Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! English (Englisch) Imprint

Home , Aadorf, Affeltrangen, Altnau, Amriswil, Basadingen, Bettwiesen

Migration Office Department of Integration

Edition 2012

This brochure is available for download in Albanian, German, French, Italian, Serbian, Portuguese and Turkish at Basic graphical design www.migrationsamt.tg.ch Agence Symbol

Editor Graphics and print Migration Office, Department of Integration, Ströbele Kommunikation, Romanshorn Schlossmühlestrasse 7, 8510 Frauenfeld Illustrations Authorship and rights Thurgau Tourism, Amriswil Migration Office, Department of Integration, Federal Office for Migration, Bern Frauenfeld Office of Migrant Integration and Racism Translation Prevention, Fribourg Ausländerdienst Baselland, Pratteln Contents

1. Preface...... 5

2. About this brochure ...... 7

3. Living together in the Canton of Thurgau ...... 8 Canton, districts, communes Language Foreign population Integration of migrants

4. Arriving in the Canton ...... 10 Declaring your arrival Obtaining information from the commune Obtaining information from the media

5. Rights and duties ...... 11 Fundamental values of the Canton of Thurgau

6. Communication ...... 12 Learning German Learning a Swiss-German dialect Learning to read and write Intercultural translators Intercultural library

7. Accommodation ...... 14 Finding accommodation Living in a rented ﬂat

8. Transportation ...... 16 Cars Import of private cars Exchanging driving licenses Driving in Switzerland Public transport Human-powered transportation: cyclists and pedestrians 9. Employment ...... 19 Finding a job Wages and social contributions Social insurances Unemployment insurance Social welfare Protection against redundancy Taxation Workplace tensions and conﬂict Nondiscrimination Undeclared work (moonlighting)

10. Health ...... 29 Health and accident insurance Health promotion and prevention Medical practitioners Emergency care Dental care Dental emergency The elderly People with disabilities Family planning and information on sexuality

11. Marriage and family life ...... 33 Marriage and family reunion Registered partnership Forced marriages Pregnancy and birth Maternity leave and allowances Family allowances Rights of children and youths Couples and families in difﬁculty Domestic violence 12. Education and compulsory schooling...... 36 Educational options Parental responsibility Child care and after-school care Infant school (4 years old onwards) Primary school (6 years old onwards) Orientation cycle – secondary school I (12 years old onwards) Educational and vocational guidance Students of foreign origin Bridging offers

13. Vocational training and specialized studies...... 39 Vocational training/apprenticeships (15 years old onwards) Upper secondary school (15 years old onwards) Higher education Scholarships and training grants Recognition of foreign qualiﬁcations and experience Adult training and continuing education

14. Protecting the environment ...... 42 Maintaining the landscape Respecting public space Waste recycling Non-recyclable waste

15. Social community activities ...... 44 Culture Sports Hiking, biking, skating Community involvement Religious life 16. Participating in political life ...... 47 Direct democracy Political organs Three levels of power Political rights of foreign citizens Other forms of political participation Naturalization

17. Useful addresses ...... 49 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 5

1. Preface

A warm welcome! This should not be taken for granted, but re- We are pleased you have chosen to live in the quires efforts of adaptation from both sides. Canton of Thurgau. Everyone is called upon to act out tolerance and respect for the ones around them – the- You are settling in a dynamic canton that is se are the fundamental values of our nation open-minded towards the outside but at the and our society. same time devoted to its institutions and tra- ditions. Its intact natural landscape, its favo- In this brochure you will ﬁnd a lot of informa- red location at Lake Constance, its economy, tion on living in our canton and what it has to which is active in different sectors, and its offer. Learn the local language! It is a key to close relationship to the neighbouring can- your independence and autonomy. We also tons of Schaffhausen, Zurich and St. Gallen encourage you get in touch with the locals. as well as to the bordering countries of Ger- Your experience will help you to understand many and Austria make the canton of Thur- the environment better and enables you to gau an attractive place to live and work. We integrate and feel comfortable. hope you and your family will soon feel comfortable in our beautiful «Thurgauerland». We extend a warm welcome to you and wish There is a variety of social and club activities. you many discoveries and exciting encoun- You are warmly welcome to participate. ters.

We are proud of the good understanding be- Claudius Graf-Schelling tween the different population groups. The State Councilor canton of Thurgau is a peaceful canton where people of different generations, cultures and views harmoniously live together and where the individuality and identity of each one are respected.

Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 7

2. About this brochure

Upon your arrival, you have different things You will also be given information by talking to arrange. Some of them will be new to you. to people you meet in your neighborhood, in This brochure provides you general informa- your town, at work or during your leisure ac- tion. More detailed questions will be answer- tivities. ed at the residents' services of your commune, at the websites mentioned in this bro- In the center of the brochure you will ﬁnd an chure or at the institutions marked with an insert showing a map of the Canton of Thur- arrow . These institutions are numbered gau and listing the most important emergen- according to their order of appearance in the cy numbers. text. Their addresses can be found under the respective number in the last chapter of The brochure is also available for download this document. in Albanian, German, French, Italian, Serbian Portuguese and Turkish at www.migrationsamt.tg.ch 8 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

3. Living together in the Canton of Thurgau

The Canton of Thurgau is a diversiﬁed and peaceful canton, where people, despite being different, live together peacefully and respect each other’s individual identity.

Canton, districts, communes Language The Canton of Thurgau is one of 26 cantons There are four official national languages In of the Swiss Confederation. It has about Switzerland: German, French, Italian and 251,000 inhabitants living in five districts Rhaeto-Romanic. The Canton of Thurgau and 80 communes. The capital of the can- belongs to the German-speaking part of ton is Frauenfeld with 23,530 inhabitants. Switzerland. The official and written language in the German part of Switzerland is High German. Everyday spoken language is Coat of arms of Thurgau Swiss German. The coat of arms of Thurgau goes back to the coats of There are different Swiss German dialects arms of the Counts of Kyburz, in German part of Switzerland. Depending who long ago possessed the on region, words are pronounced differently. rights of counts in Thurgau: Some cantons even have a partly different two golden lions on a black field. When vocabulary. Thurgau joined the Swiss Confederation as an independent canton in 1803, the two Foreign population lions were integrated into the new coat of About 54,570 foreign residents live in the arms. The field was changed into white and canton of Thurgau. They account for appro- bright green, the colors of the new free- ximately 22% of the overall population. Eve- dom. ry fourth of them was born in Switzerland. In ciphers, German community contains the biggest group of foreigners (around a third Websites of the Canton of Thurgau: of the foreign population of the canton). www.thurgau.ch www.thurgau-switzerland.tg.ch Integration of migrants www.thurgau-tourismus.ch Integration is a dynamic, individual and social process based on duties and rights and aims at allowing all population groups to participate in the economic and social life. Integration support is guided by the principle «support and encourage» and supports in particular language acquisition, professional advancement and social participation. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 9

[1] Department of Integration of the Some settlement history Canton of Thurgau At the beginning of the 19th century, the [2] Regional Office for Integration inhabitants of the Canton of Thurgau (FFI) Frauenfeld were almost exclusively native people. [3] Regional Office Integration Around 1900 only a third were native Kreuzlingen people. Because Thurgau lacked an urban center, many migrated to the in- Useful information about life in Switzerland dustrial regions of the neighboring can- (in different languages): tons, and at the same time, workers from www.migraweb.ch other cantons and foreign countries mo- www.swissworld.org ved to Thurgau. The biggest group came www.ch.ch from the canton of Bern and took over many farms and cheese dairies. Thus, the Bernese contributed significantly to the The land of the swiftly flowing development of today’s favored types of The river which the Canton of Thurgau cheese of Thurgau, such as the Emmen- was named after is the Thur. Its name taler «Rustico». goes back to the Indo-Germanic word «dhu» («the flowing», «the swift»). The Thur originates in the Säntis and, after With its 136 different nationalities (2012), 127 kilometers, flows into the Rhine near the foreign population of the canton proves Eglisau. Before that, it absorbs some to be very diverse. To support living together 500 side arms. So, within hours, it can and the contact between people of foreign turn into a torrent. The Thur overflowed and Swiss origin, the authorities of Thurgau several times and caused severe dama- follow an active integration policy. Great ge. Therefore, from the middle of the number of communities of Thurgau are 19th century, it was straightened and members of regional offices for integration embanked. which offer informative courses about life in Switzerland so as in the Canton of Thurgau. 10 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

4. Arriving in the canton

The main ofﬁce of your local authority (communal ofﬁce – Gemeindever- waltung) will provide you useful information to help you settle in the canton.

