Saskia
This is Saskia (25). At the beginning of 2024, she and her boyfriend made the jump from the Netherlands to Horw, Switzerland, near Lucerne. After studying in Leiden and a few years of work experience, she was ready for a new challenge.
Two practices, one dream: Saskia's new life in Switzerland
Since February, Saskia's life has completely changed. As a physiotherapist, she now works at two different practices in the beautiful region of Central Switzerland: one in Ennetbürgen and the other in Sarnen. “Traveling between locations is really easy,” she says enthusiastically. “I can get from one practice to another in half an hour by public transport. And the views along the way are breathtaking. The mountains, the lakes — every day it feels like I'm living in a postcard.”
But it's not just the environment that makes her so happy. The working atmosphere in both practices is a world apart from what she was used to in the Netherlands. “Everything is super relaxed here,” she explains. “There is time and space to really pay attention to my patients. As a physiotherapist, I feel that I can actually make a difference here. Whether it's people recovering from an injury or patients with chronic symptoms, I can help them overcome their physical challenges. That is so satisfying.”
Weekend? Adventure time in Switzerland!
In her new life in Switzerland, free time for Saskia isn't just something left over from work — it's an integral part of her balance and happiness. “I really have nothing to complain about my free time here,” she says with a big smile. “The possibilities are endless. Whether I'm in the mood for a leisurely walk, a challenging hike, or a day of skiing in the winter — it's all possible here. Nature is so accessible that I'm almost going to take it for granted, but of course it's not at all!”
The mountains that embrace Saskia so much now are a constant source of inspiration. “They're really all around you,” she says enthusiastically. “Whether you're traveling by car, train or bus, you'll be in one of the most beautiful places you can imagine in no time. Public transport here is so well organized that I never have to plan for long. On a Saturday morning, I can just spontaneously decide to go out.”
Saskia's golden tip for your takeoff
For physical therapists who, like Saskia, are considering moving their careers abroad, she has a valuable lesson to share. “If you're considering moving to Switzerland, or any other country, it's incredibly important to work in a place where you really feel at home,” she advises. “The work environment and the team around you make a big difference, not only in your work, but also in how quickly you can adapt to your new life.”
In addition to your colleagues, you can also count on the takeoff community, a network of professionals who have taken the same step. “The takeoff community has helped me a lot,” says Saskia. “It's nice to know that you're not the only one taking on this adventure. You can share experiences, share tips, and even build friendships with people who understand exactly what you're going through.”
Wil jij ook zo’n takeoff?
Ben jij ook klaar voor een nieuw avontuur? Neem dan contact met ons op of kijk alvast naar onze openstaande vacatures. Je kan ook alvast de community van meer dan 100 fysio's joinen op WhatsApp.
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