When you move to Switzerland to set up home, your children’s education is paramount. And trust me, it is not as difficult as it all seems. Different – yes. Complex – a bit. As a mother whose children are born here, navigating Spielgruppe to Mittelschule and beyond has been quite a ride. But there is help.
My education is India-based. I started at the age of three with pre-nursery and moved through primary school. middle and high school. Then off to college for a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s. Of course, the goal is simple: getting a job in a country where the sheer population size creates competition at every level! But a step into higher education holds you in good stead.
Culturally, I was taught – education is key. Get it, excel in it, get a job, work hard to excel. No education or a lower education translated to a lower social status, lesser income and a not-so-great lifestyle. I remember growing up with the mantra: if you want to be someone, study hard. There are no 2 ways to success of any kind – personal or professional.
The competition and stress levels were mind-boggling, but the goal and the route were clear. There were no options.
THAT WAS THAT!
And now, here I was, in Switzerland – a country of options. Routes to those options of having a secure social and financial future were many. There was no professional discrimination. People trained. They took pride in their jobs, be it plumbing or repairing rooftops or that of a lawyer or doctor.
With two children, two years apart, there was a lot of learning to do. So, thinking the way a journalist-mompreneur would, I researched, reviewed, revised and wrote.
This article talks about the schooling options and the obligatory education: https://namasteswitzerland.ch/2018/09/08/the-a-b-c-of-the-swiss-education-system/
This one takes you a step ahead into the wonder years after 14, where your child needs to make choices. In conversation with an expert, find out more at: https://namasteswitzerland.ch/2018/12/08/certificate-diploma-baccalaureates/
Please note: Each canton is likely to have a separate system in place – be it grading, admissions or a complete line of academic or vocational training. Perfectly working systems also change – and education systems change to fit into this evolving world of new professions, new criteria and more. While the 2 articles provide a general guideline, make sure you stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your locality!
