Jaap's emigration to France/Basel: Nature, Butter and Cultural Differences

Meet Jaap. Jaap decided to join his partner and look for a job in Basel. He succeeded and soon left. Since 2022, he has been enjoying the relaxed life in the countryside in France and the working life in Basel. Read more about his story here.

What motivated you to move to France/Basel and how has your experience been?

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to emigrate?

While looking for a job that would suit me better than the one I had at the time, I met my current partner. She had just found a job in Basel, Switzerland. A few months later I sent out some open applications. More to feel the water a bit, than that it was really serious. But then I got some offers, and I also easily found a house.

How did you prepare?

I mainly sorted out my belongings and gave away a lot.

What does your life look like, what kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really ‘at home’ in France/Basel?

I work four days a week in Basel. In the weekend I often do crafts/building in the shed next to our house in a village in France, right next to Basel. Or I go to a dance festival in France, which feels much closer now. My routine, stuff and work are here, that makes this my home. As much as I like life in the countryside, where I feel very much at home, I don’t feel at home in Switzerland.

How is your daily routine different from the Netherlands?

My daily routine is not really different from how it is in the Netherlands. I go to work, work, and come back, or do something in the city. In the weekend I mess around a bit. The biggest difference is that I don’t have any friends here, so I don’t do anything with friends. That was different in the Netherlands.

Do you already have an idea about the future?

In about a year I don’t see myself living near Switzerland anymore, probably back in the Netherlands.

What is French/Swiss culture like, and how do people interact socially?

What was your first encounter with a local? How did it go? Do you have any tips for meeting people?

They are just people like you and me. I can’t remember my first encounter. I probably greeted that person in German/French. Switzerland is a club country. People are in a club, and do a lot for/with that club, and a lot of their social life is there. As a result, a lot seems to happen behind closed doors. If you don’t know it exists, you probably won’t come across it. On courses (dance/sports) people don’t really talk to each other, and after class they go straight home.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

‘Life in the French countryside.’ Taking time to eat (in my experience in the Netherlands people eat more from a pragmatic perspective, here that is the activity of the evening), more nature around me. Although that is probably largely because I grew up in a city in the Randstad, and now live in the countryside.

What is the funniest or most painful misunderstanding you have experienced due to language or cultural differences?

I always thought the stereotype that the Dutch are direct was exaggerated. I have since discovered that I am a very direct Dutch person. The Swiss are generally very discreet and careful. Especially in the beginning, I unintentionally stepped on toes a few times. I now pack everything like flowers.

Have you adopted any local customs?

I use a lot more butter.

How do locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

Basel is a very international city, no one is surprised by another foreigner like me. This also applies to the village in France where I live. So it is not that special.

Are there things that you have difficulty with in social interactions?

See what I described above about directness and discreetness. In the forest between the village and Basel, many Swiss people walk their dogs. They do not greet you, sometimes look at you intrigued, without showing that they are looking at another person. In the Netherlands, I am used to everyone switching to English as soon as there is even a hint that someone in the group does not understand Dutch. That is absolutely not the case here. If I ask to switch to English or High German, it is often quickly forgotten.

How is friendship here different from in your home country?

I don't have any friends here, so that is quite a difference.

Did you learn the local language and if so, how?

My German was rusty but is back now. I am now better at understanding Swiss German, and my French is improving a little bit.

How do you stay in touch with home?

I call, app and visit.

What are the challenges of and how did you grow during your emigration to France/Basel?

Were there moments when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

I’m still glad I made the choice. I didn’t expect the level of cultural difference, and that makes things very difficult for me sometimes.

In retrospect, what do you wish you had known about the place you’re living in?

I don’t think there are things I could have prepared for if I had known.

What would you do differently next time and what would you advise others with the same idea?

Speaking the local language and (!!) dialect is a must. My German is fluent, but my Swiss German is very mediocre. So I miss out on a lot.

What skill did you never think you needed, but have you developed?

I pay even more attention to traffic when I’m cycling.

What do you miss most?

Friends, I go back regularly (every ~2-3 months) for a weekend.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you’re here?

Down-to-earth practicality, directness, digital bureaucracy, trains that actually run.

What are some practical tips for moving to France/Basel?

How do you deal with the red tape in your new country?

I open a bottle of wine and sit down for it. The bureaucracy in Switzerland and especially France is enormous, and a lot of it is on paper.

How did you find a suitable place to live? Was it difficult?

I was able to end up in the group home where my partner also lives, which was coincidental and perfect.

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country?

Switzerland is about twice as expensive as in the Netherlands, but my salary is adjusted accordingly, so my purchasing power is about the same.

What have you learned about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

These kinds of things are very well arranged in the Netherlands.

Have you used the local health care (GP, specialist, dentist etc.) and what do you notice?

My GP is very distant/professional, other than that I have no experience.

How do you make the most out of your expat life in France/Basel?

Are there any projects or activities you are involved in that give you a sense of fulfillment?

I am currently organizing a dance festival for the second time (for about 120 people). (Although that is not specific to where I live now.)

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your surroundings?

I regularly enjoy the nature around my house during walks.

How do you find the balance between work, relaxation and enjoying your new surroundings?

I now work 4 days a week, in the Netherlands it was 5. This works very well.