Declaring your arrival [4] Migration Office of the Canton If you want to settle in a commune of the of Thurgau canton or stay there for more than three months, you have to declare your presence Obtaining information by going to the communal office within 14 from the media days after your arrival and apply for a resi- You will find a wealth of information about dence permit. Some residence permits re- the Canton of Thurgau in the media and on quire application prior to arriving in the can- the web. A good way to learn about social ton of Thurgau, because moving to another life in your area is to read the local newspa- canton can be subject to permission. pers. There you will also find information on job opportunities, available accommodation, Obtaining information forthcoming social events, useful addresses from the commune and all kinds of advice. When you visit the main communal office, we advise you to ask for information about [5] Thurgau's newspaper the various aspects of life in the commune [6] Local radio stations such as community, sporting and cultural [7] Local TV station activities. Getting involved in such activities is a great way to be integrated in local life. There is often a lot of information about local activities to be found on the communes' websites or on official bulletin boards.

Direct links to the websites of the communes of Thurgau: www.tg.ch > Gemeinden (communes) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 11

5. Rights and duties

The Canton of Thurgau is a liberal, democratic and social State according to the Constitution.

Fundamental values of the Canton )XQGDPHQWDOULJKWVDUHQRWDEVROXWH7KH of Thurgau State may restrict them to ensure security, 7KHPDLQDLPVRIWKH6WDWHDUHWRSURPRWH order or public health. Individual freedoms common welfare and support individual end where the freedom of others begin. development. To this end, it makes sure For example, freedom of belief cannot be that the law is respected. Therefore the invoked to refuse legislation on schooling. State cannot act unless the Constitution Freedom of expression does not authorize or the law authorizes it to do so. The State people to insult other individuals or groups is organized according to the principle of of people. the separation of powers. Justice, in particular, is independent of Government. Declaration of 7KH SHRSOH DUH VRYHUHLJQ 7KH\ H[HUFLVH Human and Civic Rights their power both directly, by ruling on the «Liberty consists of being able to do every- Constitution and laws, and indirectly, thing that is not detrimental to others.» through elected authorities. The people elect their communal authorities, the can- Article 4 of the Declaration of Human tonal government (State Council) and the and Civic Rights of 1789. cantonal parliament (Grand Council). They also elect the canton’s representatives to the Federal Assembly. Constitution of the Canton of Thurgau and other cantonal laws: $OOSHUVRQVOLYLQJLQWKHFDQWRQKDYHWRIXO- www.tg.ch > Rechtsbuch/Gesetze ﬁll the duties imposed by the Constitution (Low Book / Low) and the law such as paying taxes, educat- ing their children, etc. On the other hand, Swiss Federal Constitution: they also have fundamental rights such as www.admin.ch > Bundesverfassung the right to physical integrity, equality (Federal Constitution) (especially in court), non-discrimination (especially discrimination on grounds of Federal laws: sex or nationality), marriage, and also to www.admin.ch >Gesetzgebung (Legislation) the freedom of expression and belief. 12 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

6. Communication

Communicating means understanding others and being understood by them.

Learning German Learning a Swiss-German dialect In order to live in Thurgau autonomously and Spoken languages such as dialects will independently, it is necessary to learn the mainly be learned by talking to other people. German language. This makes it easier for Mastering a dialect can be very useful, you to communicate with the neighbors, especially at work. There are also Swiss- your children's teachers, the authorities and German language courses, for example at other persons. the Migros Club School.

In the Canton of Thurgau, various social aid [8] Migros Club School Frauenfeld organizations, associations and schools offer German language courses for foreign Learning to read and write speakers. Some of these courses are subsi- Some people have diffi culties in reading or dized by the State and therefore offered at a writing a text. Some institutions offer cour- reduced price. There are courses for women ses for adults who speak German but want (sometimes with a day nursery) as well as to improve their ability to read or write. You mixed courses for men and women. On the will also fi nd such courses offered in the website of cantonal Department of Integra- Canton of Thurgau and near surroundings tion, you will fi nd a list of the different offers listed on the website of the cantonal Depart- of German language courses in the Canton ment of Integration. of Thurgau and near surroundings. [1] Department of Integration of www.migrationsamt.tg.ch the Canton of Thurgau > Fachstelle Integration > Deutschkurse > Deutsch als Fremdsprache – Kurse im Kan- ton Thurgau (Department of Integration > Language Courses > German for foreigners – Courses in the Canton of Thurgau)

[1] Department of Integration of the Can- ton of Thurgau Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 13

Intercultural translators Intercultural library In certain situations, it is useful for migrants The aim of the Library of Cultures in Frauen- without German language to be supported feld is to improve the speaking and reading by intercultural translators. They are trained abilities of people who live their bilingual or in promoting mutual understanding, preven- multilingual way of life. It is targeted in parti- ting misunderstandings and helping the cular at children and adolescents. The Library migrants to integrate into their new environ- offers books in Albanian, Arabic, Croatian, ment. German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Thai and Turkish. We strongly advise against using children as translators. The Library is also a meeting point for people of all languages. People are invited to [9] verdi. Intercultural translation participate in various events such as reading in Eastern Switzerland and gaming afternoons as well as readings about intercultural exchange.

[10] Library of Cultures 14 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

7. Accommodation

A majority of the population of the Canton of Thurgau live in rented property.

Finding accommodation You can ﬁ nd rented accommodation by A nation of tenants UHDGLQJWKHFODVVLÀHGVHFWLRQVRIQHZVSD In Switzerland, two households out of pers; three live in rented accommodation. Only FRQWDFWLQJWKHUHQWDODQGHVWDWHDJHQFLHV one third are property owners. FRQVXOWLQJVSHFLDOL]HGZHEVLWHV

Looking for accommodation on the web: Each household has to pay reception fees www.immopage.ch (properties in Thurgau) for radio and TV devices. Anyone using www.osthome.ch ( properties in Eastern these devices is obliged to register with the Switzerland) Swiss collecting agency BILLAG. www.homegate.ch ( properties throughout www.billag.ch Switzerland) Living in a rented flat Looking for rental and estate agencies in Living in a rented fl at involves complying the Canton of Thurgau: with certain rules. You must, for example, www.tel.search.ch > Immobilienverwaltung avoid making noise at night (usually from 10 Thurgau (Rental and estate agencies) p.m. to 7 a.m.), as well as on Sundays and holidays. The rules that prevail in multi-family To obtain a lease, you must complete a re- housing are set out in the brochure «Living in gistration form and return it to the rental Switzerland». More specifi c rules on the use agency together with documents such as a of common facilities, such as laundry rooms, certifi cate from the Offi ce of Bankruptcy, a are included in the house rules given to you salary certifi cate or an employment con- with the lease. Moreover, it is necessary that tract. It is strongly advised to prepare docu- you have a suitable, big enough fl at when ments in advance so that you can react your family reunifi es. quickly when suitable vacant accommodation shows up.

List of the Ofﬁ ces of Bankruptcy in Thurgau: www.konkursamt.tg.ch > suche Betreibungsämter (search Ofﬁ ces of Bankruptcy) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 15

Brochure «Living in Switzerland» If you have any problems with other tenants, (in different languages): the best solution is to talk to them. If neces- www.bwo.admin.ch sary you can also seek a talk with the care- > Dokumentation > Publikationen > Info- taker or landlord of the house. Tenants who blatt Wohnen > Infoblatt are in dispute with their landlord or estate (Documentation > Publications > Information agent can contact the legal aid ofﬁ ce of the Sheet Accomodation > Information Sheet) tenants union (Mieterinnen- und Mieterver- band). On their homepage you ﬁ nd translation tables of terms regarding tenant law in different languages.

