

- Puzzle
Barbara Kehr Courbis, Chile
11.03.2026
The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces. Today’s puzzle piece is …
… Barbara Kehr Courbis, 35 years old, resides in Santiago de Chile and works as an Electronic Engineer. She is a current committee member of the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA).

Photo provided
What does it take for you to be able to say, “This is my home”?
I need a place where I can rest, feel safe, and share with my family the things that bring me joy.
If your friends asked you to make them a typical Swiss meal, what would you cook?
I would prepare Rösti: so Swiss, so simple, yet perfect.
What relationship do you have with Switzerland?
I am a member of YPSA, the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad, and as the daughter of a Swiss mother, I stay informed and actively inform the community.
In what situations do you feel you do not understand Switzerland?
I struggle to understand the naturalization processes, as they are sometimes poorly managed and can divide families due to inadequately designed laws.

Is regularly meeting other Swiss people important to you?
Yes, because it helps me stay connected to my roots; I regularly attend the Swiss Club of Santiago.
What do you miss the most about or from Switzerland?
I miss walking through its beautiful natural surroundings, so carefully and meticulously maintained.
Is everyday life with your family multilingual?
Unfortunately, German has gradually been lost, and in practice we mainly use Spanish.
How do you keep informed about what is happening in Switzerland?
I stay informed through Swissinfo, the Embassy, and the Swiss Club of Santiago de Chile.
Visit the website of the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA)
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