The Fifth Switzerland puzzle: 1/800 000
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Thomas Adler, China
11.03.2026
The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces. Today’s puzzle piece is …
… Thomas Adler, 27 years old and a PhD Student in Beijing, China. He has been a Swiss Abroad all his life apart from his one-year military service in Switzerland. He spent 15 years in Hong Kong, seven years in London, UK, and two years in Berlin, Germany. For the past two years he has lived in Beijing, China.
Photo provided
Switzerland and you: What is your current relationship status?
Switzerland is my special place to recharge during vacation time. It’s always associated with school holidays and relaxing times.
Do you ever feel like a foreigner when you visit Switzerland?
All the time, whether it’s my neutral accent when speaking French or missing certain cultural references.
Do you maintain personal contacts with other Swiss Abroad?
Yes, I co-founded the Swiss Students in China Association (SSCA) and was elected to the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA). That enables me to connect with young Swiss from all over the world.
Is everyday life with your family multilingual?
No, completely in French, and I aim to teach French to my kids as well.
Which Swiss values does your family consciously uphold?
Respecting the rules, being honest, on time.
Have you ever been asked about Swiss democracy?
Yes, it usually concerns our direct democracy system although there is sometimes mention of our especially late introduction of the vote for women. The infamous 1990 Appenzell Innerrhoden case.
Are people in your country of residence aware of Switzerland at all and, if so, in what way?
Switzerland has an incredibly good image in China: money and watches is the first thing on locals’ lips when they hear where I come from.
My favourite memory of Switzerland …
… is completely empty hiking paths leading to a secluded mountain hut.
Visit the website of the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA)
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