[11] Tenants Association Eastern Switzerland 16 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

8. Transportation

Over 50% of the population of the Canton of Thurgau, including the rest of Switzerland, owns a car. The public transport system is very extensive.

Cars In Switzerland motorways are toll free. To [12] Department of Motor Vehicles of the use them, you must purchase a sticker (to be Canton of Thurgau attached to the inside of the windscreen). Stickers can be purchased from different sell- Driving in Switzerland ing points (customs, garages, gas stations, Swiss drivers are generally cautious and di- road traffic departments, post offices) for 40 sciplined. Following speed limits prevail in Swiss francs (price 2012). Switzerland : 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h outside towns, 120 km/h on motorways. In den- Import of private cars sely inhabited areas, the speed limit is often If you are importing a car you have owned reduced to 30 km/h or 20 km/h. The maxi- for less than 6 months, you will have to pay mum permitted level of alcohol for drivers is import duty. A car or a motorcycle registered 0.5‰. abroad can circulate freely in Switzerland for a maximum of 12 months if the owner has a All drivers are required to stop at pedestrian third-party liability insurance. crossings if someone is waiting to cross. You should be especially careful when driving Exchanging driving licenses near schools. If your car is at a halt at traffic Foreign driving-license holders who settle in lights for example, the engine should nor- Switzerland must exchange their licenses mally be switched off. against a Swiss driving license (credit card size) within 12 months of their arrival. Condi- More information on traffic behavior: tions vary according to the country of origin. www.kapo.tg.ch > Verkehrspolizei On the website of the Department of Motor (traffic police) Vehicles it is explained how to proceed and what documents are needed to apply for re- Map search and routing: gistration or a Swiss permit. The Depart- www.mapsearch.ch ment also provides information on matters relating to motor vehicles and driving autho- rization. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 17

Public transport Traveling with children is cheap. When ac- The public transport network in Switzerland companied by one of their parents, children is very extensive and efﬁcient. Train, bus or from 6 to 16 travel free if they have a Junior boat tickets are relatively expensive. You Card (30 francs for one year, 2012 price). can pay only half the price by purchasing the There are many other discounts, especially half-fare travel card of the Swiss Federal for young people («Track 7») and old-age Railways (165 francs for one year, 2012 pensioners. If you have a discount ticket for prices). This card is very popular: nearly one age reasons, you should always be able to inhabitant out of two has one. prove your age by showing an ID.

www.sbb.ch > ReisenTravel > Abos und Billette (Cards & tickets) 18 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Human-powered transportation: Euromaster cyclists and pedestrians The Swiss citizens are European cham- In Switzerland, many people travel by bicyc- pions of travel by rail: they travel an ave- le. It is a non-polluting mode of transporta- rage of 2'460 kilometers per year and tion, inexpensive and beneﬁcial to health. per person. The authorities encourage bicycle and also pedestrian trafﬁc. Your private liability insurance covers eventual damage caused while If you would like to use public transport you are cycling. mainly in Eastern Switzerland, you can buy a ticket or pass valid to certain areas or Cycling: throughout Eastern Switzerland from the ta- www.thurgau-tourismus.ch/en riff association Ostwind. > Aktivland Thurgau > Veloland Thurgau (Thurgovia, the land of activity > Thurgovia, www.ostwind.ch the land of cycling) www.provelothurgau.ch www.ch.ch > Mobilität > Langsamverkehr > Fahrrad fahren (Mobility > Human-powered mobility > Cycling)

Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 19

9. Employment

Work enables you to provide for your own needs and those of your family, to integrate more easily into a society and to meet other people.

Finding a job income compensation (EO), disability insu- The best way to find a job is to use several rance (IV) and unemployment insurance channels at the same time: (ALV) are automatically deducted from your DQVZHULQJMREYDFDQF\DGVLQWKHQHZVSD- salary. If you earn more than 20,880 francs pers; per year (2012), contributions will also be ORRNLQJIRUMRERSSRUWXQLWLHVRQWKHZHE deducted for your personal occupational VHQGLQJXQVROLFLWHGDSSOLFDWLRQVWRVSHFL- pension scheme (also called «second pil- fic companies; lar»), which complements the AHV (also cal- FRQWDFWLQJ HPSOR\PHQW DQG UHFUXLWPHQW led the «first pillar»). Additional voluntary sa- agencies; vings can be made via what is called the VSHDNLQJWR\RXUSHUVRQDODFTXDLQWDQFHV «third pillar». UHJLVWHULQJ DW D UHJLRQDO HPSOR\PHQW agency (RAV). Compulsory contributions amount to about 15% of the salary. Health insurance is also Looking for a job: compulsory. Premiums are not deducted www.rav.tg.ch from your salary but have to be paid directly www.karriere-thurgau.ch to a health insurance company (see chapter www.ostjob.ch 10 on health). www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch Social insurances Wages and social contributions The main social insurance is the Old Age In Switzerland wages are relatively high, but and Survivors Insurance (AHV). Normally, all so is the cost of living. There is no statutory adults domiciled in Switzerland have to con- minimum wage. However, many professional tribute to this insurance, whether they are branches do have conventional minimum Swiss or foreign citizens, whether they are in wages. gainful employment or not. Retirement age is fixed at 65 years for men and 64 for wo- Compulsory contributions to the old age men (2012). It is possible to retire earlier and pensioners and survivors insurance (AHV), receive a reduced pension. 20 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Contributions to Disability Insurance (IV) are Brochure with more information regarding collected with those of the AHV. People who social insurances (various languages): become disabled receive support to reinte- www.bsv.admin.ch > Themen > Überblick > grate into the labor market or are entitled to Beratung/FAQ > Sozialversicherungen und a yearly disability allowance. Family allowan- Rückkehr: Information für ausländische ces and maternity benefits are financed dif- Staatsangehörige (Topics > Overview > ferently. Advice/FAQ > Swiss social insurances system: Sojourn in Switzerland and departure) Every employed person has to be registered with an accident insurance by their employ- Unemployment insurance er. If you work less than eight hours per If a person loses his/her job in Switzerland, week, this insurance covers only occupatio- he/she normally receives unemployment nal accidents; if you work eight hours and benefit for a limited period of time. A foreign more, it covers also nonoccupational acci- citizen who arrives in Switzerland for the first dents. time cannot receive unemployment benefit unless he has a residence permit and has It is advised to check if the employer passes worked in Switzerland for at least 12 months the contributions deducted from your wages during the two years prior to registering as on to the Compensation Fund and if com- unemployed. pensations are paid without interruption. You can ask the Compensation Fund for a [14] Department of Economy and Work of free account statement. the Canton of Thurgau

[13] Compensation Fund of the Canton of Information about the unemployment Thurgau (AKTG) insurance fund: www.awa.tg.ch > Arbeitslosenkassen (Unemployment Insurance Funds) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 21

Any person who loses his/her job must con- receive other statutory benefits, to which tact the communal office as soon as possi- he/she is entitled. To apply for social welfa- ble. The commune will explain what steps re, contact the social services of your com- have to be taken in order to qualify for un- mune. employment benefit. The social and debt counseling service of Registering for unemployment benefit: the Caritas Thurgau gives advice free of www.rav.tg.ch charge to everyone seeking help and offers emergency and bridging assistance and More information on looking for a job and opens the doors to other institutions and unemployment: counseling services. The Benefo Founda- www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch tion offers inexpensive budget counseling.

