How does a creative American chick get work in Basel--her Swiss crushes' hometown?

Question

I am a female U.S. citizen, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications (graduated in '96). I am unfortunately not bilingual, nor am I particularly fluent in any graphic software programs--traditional illustration techniques--concepting, sketching, drawing, illustrating, and painting--comprise my current skill set. I am particularly interested in employment possibilites in the Basel or Zurich areas. Does anyone know of what industries or specific companies in Switzerland that might need the skills that I offer? Come one and all, please join my brainstorm!! I need some answers because 5035 +/- miles is too damned far away to be-a-crushin' on a Swiss hunk-a-burnin' luv...! Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

First of all I would check the situation regarding the work permit. From what you wrote your skills are not out of the ordinary (forgive me for saying so), especially as you do not seem to speak at least some German. Any prospective employer would have to overcome the hurdle that you are a non-EU national and would have to prove that only you could do the work they are offering and then you MIGHT get a work permit, most likely this would be a B permit, valid 1 year (for non-EU citizens) and it would have to be renewed every year. That would give you very much pressure either NOT to change work (because the permit is connected with this specific job) or that you would have to find an employer who would do all of the above for you. The simplest solution would be for you to marry your hunk at least to get into the country. To find work is still something different. If you are in work now and your employer could send you to Switzerland would facilitate things as well. Never forget, Switzerland is NOT part of the EU although there are special conditions for EU citizens. Also ask your bf for help and also consider the surrounding EU countries (France and Germany) as a first base to make you rattack on Switzerland. The residency conditions there might also make it easier for you.

I just remembered there are special rules also for US-Americans but you really would have to contact a Swiss consulate or the Swiss embassy for reliable answers.

Answer 2

Go to the arbeitsampt in Basel and see,most people speak English and French there too.

Answer 3

Go to Monster.com Switzerland (monster.ch) and do a search on the keyword "English."

You'll get the following:

http://offres.monster.ch/jobsearch.asp?c...

Basel is the art museum capital of Switzerland, so there might be some leads in that direction.  Do you have any museum experience?