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Job Hunting in Zurich

High tourism times in Switzerland are primarily during the winter ski season, although the summer season is also popular with hikers. Jobs range from instructors, hospitality, food service, and retail. The positive of these jobs is the beauty of the natural environment and high pay and benefits. The negative aspects can be the isolation as these positions are outside of the city and demanding hours.

Search Engines

• Ski resort jobs
• Seasonworkers.com
• Seasonal Jobs 365
• Backpacking Guide
• EasyExpat's Switzerland Job Listing

EURES

As part of the EU, job seekers can access the European job mobility portal EURES. This resource provides information about job vacancies and the labor market. It also provides information on the living and working conditions, and a CV posting service.

Teaching English

English-speaking expats are in high demand for teaching English. Language schools usually require applicants to have TEFL course certificates and a college degree. You must have adequate visa clearance and registration. Most schools will supply you the intent to employ so you can secure a visa.

Schools:
• Berlitz
• Ecole Club Migros
• Flying Teachers
• Global Citizen
• Inlingua Zurich
• Native Speakers

Complete information for teaching English can be found under "Adverts and Recruitment".

Student Employment Contract

An employment contract is standard for any working environment and in the case of student or short-term work, a student employment contract may be used. This usually imposes a time-limit between a student and an employer, with the student getting a salary for his/her work. Making a formal student work contract is not mandatory (it is possible to sign a standard employee contract instead), but may have additional benefits for a student position.

Discount Cards

ISE Card(International Student Exchange Card) - An internationally recognized identification card with thousands of discounts in over 80 countries, it is valid for one year from date of issue. Students of ANY age are eligible, as well as faculty members and children to young adults from 12-25. The price is $25 and you can purchase it online at www.isecard.com/products/index.html.

SIC (International Student Identity Card) - Full-time students 12 years and older offers discounts on travel rates, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, basic sickness and travel insurance, and inexpensive international phone calls. A passport sized photo is required and the card costs about $25 and is good through December 31st of each year. It can be purchased at www.isic.org/student-card/buy-an-isic.aspx.

IYTC (International Youth Travel Card) - A discount card for travelers under 26 who aren't enrolled in school, this card offers a smaller range of youth travel discounts. The card costs $22 card.

Work Visa

Under certain conditions, EU/EFTA Citizens do not need a work permit. Instead, there is an online registration procedure. Applies to employment in Switzerland lasting up to 3 months per calendar year and must take place before a person actually starts to work for the Swiss employer. Full requirements.

For more information on visa, consult the section on Passport and visas.

You will find information on voluntary jobs or internship abroad in our other articles on the left column of this page.