Social welfare [15] Welfare Ofﬁce of the Canton Social welfare aims to ensure minimal sub- of Thurgau sistence standards and to promote econo- [16] Caritas Thurgau mic and personal independence of those in [17] Benefo Foundation, need. It is granted insofar as a person can- budget counseling not be assisted by his/her family or cannot 22 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Protection against redundancy If you have a permanent residence permit, The law protects employees against unfair you will receive a tax form in January. To dismissal in case of illness, injury, pregnancy complete it, you can use Fisc software avai- or maternity. Dismissal in such circumstan- lable on the web for free. If you encounter ces is unlawful. any difficulties, please contact the Cantonal Revenue Authority or an accountant. Dismissal is considered unfair when it is grounded, for example, on claims of the em- [18] Cantonal Revenue Authority (KSTV) ployment relationship. If an employee is un- Fisc software: fairly dismissed on other grounds, he/she cannot be reinstated in the company, but www.steuerverwaltung.tg.ch can obtain legal compensation through the > Fisc Steuererklärung (Fisc tax form) courts. Workplace tensions and conflict [13] Compensation Fund of the Canton of In case of tensions or conflict with your em- Thurgau (AKTG) ployer or colleagues, you can get advice from the Trade Union Federation of Thurgau. Taxation In Switzerland, individuals pay tax on income [19] Trade Union Federation of the Canton and wealth. This is used to finance public of Thurgau (TGGB) tasks performed by the Confederation, the cantons and the communes. Some kinds of behavior are prohibited by law, especially in the workplace. This is parti- Shortly after arriving in the canton, you will cularly true of psychological or sexual ha- receive a questionnaire from the Cantonal rassment, as well as words, gestures or acts Revenue Authority to determine the amount intended to humiliate other people. of provisional tax you have to pay. Information regarding sexual harassment in If you are a foreign citizen without a perma- the workplace: nent residence permit (C permit), tax on income from work will be deducted directly www.sexuellebelaestigung.ch from your salary. > Informationen für Arbeitnehmer/innen (information for employees)

[20] Federal Ofﬁce for Gender Equality (EBG) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 23

Nondiscrimination The Swiss Constitution states: «No one may Nobody who works illegally is protected in be discriminated against, in particular on the event of disability or unemployment and grounds of origin, race, gender, age, langua- will receive no retirement pension. Conse- ge, social position, way of life, religious, ideo- quences can be dramatic, for employer and logical, or political convictions.» If you feel employee alike, if, for example, an employee discriminated against for one of these rea- has an accident while working. sons, we recommend you contact one of the following organizations: Unfortunately it may happen that an employer refuses to hand out pay slips so he can [21] Federal Commission against Racism deny an employment in case of dispute. In (EKR) such cases the employee can hardly prove [20] Federal Ofﬁce for Gender an employment relationship, which is, how- Equality (EBG) ever, necessary to get unemployment bene- ﬁt, for example. Undeclared work (moonlighting) Even a person who occasionally earns a little [22] Job market regulating authority of the money cleaning, looking after a house, gar- Canton of Thurgau dening or babysitting is considered to be employed. Any paid activity must be declared Information regarding prevention of illegal to the social insurance authorities by the work: employer, who has to deduce the tax at www.keine-schwarzarbeit.ch source. Otherwise, it is considered to be ille- (no moonlighting) gal work or moonlighting.

The Canton of Thurgau at a glance

Area: 991 km2 Websites of the Canton of Thurgau Population: 251,000 inhabitants www.thurgau.ch Ofﬁcial language: German www.thurgau-switzerland.tg.ch Capital: Frauenfeld www.thurgau-tourismus.ch Districts: 5 Communes: 80 Diessenhofen

Berlingen Schlatt Steckborn Gottlieben Basadingen- Salenstein Schlattingen Wagen- hausen Ermatingen Tägerwilen Kreuzlingen Raperswilen Eschenz Mammern Homburg Bottighofen Wäldi Münsterlingen Bodensee Hüttwilen Herdern Lengwil Kemmental Altnau Güttingen Pfyn Müllheim Langricken- Neunforn Wigoltingen bach Kesswil Uesslingen- Märstetten Warth-Weiningen Buch Birwinken Berg Dozwil Uttwil Felben- Hüttlingen Sommeri Wellhausen Weinfelden Amlikon- Romanshorn Bissegg Hefenhofen

Frauenfeld Salmsach Thundorf Bürglen Erlen Sulgen Gachnang Amriswil Bussnang

Stettfurt Affeltrangen Egnach Kradolf- Matzingen Schönenberg Hohen- Zihlschlacht- Lommis Schönholzerswilen tannen Sitterdorf Arbon Tobel- Tägerschen Roggwil Braunau Aadorf Bettwiesen Horn Wuppenau Bischofszell Hauptwil-Gotthaus Wängi

Münchwilen

Eschlikon Sirnach Bichelsee- Balterswil Ricken- bach Wilen

Fischingen Diessenhofen

Frauenfeld Salmsach Thundorf Bürglen Erlen Sulgen Gachnang Amriswil Bussnang

Münchwilen

Eschlikon Sirnach Bichelsee- Balterswil Ricken- bach Wilen

Fischingen 28 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Emergency numbers (throughout Switzerland)

Police 117 Fire service (ﬁre, water, gas) 118 Emergency medical service/ambulance 144 The Helping Hand (psychological distress) 143 Toxicological information center (poisoning) 145 Children/adolescent emergency call 147

In an emergency 6WD\FDOP ,GHQWLI\WKHGDQJHUV 6HHNDVDIHSODFH &DOOWKHHPHUJHQF\VHUYLFHV +HOSRWKHUV Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 29

10. Health

Health is something precious and should be preserved.

Health and accident insurance Information on accident insurance: If you are arriving from abroad, you have www.bag.admin.ch > Themen > Unfall- und three months to conclude health and acci- Militärversicherung > Unfallversicherung dent insurance cover. If you are arriving from (Topics > Accident and military insurance another canton, you will have to present an > Accident insurance) insurance certificate to your new commune within 30 days. Before you take out an insurance, ask for advice and compare the offers of different Compulsory health and accident insurance insurance companies. provides benefits for sickness, maternity and accidental injury. People who work are Cost comparison of health insurance in insured against non-professional accidents Switzerland: by their employer. They do not need a private www.comparis.ch accident insurance. Life expectancy Compulsory basic health insurance covers Life expectancy in Switzerland is among the outpatient medical treatment, prescribed highest worldwide. On average, men live medication as listed on an official list and 80.2 years, while women live 84.6 years. hospital stays in the canton of residence. If you want, you can add complementary insu- Health promotion and prevention rance to cover, for example, treatment in a «Perspektive Thurgau» is actively involved in private clinic. health promotion and prevention. They offer advice for mothers and fathers, couples, fa- The State grants premium reductions to insur- milies and adolescents as well as addiction ed persons, couples and families of modest counseling. You can also contact «Perspek- economic means. tive Thurgau» with questions about sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases as Information on health insurance: well as regarding AIDS. www.bag.admin.ch >Themen > Krankenversicherung Moreover, «Perspektive Thurgau» coordina- (Topics > Health insurance) tes «FemmesTische», an event held at diffe- www.gesundheitsamt.tg.ch rent locations in Thurgau and organized for > Versicherungspflicht und individuelle women who would like to discuss topics on Prämienverbilligung health and education. There, women from (Compulsory coverage and individual price- different cultural backgrounds get to know reduction of the health insurance premium) each other. Moreover, the participants get 30 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

information about the local culture, langua- Emergency care ge courses, day care centers, the schooling If you need emergency care and cannot system and information centers. reach your general practitioner (please listen till the end of the answering machine mes- [23] Perspektive Thurgau sage), you can call either the doctor on duty www.femmestische.ch in your district or one of the hospitals in the > Bestehende Standorte > TG canton. If the situation goes critical, call (locations in Thurgau) number 144.

