a sponsor. Also, finding associations, such as the San Diego County Swiss Club, is a good way not just to socialize but to do some networking and find out some important information about the job market and life in general. Doing this has the added advantage of giving one the chance to get a real feeling of what life is like over there, and see if it is as exciting as one thought. Also, this way, it would just be an experience, and one doesn’t have to plan a complicated move to find out that the dream may not match the reality.
The reality of life “over there”
Many are curious to know how life is in the States. Some think it’s still the “New Eldorado”, the country of the second chance where everything can happen and dreams can come true. But things like how to rent an apartment and the cost of living remain mysterious. Many in the US tend to share apartments or houses in order to pay less because prices are similar to those in Switzerland. In San Diego, it also depends on where you live. “You could find a studio for $800 outside of the center in Point Loma, and find another for $2000 downtown in Little Italy,” says Mr. Luthi. But one advantage is that in San Diego, they face less demand than here in Geneva.
Working is also very different from what we know here in Switzerland. For example, minimum wage is now $9 per hour in California, and a lot of people have part-time jobs. Why? The average salary is $1200, so in order to survive, many work 2 or 3 jobs. It’s also a country that works on tips for people who work in the service industry as waiters, hairdressers, or taxi drivers. But even an administrative assistant or a secretary should expect to be paid less for the same job in Switzerland.
One also can’t forget that San Diego is much bigger than a city like Geneva, and one can feel lonely. Finding company in associations can bring people together. Because the rhythm of the city is faster than in Europe, one can feel like people are not very friendly. However, a real advantage is the fact that food is much cheaper in comparison with Switzerland, and one can find something to do or eat at any time of the day or night. Even fitness centers are open 24 hours a day.
Finally, Mr. Luthi reminds those who wish to try to “make it” in the US to have insurance. Since it is not mandatory, it might be considered unnecessary for some. However, for any medical issue, even just a stomachache, hospitals will run every test possible just to make sure that they didn’t miss anything –but also to be sure that they will not be sued for not detecting a serious medical problem. As a result, the medical bill could easily be tens of thousands of dollars and without insurance, one has to pay it fully.
There are many challenges facing someone who wants to move to the US. Not only could it be harder to get a job, but the cost of living must be taken into consideration. One might think that it’s a “Catch 22”, since one needs to have a company sponsor, but companies generally do not want to hire people if they do not already have a visa. The most realistic solution before one decides to make such a major change would be to go and check for a few months. Get an idea of what life is like over there, if it feels comfortable or not. Doing networking and going door to door might also bring more opportunities. And if it doesn’t work, there is nothing lost but a bit of time and money.
Photo credits: tpsdave, via Pixabay, CC0 Public Domain Licence
Jean-Rodolphe Luthi by Jean-Rodolphe Luthi
Very interesting article, which provides valuable practical tips.
I had the opportunity to travel to Canada earlier this year, and had similar conversations with French people who decided to settle in Montréal. They explained that it had become very complicated to obtain "Canadian residency", since now plenty of forms, papers and proof had to be provided. That was not the case 5 years ago, when Canada was very interested in welcoming foreign workers in every business area. Now they restrict newcomers to only those areas where they are looking for employees.
It's a great thing to live abroad for a few years. Especially at an early stage of a career it's an important opportunity to experience how other people live and work.
It's less easy to do once you start taking care of family, mortgages, pension plans etc.
The USA is certainly among the most interesting destinations.
So, it's about opportunity, timing and circumstances. Don't miss your chance!
It highlights key motivations such as career advancement, higher earning potential, and the appeal of experiencing life in a globally influential country, all of which resonate strongly with many young professionals.
The point about the U.S. offering diverse job opportunities across industries like technology, finance, and entertainment is particularly compelling. For ambitious individuals looking to grow their careers, the U.S. remains a top destination with its robust economy and innovative work environments.
I also appreciated the discussion about personal growth and cultural exploration as motivating factors. Working abroad provides young people with a chance to expand their horizons, build international networks, and develop skills that are valuable in a globalized job market.
The challenges mentioned, such as navigating visa processes and adjusting to a new culture, are important reminders that working abroad comes with its complexities. However, the potential rewards often outweigh these obstacles for those who are well-prepared.