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Social Etiquette
Social Etiquette
If it's your first time experiencing Swiss Culture, like with any new culture, some things may initially feel odd and very different from what you are familiar with. But with time and the support of your friends and our ISB community, you will soon learn to navigate them with ease and focus on all the wonderful experiences this country has to offer. Here are a few general rules and tips to give you a head start!
If it's your first time experiencing Swiss Culture, like with any new culture, some things may initially feel odd and very different from what you are familiar with. But with time and the support of your friends and our ISB community, you will soon learn to navigate them with ease and focus on all the wonderful experiences this country has to offer. Here are a few general rules and tips to give you a head start!
Quite Hours in Switzerland:
Monday - Saturday: 12:00-14:00 and 22:00-7:00
Sundays and Public Holidays: All Day
Ignoring these hours can make you liable for fines. Check with your Gemeinde for local rules regarding noise levels. At, certain times, for instance, noise generated by garden work or certain household appliances may be restricted.
Be Punctual:
Be Punctual:
Just in case you haven't already heard it, Swiss punctuality is a real thing. Be on time. If you think you will be delayed beyond 5 minutes, make sure to inform.
Neighbors:
Neighbors:
When you move to your new house or apartment, introduce yourself to your neighbours. You may be more accustomed to neighbours dropping in to say hello when you move into a new place or locality, but in Switzerland, it works the other way around. You are expected to take the first step to getting to know your neighbours. You can knock on their door to introduce yourself and can take a little treat along. It always helps to ease the initial awkwardness. Sometimes families also organize an 'apero' at home and invite the neighbours over.
When you move to your new house or apartment, introduce yourself to your neighbours. You may be more accustomed to neighbours dropping in to say hello when you move into a new place or locality, but in Switzerland, it works the other way around. You are expected to take the first step to getting to know your neighbours. You can knock on their door to introduce yourself and can take a little treat along. It always helps to ease the initial awkwardness. Sometimes families also organize an 'apero' at home and invite the neighbours over.
Learn German:
Learn German:
It's always a good idea to pick up a little of the local language. Locals will also warm up more easily to you. ISB offers German courses for parents (stay tune for announcements via newsletters around September) and you can also join one of the multiple language academies in Basel.
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