Information about different health topics (in Doctor on duty in the district different languages): 144 is the number valid for the entire Switzerland www.migesplus.ch Reg. Thurgau West 052 723 77 77

If you are going through a difﬁcult life time Reg. Thurtal-Untersee 144 and would like to talk it over with people of a Reg. Kreuzlingen 0900 000 199 similar situation, you can join a self-help Reg. Amriswil-Obersee 0900 000 327 group. «Selbsthilfe Thurgau» has information Reg. Arbon 0900 575 420 about existing self-help groups. Reg. Romanshorn 0900 575 460

[24] Self-help Thurgau Reg. Bischofszell 0900 575 422 Reg. Rickenbach/ 0900 56 85 56 Other useful addresses concerning health Wilen/Busswil/Wil SG/ issues: Schwarzenbach SG www.sozialnetz.tg.ch > Gesundheit/Krankheit (health/ilness) Hospitals in Thurgau AG Medical practitioners www.stgag.ch A soon as you arrive in the canton, you are Cantonal hospital strongly advised to find a general practitio- 052 723 77 77 Frauenfeld ner or family doctor who will be your first contact if you have a health problem. He/ Cantonal hospital 071 686 11 11 she will advise you, provide medical care and Münsterlingen send you to a specialist if necessary. You Clinic St. Katharinental 052 631 60 60 can find lists of general practitioners in the Psychiatric services telephone directory, online or by asking your 071 686 41 41 Thurgau personal acquaintances.

Listing of medical practitioners: www.aerzte-tg.ch > Ärzteverzeichnis TG (List of Doctors) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 31

Dental care Dental emergency General dental care, such as fi lling cavities, In any case, try to contact your general prac- treating infl ammation of the gums or ortho- titioner/family doctor fi rst. Follow the ins- dontic treatment (dental braces) are not re- tructions given on the answering machine. If funded by the basic medical insurance. If you cannot reach him/her, you will get the you have children, it is possible to take out number of the nearest emergency dentist on dental insurance for them before any prob- duty by calling the emergency number 144. lems are identifi ed. The elderly Addresses of dentists in Thurgau: The following organizations can be contact- www.zahnaerzte-thurgau.ch ed for information about support provided to the elderly in need of care or assistance:

[25] Spitex association Thurgau [26] Pro Senectute Thurgau [27] Swiss Red Cross Thurgau

Other useful addresses concerning old age www.sozialnetz.tg.ch > Alter (old age)

People with disabilities People with a physical or mental disability, as well as those responsible for them, can fi nd advice and support by contacting the Cantonal Disability Insurance Offi ce, the association Pro Infi rmis or, for children, the early remedial pedagogic education.

[13] Compensation Fund of the Canton of Thurgau (AKTG) [28] Pro Inﬁ rmis Thurgau-Schaffhausen [29] Early remedial pedagogic education

Other useful addresses in Thurgau concerning disabilities: www.sozialnetz.tg.ch > Behinderung (Disabilities) 32 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Family planning and information Infant mortality in Switzerland is very low. on sexuality Free medical examination during pregnancy, If you have questions about family planning, courses for birth preparation, breast-feeding pregnancy or your sexual life, you can con- counseling and counseling for mothers and tact the Service of Family Planning, Preg- fathers are important services offered for nancy and Sexuality of the Benefo Founda- free. tion. They also give you advice concerning any questions about prenatal examination. Counseling for mothers and fathers: Your medical consultant as well as the «Per- www.muetterberatung-tg.ch spektive Thurgau» help you with any questions regarding sexual health. From all the Other useful addresses concerning preg- places mentioned here, you will receive advi- nancy, birth and first years of life: ce on contraception, sexuality, sexual orien- www.sozialnetz.tg.ch > Gesundheit/Krank- tation, pregnancy, abortion, sexually trans- heit > Schwangerschaft/Geburt/Erste Le- mitted diseases, sexual abuse, emotional bensjahre bzw. > Vorsorgeuntersuchungen and relational life. Consultations are free or (Health/ilness > Pregnancy/birth/first years insured and remain strictly confidential. of life > Preventive medical examination)

[17] Benefo Foundation, counseling service for family planning, pregnancy and sexuality [23] Perspective Thurgau Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 33

11. Marriage and family life

In the Canton of Thurgau, the State and the communes offer strong support for families and children.

Marriage and family reunion In Switzerland, people must be at least 18 Binational marriages years old before they can marry. Only mar- In Switzerland more than one marriage in riages celebrated in the presence of an au- three is binational. Useful information for thorized representative of the Registry Office binational couples and intercultural fami- are recognized. The Office for Commercial lies who want to live in Switzerland, can Register and Civil Registry or the Registry be found at www.binational.ch. Office in your district will explain what the formal requirements are and what documents you need to produce. Registered partnership Persons of the same sex have the possibility [30] Office for Commercial Register and of formalizing their union by entering a regis- Civil Registry of the Canton of Thurgau tered same-sex partnership. To find out how to proceed, they should contact the Registry Registry Offices in the Canton of Thurgau: Office of the district in which one of the www.zivilstandsamt.tg.ch partners lives.

If you want your future spouse or other fami- Registry Offices in the Canton of Thurgau: ly members to join you in Switzerland, you www.zivilstandsamt.tg.ch first have to submit a request for the family reunion to the residents' services of your [31] HOT Homosexual Organization commune. Whether this request will be Thurgau granted is decided by the Office of Migra- tion. On its website you will find request Forced marriages forms and lists of the needed documents. Nobody should be forced by his/her family or anyone else, to marry against his/her will. [4] Migration Office of the Canton of Thurgau Forcing a person to marry is a serious infrin- gement of personal freedom. It violates the Request forms and checklists for the family fundamental rights of human beings that are reunion (in different languages): protected by the Swiss Constitution and the www.migrationsamt.tg.ch Constitution of the Canton of Thurgau. > Formulare/Merkblätter > Übersetzungen (Formulars/ bulletins > Translations) [17] Benefo Foundation, victim assistance [32] Counseling service for women who are victims of violence 34 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Pregnancy and birth Maternity leave and allowances Every birth must be reported to the Registry After childbirth, women who work are enti- Office of your district. If a child is born in a tled to at least 14 weeks maternity leave. If hospital, the hospital will declare the birth to the mother has contributed to social insu- the Registry Office. If a child is born in a pri- rance during the nine months before delive- vate home, the parents should do it. The re- ry and has worked for at least 5 months dur- quest for grant of a residence permit will be ing the same period, she can receive up to automatically sent to the Office of Migration 80% of her salary. Former periods of insu- by the residents' services of the residential rance and employment in most European commune. countries are also taken into account. The Compensation Fund of the Canton of Thur- From birth, all children are automatically in- gau will provide more detailed information. sured against illness for three months. In the meantime, parents will have to take up a [13] Compensation Fund of the Canton of health insurance in the child’s name. Thurgau (AKTG)

[17] Benefo Foundation, counseling Information about maternity allowance: service for family planning, pregnancy and www.bsv.admin.ch > Themen sexuality: > Erwerbsersatzordnung/Mutterschaft > Grundlagen > Anspruch auf Exchange event for women who would like Mutterschaftsgeld to discuss topics on health and education: (topics > income compensation/ maternity www.femmestische.ch > basics > right to maternity allowance) > Bestehende Standorte > TG (Locations > TG) Family allowances If you have children living in the Canton of Offers for the promotion of parental, educa- Thurgau, you are entitled to receive a family tional and family competences: allowance. For children up to 16 years, the www.tageo.ch > Elternbildung allowance is 200 francs per month and (parenting skills) child. For young people undergoing training or studying, the allowance amounts to 250 Mothers' and fathers' counseling: francs per month and child until the age of www.muetterberatung-tg.ch 25. Family allowances are generally paid by the employer and added to the salary. Under Other useful addresses concerning child- certain conditions, parents who are not birth: gainfully employed may also receive child www.sozialnetz.tg.ch allowances. The Compensation Fund of the > Familie/Alleinerziehende Canton of Thurgau will give you additional (family/singleparents) information about this.

