How I Became Swiss

How I Became Swiss

By Christoph KirnEducationSelf-ImprovementHow To
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How I Became Swiss episodes

  • Swiss Naturalization Interview: From Language Test to Voting Together

    Naturalization interview preparation can feel like the biggest hurdle between you and Swiss citizenship — especially if you're not confident in German or you live in a canton with a reputation for being strict. Margaret and Dave share what it was like to study for and pass one of the toughest interviews in Basel-Land, including the real questions they got asked, the studying approach that worked, and the moment they knew they were in.

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    • How to know when you're actually ready to apply, and what shifted when Margaret and Dave realized they could finally qualify
    • Why Margaret studied in English first before moving to German, and how that two-step approach made technical information easier to remember
    • The exact strategy Dave used to start the interview on a warmer, less formal note — and why it worked
    • What it feels like when one family member doesn't pass, and how seriously your Gemeinde takes individual preparation even when the household is strong overall
    • How Margaret prepared for the water system question (and why she rode her bike around town to find local landmarks before the interview)
    • What changed after they became Swiss citizens — including a new family tradition that wouldn't have been possible before
    • Why learning the language early is the single most important thing you can do, even if your German never becomes perfect

    A FAVOURITE MOMENT

    "You have to make where you are comfortable. You don't just jump somewhere and it becomes comfortable." — Dave

    ABOUT MARGARET AND DAVE

    Margaret and Dave moved to Switzerland from California almost 20 years ago with their three children. After a decade in their Gemeinde, they began the naturalization process — and discovered their town had one of the toughest interview requirements in the region. Both are now Swiss citizens and vote together with their family four times a year.

    GET SUPPORT WITH YOUR NEXT STEP TOWARDS SWISS NATURALIZATION

    To find out more about how Become Swiss can help YOU make the Swiss naturalization process smoother and less stressful, take the 60-second Next Step Finder at https://pages.becomeswiss.com/next-step-finder

    28 min
  • Swiss Naturalization Interview: What Actually Happens with Serena Baldiserra

    Naturalization interviews in Basel can feel intense, unpredictable and hard to prepare for, especially when you're not sure what level of German is actually enough. Serena, originally from Turin, shares what her interview was really like, how she kept going through the bureaucratic confusion, and what changed after she and her two children received their Swiss passports.

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    • How to know when you're ready to commit to the naturalization process, even if your German feels uncertain
    • What the actual bureaucratic requirements feel like and how to navigate the parts that aren't clearly explained
    • What happens in the naturalization interview when you're sitting with your children, facing rapid-fire questions
    • How to prepare for questions that go back years into your integration history
    • What it feels like to receive the decision letter and what comes after that moment
    • Why having support during the process makes the difference between pausing and finishing
    • What actually changes once you hold the passport in your hand

    A FAVOURITE MOMENT

    "Every question I received I knew the answer to." — Serena

    ABOUT SERENA BALDISSERA

    Serena is originally from Turin, Italy, and has lived in Basel for more than 15 years with her two children, Giovanni and Elisabetta. She became a Swiss citizen in 2024 after a multi-year journey through the naturalization process. Professionally, she holds a Pharm.D. from the University of Turin and has built a distinguished international career in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs spanning more than 25 years. When she's not working, she practices yoga, takes long walks along the river with her dachshund Edo, and spends time with a good book.

    CONNECT WITH SERENA BALDISSERA

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenanu

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenabaldissera

    GET SUPPORT WITH YOUR NEXT STEP TOWARDS SWISS NATURALIZATION

    To find out more about how Become Swiss can help YOU make the Swiss naturalization process smoother and less stressful, take the 60-second Next Step Finder at https://pages.becomeswiss.com/next-step-finder

    17 min

About How I Became Swiss

From the publisher's feed

How I Became Swiss shares real naturalization stories from people who've been through it. What the interview was actually like, what they'd do differently, and what changed after the passport arrived.