Agnieszka’s story as a physiotherapist in Langenthal

Working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland

Agnieszka first came into contact with PhysioMatch through a friend. Before moving to Switzerland, she worked as a physiotherapist in Poland. During her studies she had already heard about the professional opportunities in Switzerland, and the idea stayed with her for years.

Since starting in Langenthal, she has been working 85 percent spread over four days. She works at two locations within the same practice. Two days a week she is based in a modern practice with extensive training facilities. The other two days she works in another location where she mainly treats older patients. This combination gives her both variety and continuity in her work.

Adjusting to language and culture in Switzerland

Although Agnieszka already had a B2 level of German, speaking German all day was challenging at first. Swiss German dialects can still be difficult at times, especially in the beginning. In those situations she asks patients to speak Standard German, also known as High German, which usually works well.

Most patients were very understanding and supportive, even when my German was not perfect yet.

The first month was intentionally calmer, which gave her time to adjust to the Swiss healthcare system and improve her language skills. According to Agnieszka, the idea that Swiss people are distant does not match her experience. Especially younger people are open and welcoming.

Living and working in Switzerland as a physiotherapist

Financially, she notices a clear difference compared to Poland.

In Poland I would need to work six or seven days a week to earn the same. Here, four days are enough.

With a four day working week she is able to live comfortably and save money. This financial stability gives her the freedom to think about future plans, such as travelling or exploring more of Europe.

Quality of physiotherapy in Switzerland

Agnieszka experiences the organisation of healthcare in Switzerland as clearly better than in Poland. Patients gain access to physiotherapy more quickly and waiting times are shorter. Treatments are usually shorter than in Poland, often thirty minutes per patient.

At work, I deal with a variety of patients, including those with recent injuries and surgeries as well as those with chronic conditions, which makes the job interesting and diverse.

The diversity of cases keeps her motivated and allows her to continuously develop her clinical skills. Employers also encourage further education and professional development, offering support for courses and training.

Working in an international team

Within her practice, Agnieszka works together with colleagues from different countries. The team atmosphere is open and supportive. She appreciates that the practice owners are also physiotherapists themselves, which creates short communication lines and mutual understanding.

This collaborative environment makes it easier to ask questions, share ideas and grow professionally.

Work life balance and weekends in the mountains

One of the biggest advantages of working in Switzerland is the work life balance. Because Agnieszka works four days a week, she has a three day weekend.

Every weekend feels like a small vacation.

She enjoys spending her free time climbing, especially in Interlaken or Kandersteg. Living in central Switzerland also makes it easy to explore other regions and neighbouring countries. The proximity to nature plays an important role in her overall happiness and job satisfaction.

Living in Langenthal

Langenthal is a pleasant place to live with good train connections and easy access to larger cities and the mountains. Local traditions such as Carnival play an important role in social life and give insight into Swiss culture.

Although Langenthal itself is quieter than major cities, its central location makes it a practical base for work and leisure activities.