[13] Compensation Fund of the Canton of Thurgau (AKTG) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 35

Rights of children and youths Information about alimony assistance: Like adults, children and youths, girls and www.fuersorgeamt.tg.ch boys, have fundamental rights. In particular, > Sozialhilfe > Alimentenhilfe they have the right to protection against ab- (social assistance > alimony assistance) use, violence, sexual abuse and exploitation at work as well as the right to education and Domestic violence a decent standard of living (housing, cloth- In Switzerland, the use of violence within the ing, food). Parents have no right to hit chil- family circle is prohibited. Domestic violence dren and youths just as the latter have no can be physical (hitting), psychological right to hit other persons. They have the right (threats), sexual (forced) or economic (finan- to physical integrity and to protection from cial deprivation). When such behavior occurs physical injury. Female genital mutilation is within a couple or against children, at home prohibited. Justice condemns severely such or elsewhere, the courts can intervene even acts even if they occur in private homes or if the victim does not file a complaint. The during travel abroad. author of domestic violence is liable to heavy penalties. [17] Benefo Foundation, victim assistance [32] Counseling service for women Victims can ask for free advice or assistance who are victims of violence from a counseling center. Discussions with staff of these organizations remain strictly Information and counseling website for confidential. youths: www.tschau.ch (German) [17] Benefo Foundation, victim assistance www.ciao.ch (French) [32] Counseling service for women who are victims of violence Couples and families in difficulty [33] Office for domestic violence, People who encounter difficulties within Cantonal Police Thurgau their couple or with their children can contact couple and family counseling services. Police phone for emergencies and on-site In case of separation or divorce, one of the help: 117 parents should pay to the other a monthly pension to provide financial support to the People who have violent inclinations may children and, in some cases, to the other pa- contact the association «Konflikt.Gewalt». rent. Discussions with their staff remain strictly confidential. Couple and family counseling services in your region: [34] Konflikt.Gewalt – violence counseling www.paarberatungen-tg.ch for men, women and youths (couple counseling service) 24-hour hotline phone for violent persons: 0800 149 149 36 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

12. Education and compulsory schooling

The authorities in the Canton of Thurgau attach great importance to the quality of child education.

In Switzerland, school systems vary from an obligation to collaborate with school au- one canton to another. In the Canton of thorities, to send their children to school and Thurgau, school is compulsory and free of make them respect school schedules and charge for children from the age of 4 to 16 rules. If the school invites you to a personal years. The Department for Education and interview or a parents meeting, it is impor- Culture (DEK) is responsible for school and tant to go. You will be informed about the further education. progress of your child and what a school day looks like. Communication between parents www.dek.tg.ch and the school is very important for the suc- www.thurgau.ch > Bildung (education) cess of the children.

Educational options Learning success The brochure «Educational options in Can- Accompany your child and participate in ton of Thurgau» shows the different offers their school career! This is one of the from the start of school to tertiary level and best ways to help your child to be suc- contains important information about state cessful in learning and to start a profes- schools and the vocational education sys- sional career. tem. It also contains addresses of advanced schools as well as counseling and contact services. Child care and after-school care It is quite frequent that parents who both You can order a brochure «Educational op- work need someone to look after their chil- tions in the Canton of Thurgau» free of char- dren during the day, at lunchtime, after ge (in different languages): By telephone: school, or during school holidays. Your com- 052 724 30 56, and online shop: https://se- mune will be glad to inform you about the cure.lehrmittel-shop.tg.ch, or you can down- possibilities of child care and after-school load it: care facilities available in your area. You will www.av.tg.ch > Themen/Dokumente ﬁnd more information on the websites of the > Bildungsmöglichkeiten «Familienplattform Ostschweiz» and «Tages- (topics /documents > educational opportu- familien Thurgau». nities) www.familienplattform-ostschweiz.ch Parental responsibility > Betreuungsangebote (child care offers) Parents are primarily responsible for educa- www.tagesfamilen-thurgau.ch tion and training of their children. They have Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 37

Infant school (4 years old onwards) matics, languages, natural sciences (his- The prerequisites needed to learn how to tory, geography, biology, physics, chemistry), read, write and calculate at school are sha- music, creative activities, sport, domestic ped in kindergarten by playful learning. At economy and occupational studies. the same time, self- and social competences are promoted. The time in kindergarten is [35] Ofﬁce of State Schools of the Canton also important for your child because they of Thurgau learn to make contacts and communicate in the local language.

Kindergarten lasts for 2 years. Thus each child develops different, there is the possibility to enter kindergarten one year earlier or later. If you consider this possibility for your child, contact the school authorities early enough to ﬁnd an appropriate solution.

Primary school (6 years old onwards) Primary school lasts 6 years. It constitutes the basis for school education. Teaching fo- cuses on language, mathematics, environment, music, creative activities and sport. Additionally the children are accompanied and promoted in their personality development.

Orientation cycle – secondary school I (12 years old onwards) Secondary school lasts 3 years. During this time the primary school contents are deepen- ed and extended to allow the adolescents to build up a solid basis for their professional or scholastic career. Lessons are held in different performance levels. It includes mathe- 38 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Educational and vocational guidance In addition, your child can attend courses in Educational and vocational guidance helps his/her native language and culture (HSK), young people to choose their careers, to which are offered by the consulate of your take the step from school to professional life country or by members of your community. or to specialized studies. Educational and vo- In these lessons, your child will extend the cational guidance starts in the 2nd class of skills in his/her mother tongue and get to secondary school with class workshops in know his/her culture of origin. This will en- job information centers, career choice inputs courage him/her to mix with different cultu- (open consultations) and parent-teacher res and integrate in Switzerland. Good mas- conferences. If needed, further professional tery of an additional language will be an vocational guidance is possible. advantage in his/her future professional life.

[36] Ofﬁce of Vocational Education The Library of Cultures offers child and and Guidance of the Canton of Thurgau youth literature in different languages.

Services for vocational and educational gui- [37] Contact ofﬁce native language dance: and culture (HSK) www.abb.tg.ch > Berufs- und Studienbera- [10] Library of Cultures tung > Angebote für Jugendliche (vocational and studies counselling> offers Bridging offers for the youngsters) Bridging offers can be helpful for youths who did not manage to take the direct step Information about vocational guidance (in into vocational basic education. These of- different languages): fers are classiﬁed into those with emphasis www.berufsberatung.ch > Berufswahl on schooling and those with practical orien- >Informationen für Fremdsprachige tation. (vocational choice> information for the foreigners) Information about the different bridging offers: Students of foreign origin www.abb.tg.ch > Brückenangebote Children and youths who have good know- (bridging offers) ledge of their mother tongue are able to learn German more easily and quickly. With your child, use the language you master best. That's the way he/she receives a good basis for the acquisition of other languages. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 39

13. Vocational training and specialized studies

After compulsory school, youths normally choose to serve an apprenticeship or to go to upper secondary school.

Vocational training/apprenticeships (15 years old onwards) Training companies Switzerland has a so-called dual vocational In the Canton of Thurgau, more than education system: One or two days a week, 3,000 companies take on and form the trainee takes courses at a professional trainees in more than 160 different pro- school. The rest of the week is spent learning fessions. practical skills by working in a company.

