Re: What's different in Geneva? American perspectives welcome
Post 4
I agree with Catherine and Intlrep1 in general, but just how much and in what ways depends on where in the US you come from and what your lifestyle was there, and most of all, what is important for you. When I moved here 10 years ago, a colleague told me it was "sooooo boring" here. "What else is there to do but hiking, and skiing" and he left out sailing, great music and theatre (but you need to learn French), Jazz festivals at Montreux and Vienne, summer music concerts, TV with no or little commercials, easy access to European cities and historical sites. It all depends on what you value.
It will be different indeed. But it is also an opportunity to reassess, for example, if you really need to do shopping on Sundays.... or if you appreciate the quiet and calm once a week.
You should also be aware that, even though both Switzerland and France are different from the US, you have a choice between life in Geneva or in neighboring small French towns -with lower prices, great quality of life- and easy access to Geneva. The culture is different in France than in Switzerland and hence so is daily life. No fees for your bank account. Kitchens without appliances? Are you kidding? I mean, kitchens in France, where food is serious business? Cheese that tastes like something, made with "live" milk. Affordable wine, great fruits and vegetables year round. Bread that tastes of bread.
So, one unexpected difference I found about working in Geneva, is that I could live in France.