Vevey... no contest...

As a family Vevey is on the lake of Geneva, so you're close to water in the summer, and the mountains in the winter.

Vevey and Montheux are both beautiful, close to Lausanne and Geneva.

You'll be bored to death in Bern. Its a diplomatic/political  city only....

Plus when your kid(s) are old enough, they will get the chance to learn German anyway...

Thanks Charlie for your quick reply.

For us it's not a question of languages, I'm sure they will lern the other anytime, it was more a question of a daily life in each city, because apart from working and studying, for me it's important you have plenty of things to do, walking, etc.

One point for Vevey then.

I also vote for Vevey, but of course it depends where your wife will be working.

My kids have been in Haut-Lac for 8 years and it is a real bilingual (English/French) school , and, as Charlie said, the kids will still get the chance to learn German, because starting from 4th grade they introduce the German as a scholl subject (in the bi-lingual section).

Should you need additional information on that (Vevey and the school) do not hesitate to ask me.

Ciao Fiorella,

Thanks also for your suggestion.

My wife's job will be in Fribourg, so we have considered several alternatives on the north and south (Vevey, Lausanne, Bern).

Her current boss also brings his daughters to Haut-Lac school and they are very happy with the school. This week, my wife has done the interview with the two schools and both were ok, with similar curricular programme. Apart of that, it seems that is planned for Haut-Lac the build of the new facilities for Primary schools en one year, what is also a positive point.

Regarding Vevey, is just a residential city or are there activities to do, shopping places, cultural events, etc.

Carlos

Thanks Beezee Bum,

Now it's a little more clear to me, since 3 of 3 have chosen Vevey instead of Berne, although the question was posted on a Berne forum ;-).

Regards,

Carlos

Hi Alberto,

Thanks for your answer with lots of useful information. I will take it into account when balancing during coming days and do the final decision.

I am happily amazed how people are answering to my question trying to help each other.

Muchas gracias

Carlos

My vote would go to Vevey but I think it should also be explained that Vevey is a small town, it is not a city. 

Bern is both a city and the capital of the Swiss Confederation, housing the Federal Parliament and all the many diplomatic representations to Switzerland.  It is international but without the pace and impact of the worldwide commerce that characterizes, say, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich. 

Some folk maintain that it takes longer to make friends in Bern, but I have no personal experience in that regard.

Vevey may be compact but it has much to offer including great natural beauty and historic traditions combined with convenient access to larger but more densely packed centres. In other words, a quality life-style.

Best wishes to you all in your new home.

Ritchie

Dear Ritchie,

Thanks for your helpful point of view, with good arguments for choosing Vevey. I have not seen any of the two cities, but thanks to all of you I am starting to have a little idea.

Regards,

Carlos

I would definitly choose Vevey, but would avoit the Haut-Lac at all cost, lots of bullying and the school lost lots of parents last year. We arrived 2 years ago working for an international company and they recommended us the international cottage www.icis.ch, kids happy and the curriculum is excellent. Vevey is also really close to the moutains so a plus when winter hits!!

Hope this helps.

Best.

Greg