The trainee is employed on the basis of a During or after their apprenticeship, the trai- contract by a company that pays for the nees can study to obtain a vocational bacca- work he/she accomplishes. The apprenti- laureate. This degree gives access to a spe- ceship lasts between 2 and 4 years, after cialized high school (FH) or an institution of which the trainee obtains a Federal Diploma higher education. (EBA) or a Federal Certificate of Capacity (EFZ). These qualifications are recognized Upper secondary school throughout Switzerland. (15 years old onwards) After compulsory school, pupils have the Diagram of the Swiss education system: possibility of attending a professional, com- www.edk.ch > Bildungssystem CH> Grafik mercial or informatics secondary school or a (Swiss education system > Diagram) gymnasium. According to the type, these full-time schools enable either direct access Information about searching for an apprenti- to professional life or access to a college of ceship contract: applied sciences, an advanced technical www.berufsberatung.ch college or a university. > Berufswahl > Lehrstellensuche (vocational choice> search after the ap- [38] Office of Secondary Schools prenticeship) and Higher Education

[36] Ofﬁce of Vocational Education and Guidance of the Canton of Thurgau 40 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Type of school Duration Diploma

Professional secondary school 3–4 years Certiﬁcate of professional secondary school

Commercial secondary school 4 years Vocational baccalaureate Informatics secondary school

Grammar school 4 years Maturity certiﬁcate

Information about the different types of se- Student advisory services in Frauenfeld, condary schools, their educational contents Kreuzlingen and Amriswil help to choose the and continuation options: right studies. www.amh.tg.ch > Mittelschulen > Broschü- re «Mittelschulen des Kantons Thurgau» Student advisory services in Thurgau: (brochure «Mittelschulen des Kantons Thur- www.abb.tg.ch gau») > Berufs- und Studienberatung (vocational and studies counselling) Higher education A young person who has finished secondary Information about supplementary exams for school and obtained the vocational bacca- study applicants with foreign preparatory laureate or certificate of professional secon- certificate: dary school can go to a college of applied www.ecus-edu.ch sciences or to certain studies at a college of education. [38] Office of Secondary Schools and Higher Education A young person who has finished the grammar school and obtained a federal maturity Scholarships and training grants can go to university, to a federal polytechnic Under certain conditions, it is possible to ob- school (ETH), a college of education or – af- tain a scholarship or a training grant. For ter a one-year training – a college of applied more information, you can contact the scho- sciences. The offices of admissions and re- larship service of the Department of Secon- gistration of the universities will give additio- dary Schools and Higher Education. nal information. A person arriving from abroad is not automatically granted access to a [39] Scholarship service of the Canton Swiss institution of higher education even of Thurgau though he/she can go to university in his/ her country of origin. It may be necessary to take preparatory courses for university studies in Switzerland. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 41

Recognition of foreign Further education in Thurgau: qualifications and experience www.abb.tg.ch > Berufsfachschulen If you want to have a foreign degree official- (vocational school) ly recognized, you should contact the Fede- ral Office for Professional Education and Further education in Switzerland: Technology. www.weiterbildung.ch www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch Recognition of foreign qualifications www.bbt.admin.ch > Anerkennung ausländischer Diplome (Recognition of foreign qualifications)

If you have worked abroad for over 5 years, it is possible, under certain conditions, to have your experience validated and thereby obtain a Swiss professional qualiﬁcation. The entrance portal validation can inform you whether such a possibility exists.

[40] Entrance portal validation of the Canton of Thurgau

Adult training and further education In Switzerland, most adults take further education courses to upgrade their professional know-how or develop new skills. These courses are sometimes funded by the employer. A person who continuously upgrades his/her professional skills has better chan- ces of ﬁnding a satisfactory job. Ask your employer or one of the vocational colleges in Thurgau what possibilities exist. 42 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

14. Protecting the environment

People living in the Canton of Thurgau attach great importance to maintaining the landscape, respecting public space and protecting the environment.

Maintaining the landscape Respecting public space Thurgau is an important food producer and There are the rules in each commune inform- contributes significantly to the Swiss food ing people about how to behave in public supply. Its agriculture with its approximately places and towards other people. Rules 8,000 workers and its numerous up- and could be, for example, that waste must be downstream companies forms an important disposed of in rubbish bins, that it is forbid- part of the economy of Thurgau. It also con- den to make noise unnecessarily, or that tributes significantly to the diverse and eco- pets should be taken care of so they do not logically valuable cultural landscape. Agri- bother other people. You can request a copy cultural work deserves respect. It is for- of such rules from the communal adminis- bidden, for example, to walk across farm tration. fields, damage trees, scare animals or scat- ter litter in the countryside. Waste recycling In the Canton of Thurgau, household refuse is carefully sorted. All communes have was- «Mostindien» te collection points where people are meant In popular lore, the Canton of Thurgau is to sort out household refuse according to its also called «Mostindien». On the one hand, nature: glass, paper and cardboard, metal, it is told so, because it is situated in the batteries, oils, organic materials, electric ap- east of Switzerland and its shape is similar pliances, toxic chemicals, etc. The commu- to the subcontinent India. On the other nes distribute a waste calendar that gives hand because of the extensive fruit grow- you information about where and when the ing, which has a tradition since the late sorted waste can be turned in and at what Middle Ages. Apples and pears grow here time which special collection (such as paper nicely and the canton got well-known for or carton) takes place. its fruit products such as cider (Most), juice, spritzer or the apple wine called Nearly half of the waste collected this way «Suure Moscht». has been recycled. The rest is incinerated in plants that respect environmental legislation. Please ask your commune about the available infrastructure. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 43

Waste collection, a Swiss speciality In Switzerland, 95% of glass, 90% of alu- minium and 80% of paper is collected and recycled.

Non-recyclable waste Non-recyclable waste is collected and incinerated in big plants. The waste calendar or the website of your commune will provide information on the days when non-recyclable waste is collected. It also tells you where you can buy ofﬁ cial rubbish bags/stickers, and where and when you leave them once full. Depending on the commune where you are living, you will pay a tax on ofﬁ cial rubbish bags or on a sticker that you have to put on a common rubbish bag.

It is strictly forbidden to leave or store waste in public space. It is also forbidden to burn waste indoors or outdoors as well as to dis- pose liquid or solid waste in the toilet.

[41] Ofﬁ ce of Environment of the Canton of Thurgau 44 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

15. Social community activities

Entertainment and leisure are important. They enable you to relax, learn new things, keep ﬁt and meet other people.

The culture Sports The Canton of Thurgau has a diverse decen- The canton of Thurgau has more than 900 tralized cultural scene. The cultural traces of sports clubs. There is a wide choice of sport- our ancestors are extensive: numerous cast- ing activities for children, youths, adults or les and ruins as well as monasteries, chur- senior citizens in the canton. The tourism of- ches and chapels, and old handicraft and in- ﬁce of you region, the residents' services of dustrial goods. In the museums of Thurgau your commune or the addresses below will in- with their historical collections you will ﬁnd form you of the possibilities that exist in your all kinds of witnesses of former times. area.

Contemporary art is also ﬂourishing in Thur- [43] Ofﬁce of Sports of the Canton gau, which can be seen, for example, at the of Thurgau art rooms and museums in Kreuzlingen, Ar- bon, Frauenfeld or in the Kartause Ittingen. Addresses of sports associations of Thurgau: www.vts-tg.ch/verband.asp In Thurgau, there is also a vibrant music scene. Cultural centers like the Dreispitz and the Bodensee Arena in Kreuzlingen, the Popular sporting events Pentorama in Amriswil and the monastery of «slowUp Euregio Bodensee»: At the end Fischingen offer concerts from classical mu- of each August, alone or with your family, sic to musicals. For jazz fans, there is the you can enjoy car-free streets in the at- international jazz meeting Generations in tractive regions of the upper Lake Cons- Frauenfeld. This is also the place where the tance riding bicycles or doing in-line ska- Openair Frauenfeld is held – the biggest mu- ting. For further information: sic festival of German-speaking Switzerland. www.slowup-bodenseeschweiz.ch.

