In many places one language is all that is required at work. In Switzerland, 37.7% of workers surveyed reported regularly using two or more languages at work, according to data published by the Federal Statistical Office on 6 September 2022. While 62.3% used only one language at work, 22.2% regularly used two and 15.5% used […]
3 things you should know about learning French that most schools won’t tell you
Brought to you by Swiss French School. Most language schools won’t tell you these things for fear you will never start. However, unless you know these things up front you are likely to fail. 1. Learning takes a long time Most know this but teachers don’t like to discuss it. Let’s face it it’s not […]
Swiss canton rejects smacking ban
Many nations have laws that ban parents from spanking their children. Despite much political discussion, Switzerland does not. This week, the government of the canton of Jura voted against introducing such a law, reported Le Matin this week. More than 60 nations have made smacking children illegal after Sweden led the way by banning it […]
New initiative aims to create compulsory universal service for men, women and foreign residents
In Switzerland military service is compulsory for all young men with Swiss citizenship. Women and foreign residents are not required serve. An initiative to create a universal community service obligation that would include women and to some extent foreigners living in Switzerland was launched on Tuesday. Vote organisers have until 26 October 2023 to collect […]
In Switzerland, 400,000 people struggle with everyday mathematics
On 14 March 2022, UNESCO celebrated the International Day of Mathematics, an event started in 2019 to highlight the importance of mathematics in everyday life. The date was chosen because Pi, one of the world’s most widely-known mathematical constants can be rounded to 3.14, which matches the US abbreviation for March 14. Widespread mathematical illiteracy […]
Compulsory Swiss military service: reform options include women
This week, against the backdrop of war in Ukraine, Switzerland’s federal government set out a number of options for the reform of Switzerland’s military service. By 2024, the government aims to have a reform plan, which might extend compulsory service to women. Work on the project began long before the war in Ukraine. A key […]
Young Swiss smoking less and drinking more
A new study of Switzerland’s young people shows how views and habits have changed among this group over 10 years. Overall, 19 year old Swiss smoke less, do less sport and consume more alcohol than they did 10 years ago. In addition, the vast majority reported being generally satisfied with life. Around three quarters said […]
Swiss and British universities team up to press EU for Horizon access
Both the UK and Switzerland have lost access to the Europe-wide scientific research programme known as Horizon Europe. The UK dropped out when it left the EU and Switzerland when its bilateral talks with the EU broke down last year. The programme supports big projects that would not be possible at a national level. More […]
93% of graduates in Switzerland find work matching their education
Data published on 10 February 2022, show that one year after completion of tertiary education 93% of Switzerland’s graduates were employed in a job that matched their level of education or professional qualifications. The survey, aimed at assessing the level of mismatch between education and employment, found that success at finding a job matching qualifications […]
Daytime lights to become compulsory for e-bikes in Switzerland
From 1 April 2022, e-bikes ridden on Swiss roads will need to have lights, according to a report by RTS. In addition, e-bikes capable of reaching power-assisted speeds of up to 45 km/h must be equipped with speedometers from 1 April 2024. This rule is aimed at ensuring riders respect speed limits in 20 km/h […]
