Swiss Review 5/2018

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No.5 25 The original interview was published on swissinfo.ch, the online service of the Swiss Broadcasting Company, which is available in ten languages. Do you live abroad too? Then tag your Instagram photos #WeAreSwissAbroad. “Switzerland is still a political oasis of sorts” Globe-trotting 32-year-old Robert Woodrich was born and raised in Canada and now lives and runs a business in Thailand. But his Swiss ancestral roots still lead him to consider Switzerland as a third “home away from home”. My job: In 2016 I landed an opportunity to work with an Ameri- can public relations firm in the heart of Bangkok. This position al- lowed me to learn about the regional business landscape, network, and start to prepare longer-term plans. After about one year in Thailand, I made the transition to founding and running my own company. My Thailand: There are many ways in which I enjoy a higher qual- ity of life in Thailand compared to Canada. For example, I can af- ford to hire a maid who does my laundry. The food is absolutely brilliant, although not identical to that found in western Thai res- taurants. My Switzerland: My impression of Switzerland from abroad is prob- ably rather romantic – my fondest memories are of long ago, whereas things have changed since then. However, in a time when European countries lurch from one crisis to the next, Switzerland still appears a political oasis of sorts. My heart: I miss Switzerland because of what it represents for me – a time when my family and I were all together in one place. These days, we are scattered across three continents. On a more practical level, I would certainly appreciate some of Switzerland’s cleanliness, natural landscapes, and political stability. THE SWISS ABROAD ON INSTAGRAM Financial support for Swiss families abroad The aim of the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad is to make it possible for every Swiss child living abroad to take part in a camp in Switzerland at least once – regardless of the financial situation of their family. To make that possible, the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) collects funds every year that are intended to benefit these children. The FYSA encourages families that do not have the necessary financial means to regis- ter and fill in our application form. That way their child, too, can have a stay in Switzerland. Families can obtain more information about the possi- bility of cost reductions and the conditions attached di- rectly from the office of the FYSA. The FYSA is looking forward tomeetingmany children who are curious about their Swiss roots and would like to get to know and experience Switzerland first-hand. Winter camps for children aged 8 to 14 There are still some places free in our New Year’s ski camp in Les Diablerets Date: Wednesday, 26 December 2018 to Friday, 4 January 2019 Number of participants: 42 Fee: CHF 900 (contribution to the camp) Ski or snowboard hire: approx. CHF 150 Registration Details about the winter camp and the registration form can be found at http://sjas.ch/en/. Reduced rates are offered in justified cases. We will be pleased to post our information brochure to you on request. The winter camp in Les Diablerets (VD) is the only one offered by the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) during the 2018-19 winter season.