Successful integration begins with an understanding of the country, its values, and its culture. It was to this topic that the second educational meeting under the auspices of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Zurich was dedicated, bringing together Ukrainians around an open dialogue about life, professional fulfillment, and adaptation in Switzerland.
The media partners of the event were Business Woman Magazine, VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association, and the information platform Ukrainians in Switzerland, which consistently support initiatives aimed at developing the Ukrainian community and strengthening the Ukrainian-Swiss partnership.
The speaker of the meeting was Olena Sosenko — an expert in insurance project development who has lived in Switzerland since 2008 and combines Ukrainian and Swiss professional experience. During her talk, she shared her own story of integration, professional development, the specifics of working in a Swiss environment, and practical recommendations for Ukrainians just starting their journey in a new country.
The event was moderated by Olesya Tarasenko — President of VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association, Director of the foreign representative office of Business Woman Magazine in Switzerland, and member of the Pastoral Council of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Community of Zurich.
In an open discussion format, participants discussed issues that concern many Ukrainians today: language integration, professional fulfillment, the specifics of business communication, building social connections, participating in public life, and preserving Ukrainian identity.
Special attention was paid to the cultural characteristics of Swiss society. What sometimes seems like restraint or distance is actually a manifestation of respect for personal boundaries, privacy, and trust that is built gradually. Understanding these cultural nuances significantly eases the integration process and helps build long-term professional and personal relationships.
The meeting took the form of a lively dialogue: participants actively asked questions, shared their own stories, and offered practical observations. This format once again confirmed the Ukrainian community’s high demand for quality educational events where one can gain not only theoretical knowledge, but also real practical experience.
“Integration does not mean losing one’s identity. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to become part of a new society while preserving Ukrainian values, culture, and traditions. It is open dialogue, mutual support, and the exchange of experience that help Ukrainians confidently build their future in Switzerland,” noted Olesya Tarasenko.
The organizers express their sincere gratitude to Olena Sosenko for her professionalism, openness, and readiness to share her many years of experience living in Switzerland, as well as to all participants for their engagement, trust, and constructive discussion.
The series of educational meetings at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Zurich continues to create a modern space for learning, mutual support, and the development of the Ukrainian community.
Business Woman Magazine will continue to support initiatives that promote integration, professional development, and the strengthening of international cooperation, as strong communities and educated leaders are the foundation of Ukraine’s successful future.
Author: Olesia Tarasenko
Photo: from the author’s archive