I am planning on moving to either Austria or Switzerland after finishing college.?

Question

I am currently a sophmore, so I got about 3 years. I need to know what are the best steps to take, is the language barrier a problem, or is english good enough. My career is in Finance and I plan on going to pursue it over there right out of school. Any advice, info, opinions, are welcome. Thank You.

Answer 1

You should find a job in an Austrian or Swiss company's branch office (NYC, Chicago or L.A.).
Once you are hired you can ask the possibilities to work in their corporate office overseas.
Will be very helpful to learn some German (if you go to Austria and part of Switzerland), or some French if you go to the French speaking part of Switzerland. (Geneva is the "capital" of financial corp. in Switzerland, and French is spoken there)

Answer 2

Well, in Switzerland there are some companies entirely run in English - and there are more and more employees not being able to speak one of the national languages. Although many Swiss speak English well, there are some barriers in daily life.

For non-Europeans it's difficuly or even impossible to get a working permit for Switzerland, see the link!

Perhaps you'd have to look for a resident company in your home country having subsidiaries in Switzerland so you could be transferred some day (that's the easier way).

Answer 3

Pros: 1. Save your money for the move 2. Move to West Los Angeles since you want to be an actor 3. Try to get a job (descent paying job that is) 4. Visit California (during your breaks like you mentioned) 5. During your visits start networking with people Cons: 1.California has an high unemployment rate (even the highly educated and professionals are suffering) 2. Rent is high especially on the West side (nice or descent neighborhoods) 3. So many unemployed actors or actresses. 4. Studios are not hiring (its who you know not what you know)- I personally know people who work at the studios. Is how I know this. 5. Have a back up plan

Answer 4

Yes, I would encourage you to learn German if you wish to work in Austria or Switzerland. Knowing a second language or even a third language (French or Italian) would be considered a great asset especially in Europe. In Europe, graduates speak at least 3 European languages so just think who you will be competing with. Your university must have some German classes, even non-credited evening ones. There are also great language learning software out there, like Transparent Language for instance:
http://www.transparent.com/languagepages/german/german.htm

Cheers,

Petra M, Vancouver

Answer 5

I was way more impressed with austria and the people speak perfect english and were very friendly. There is so much to do there, its cozy, and gorgeous ( i think more then austria). i'm not sure about getting work and the language but i know that most of television is in austrian, and dubbed movies and english tv shows....except cnn. but you learn it quickerthatway....