A woman from the United States who now lives in Thurgau, has caused a storm after sharing on social media how badly she has been treated in Switzerland.
In a viral TikTok video that has been viewed over 330,000 times, a young woman from the US, who moved to Switzerland with her German husband “for a better life,” tearily talks about the “hatred people here have toward immigrants.”
She cites an example of her neighbours not saying hello and even scowling at her.
“What have I done to deserve this – besides being born in another country?” she asks.
READ MORE: American resident blasts ‘hostility’ in Switzerland
Her emotional video elicited over 15,000 mixed responses – with some commentators sympathising with her predicament, while others suggesting that perhaps she is getting the cold-shoulder treatment because she has not tried to integrate and speak the local language.
‘It’s a privilege to live here’
The article about the woman’s experience incited over 190 comments on The Local’s Facebook page as well.
“Ridiculous,” one person retorted. “As a Swiss citizen, I’m happy to welcome Americans. Especially considering what they have to put up with at home.”
The vast majority of commentators – who are also, like the woman, foreign nationals living in Switzerland – have had quite a different experience.
“We have lived in Switzerland and have experienced quite the opposite. Swiss have been warm and welcoming,” one person said.
“I have lived and worked in Geneva since 2002,” another pointed out. “I have often been vocal about the problems in the city, and in the country, traffic and infrastructure-related mostly, but also about relations with the EU and other sensitive issues. Never have I encountered any hostility from the locals or the expat community. In my mind, it’s a privilege to live here.”
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Even the woman’s countryman reports a totally different experience: “I’m a Hispanic from the US and I have never felt any hostility in Switzerland. People are extremely kind and I love it. But I also try to speak the language.”
The theme of language and integration in general is also raised.
“The key to living in Switzerland is to learn whatever language is spoken in the area you live. People will accept you far quicker.”
And yet another commentator suggested that perhaps the woman’s inability to accept the Swiss way of life is to blame for her difficulties.
“I have found that some American expats have difficulty assimilating abroad because they expect things to be just like at home and they don’t adapt to local culture and behaviours,” the person said.
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A word from the wise…
A more balanced view of the situation came from one of The Local’s readers.
“Two things can be true at the same time,” said WIlliam Savage.
“First, parts of rural Switzerland can be less welcoming toward those perceived as ‘other,’ often based simply on language or visible differences. Many immigrants report this, and even Swiss citizens sometimes feel like outsiders in different cantons. Acknowledging this is recognising reality, not attacking the country.”
“Second, while prejudice can’t be eliminated by individuals, it can often be mitigated. Learning the local language and participating in community life — associations, events, volunteering — genuinely helps over time. Integration isn’t one-sided, but it does require effort. Attitudes won’t change overnight. Immigrants may face discomfort, especially without the local language, and sometimes you have to choose your battles. That’s pragmatism, not defeatism.”
