Testimonies
Came, and stayed
Whether alone, as a couple or as a family - many people from near and far have seized their chance and found a new home in Valais.
In no time at all, they have learned to appreciate the things we love. Namely, the opportunity to live and work in an environment close to nature with a positive influence on quality of life and well-being that should not be underestimated. It is the combination of natural beauty, excellent quality of life, active community and cultural and economic diversity that make Valais what it is. A special region that offers a unique living experience. People who have come to stay share their experiences with you.
They could have worked anywhere in the world. They chose Valais.
Colombine Verzat
Technology Transfer Manager
Colombine fosters collaboration between research and industry, enabling new technologies to progress from the research phase to market launch.
Your first “wow moment” after arriving in Valais? The mountains immediately struck me! When I arrived by train in Martigny, they were everywhere around us. At first, I almost found them overwhelming… and now, whenever I go somewhere else, I catch myself looking for them!
What helped you feel at home so quickly? The warmth of the people: a resident of Martigny agreed to host me even before I had signed my contract. Joining the badminton club also helped me build connections very quickly.
What surprised you about the way Valaisans work? The fact that everyone uses first names and speaks informally! It surprised me a little at first, especially with my manager, but I got used to it quickly. In the end, it makes interactions much simpler and more natural.
One recommendation (place/activity) for someone who has just arrived? A walk from Château de la Bâtiaz up to Plan Cerisier: between the vineyards and the panoramic views over the valley, it’s the perfect way to discover the region.
Gregorio Borelli
Research Trainee
Gregorio focuses on analyzing the energy demand of building stocks and developing decarbonization strategies to make cities more sustainable.
What was your first “wow moment” when you arrived in Valais? My first real wow moment was the morning after I arrived. When I woke up and looked around, I saw the mountains rising all around me — both powerful and peaceful at the same time.
What helped you feel at home quickly? I come from a mountainous region in Italy, so the natural environment in Valais immediately made me feel at home. The mountains, the fresh air, and the peaceful atmosphere reminded me of home.
What surprised you about the way people work in Valais? What surprised me most was the combination of efficiency and calmness. People work in a very organised and productive way, but without stress or chaos.
One recommendation (place/activity) for someone who has just arrived? I love cycling, so I’m really looking forward to the summer. Based on the rides I’ve done so far, I particularly like Saillon and the surrounding area. It offers beautiful landscapes, quiet roads, and a great mix of nature and small villages.
Vivek Gupte
Ph.D. student in the "Human-Centered Robotics and AI" group
Vivek works on assistive robots that provide support and assistance in physical rehabilitation, enabling older adults and people with disabilities to live independently.
What was your first "wow moment" when you arrived in Valais? As I entered Valais, I was awestruck by the sheer size of the snow-capped mountains around me, and the green vineyards sprawling across the landscape were breathtaking.
What helped you feel at home quickly? The weather! Having lived in sunny places, I was glad to have an abundance of sunlight. I also found a great team of people to play my favourite sport, Badminton, which made me feel right at home.
What surprised you about the way people work in Valais? I found the prevalence of cheese and wine in different apéros and other work activities quite amusing. Other cultures might find it surprising, but the Valaisans really love their wine!
One recommendation (place/activity) for someone who has just arrived? With world-class resorts nearby, you have to try skiing. I also highly recommend hiking and cycling in the mountains, even if the climbs are a bit tiring.
Elena Epure
Research Scientist / Language and Information Technologies Group Leader
Elena works to optimize music and podcast recommendations by using data from user searches, song descriptions, and episode content, in order to better tailor suggestions to listeners' preferences.
What was your first “wow moment” when you arrived in Valais? Definitely the mountains. I grew up close to mountains in my home country, but the sheer size and beauty of the Alps here is on another level, truly breathtaking!
What helped you feel at home quickly? Speaking French helped me connect quickly, and Martigny’s mountain-style architecture reminds me of home in Romania.
What surprised you about the way people work in Valais? The rhythm is earlier than in Paris, where I lived before, and I was surprised how common part-time work is. I really appreciate the focus on time for yourself and family.
One recommendation (place/activity) for someone who has just arrived? With a young child, we stayed close to home, but the walk along the Drance is beautiful and very accessible. You have the river on one side, vineyards on the other, all surrounded by mountains.
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