Those who love theater can go to the Thea- «Frauenfelder Stadtlauf»: The city run of terhaus Thurgau in Weinfelden or to one of Frauenfeld has been held each year since the numerous small theaters and open-air 1979. On the last Saturday in August, ap- stages. proximately 1,500 people, children and adults, compete against each other. [42] Cultural Ofﬁce of the Canton of Thurgau

Cultural events in the Canton of Thurgau: www.tgkulturagenda.ch www.thurgau-tourismus.ch > Kulturland Thurgau (The land of culture) Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 45

Hiking, biking, skating Hiking is the most popular sport in Switzer- UNESCO World Cultural land. It allows each and everyone, men and Heritage: stilt houses women, adults and children, young and old, The stilt house settlements in Arbon, to relax and explore new parts of the coun- Eschenz, Hüttwilen und Gachnang be- try. In the Canton of Thurgau, there are long to the World Cultural Heritage. The 1,000 km of marked trails reserved exclusi- pile dwellings at the banks of the lake or vely for hikers. in swampy shore areas go back to the New Stone Age (5500-2200 B.C.) and In addition, the 900 km of signposted biking Bronze Age (2200-800 B.C.). Many sites routes invite bikers to explore the most can be visited on foot or by bicycle. Infor- beautiful regions on safe tracks, for example mation about the historical tours can be on the Lake Constance biking route right found at www.archaeologie.tg.ch. along the lakeside. Thurgau has also best conditions for in-line skating. Thurgau Tou- rism has information about the different Community involvement possibilities. Associations are formed by people who choose voluntarily to act together in the pur- Information about hiking, biking, skating: suit of: www.thurgauer-wanderwege.ch FRPPRQLQWHUHVWVVSRUWVFXOWXUHOHLVXUH www.thurgau-tourismus.ch > Aktivland etc. (The land of activity) FRPPRQQHHGVVFKRROFKLOGUHQ VSDUHQWV migrants, senior citizens, etc. [44] Thurgau Tourism FRPPRQDLPVWUDGHXQLRQVSURIHVVLRQDO associations, interest groups, etc.

Participation in associations In Switzerland, every one in two participa- tes actively in an association. 46 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Community life in Switzerland is very inten- Religious life se. There are tens of thousands of associa- The Swiss Constitution and the Constitution tions in the country as a whole, several hun- of the Canton of Thurgau guarantee free- dred in the Canton of Thurgau. Associations dom of faith and belief. Each person has the play a central role in the life of the canton. right to believe or not and to practice or not They are very diverse: sports groups, cultural the religion of their choice. Nobody can be clubs, migrant associations, etc. Joining an forced to do so. Religious freedom is an indi- association greatly facilitates integration vidual right that everyone may use according into the local community. Associations are to his/her personal beliefs. open to anyone interested sharing their activities. The authorities of Switzerland and of the canton acknowledge the important role of To ﬁnd out more, visit the website of your churches and religious communities in so- commune or contact the communal or tou- ciety. After Catholics and Protestants, follo- rist ofﬁce to get information about local as- wers of the Islamic faith form the third lar- sociations. gest religious community in the canton. There are many other religious groups. All of [45] Benevol Thurgau, volunteer center these communities share the authorities' determination to encourage inter-religious Union of sports associations of Thurgau: dialogue and preserve religious harmony. www.vts-tg.ch/verband.asp Catholic Church of the Canton of Thurgau: Union of youth associations and organiza- www.kath-tg-ch tions of Thurgau: www.tarjv.ch Protestant Church of the Canton of Thurgau: www.evang-tg.ch Cultural associations: www.thurgaukultur.ch > Kulturadressen Umbrella association of the Islamic Commu- (addresses connected to the culture) nities of Eastern Switzerland (DIGO): www.digo.ch

Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities: www.swissjews.ch Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 47

16. Participating in political life

Swiss democracy offers many possibilities to express opinions and participate in public affairs.

Direct democracy The cantons and communes generally orga- Switzerland is one of the most participatory nize their votes at the same time as the Con- democracies in the world. Political rights, federation. The Federal Council (Bundes- also called popular rights, are very extensi- rat), which is the Swiss government, is ve: voting rights, right to be elected, right of elected by Parliament. Members of Parlia- initiative and right of referendum. The peop- ment are elected by the people. The Swiss le may propose amendments to the Consti- Parliament is formed by two chambers, the tution (right of initiative) or reject a law draf- National Council (Nationalrat) and the ted by Parliament (right of referendum). In Council of States (Ständerat). Switzerland, the citizens form the «people» and are referred to as the «sovereign». Political organs The elected organs are often called «Rat» Citizens have political rights at the federal, (Council). Their function is to reﬂect, debate cantonal and communal levels. Swiss citi- and submit proposals, which can be accep- zens are called to vote several times a year. ted or refused by the people.

Level of Parliament Level of Government

Communes of Thurgau Communal Assembly Communal Council

Canton of Thurgau Grand Council State Council

National Council and Swiss Confederation Federal Council Council of States 48 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

Three levels of power example, a person may be active in a neigh- Approximately 4 times a year, the people of borhood association, a local association, a Thurgau are called to vote on: professional organization, a sports club, a FRPPXQDODIIDLUV consultative commission or a political party. (example: the construction of a new theater) FDQWRQDODIIDLUV Like Swiss citizens, foreign citizens, adult or (example: the construction of a new State minor, have the right to file a petition. The Archive or a new cantonal road) right to petition gives everyone the opportu- IHGHUDODIIDLUV nity to address requests, proposals, criti- (example: modification of the new Federal cisms or grievances to the authorities. This law on the disability insurance) can influence to a certain degree the deci- sions made by official organizations. Every four years, elections are held to desig- nate representatives in parliament and go- [46] Major political parties in the Canton of vernment at communal, cantonal and federal Thurgau levels as well as judges in the districts courts. For young people interested in politics www.jugendforum-tg.ch Political rights of foreign citizens To have the same political rights as Swiss Naturalization citizens you have to be naturalized. If you do In the Canton of Thurgau, about 800 people not have Swiss citizenship you do not pos- are naturalized each year. This gives them all sess voting rights in the Canton of Thurgau the opportunities of political participation: or the communes of Thurgau. Exceptions the right to vote and be elected at commu- are the Catholic Churches, where people of nal, cantonal and federal levels. 7% of the foreign origin can apply for voting right. At population of Thurgau with a Swiss passport School Communities you can apply for parti- are born abroad (2010). cipation with an advisory vote. Acquiring the Swiss civil right is a matter of Other forms of political choice and personal will. A prerequisite is a participation good integration in the local, cantonal and Apart from political rights, there are many Swiss settings. Your commune will be happy other ways of participating in public life and to inform you about the conditions of natura- influencing the future of the community. For lization. Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 49

17. Useful addresses

[1] Fachstelle Integration des Kantons Thurgau, [6] Regionalradios Migrationsamt Local radio stations Department of Integration of the Canton of Thurgau Radio Top Schlossmühlestrasse 7, 8510 Frauenfeld Walzmühlestrasse 51b, PO Box 582 Tel. 052 724 15 55, Fax 052 724 15 56 8501 Frauenfeld www.migrationsamt.tg.ch Tel. 052 244 88 00, Fax 052 244 88 45 > Fachstelle Integration www.radiotop.ch Frequency: FM 90.0/97.5/99.5/100.02 [2] Regionale Fachstelle für Integration (FFI) Frauenfeld DRS 1 Regionaljournal (News), Regional Office for Integration SRG Eastern Switzerland (FFI) Frauenfeld Rorschacher Strasse 150, Zürcherstrasse 86, 8500 Frauenfeld 9006 St.Gallen Tel. 052 724 70 30, Fax 052 724 70 31 Tel. 071 243 22 14, Fax 071 243 22 00 [email protected] [email protected] www.infomig.ch Frequency: FM 94.4/96.0/96.3/96.7/ 101.5 [3] Regionale Fachstelle Integration Kreuzlingen Broadcasting times: 06.32, 07.32, 08.08, Regional Office Integration 11.30, 12.03, 16.30, 17.30 o`clock Kreuzlingen Marktstrasse 4, 8280 Kreuzlingen [7] Regionalfernsehen: Tel. 071 677 62 34, Fax 071 677 61 40 Local TV station [email protected] www.kreuzlingen.ch Tele Top www.migration-kreuzlingen.ch Walzmühlestrasse 51b, 8501 Frauenfeld Tel. 052 725 07 25, Fax 052 725 07 26 [4] Migrationsamt des Kantons Thurgau [email protected], www.teletop.ch Migration Office of the Canton of Thurgau [8] Klubschule Migros Schlossmühlestrasse 7, 8510 Frauenfeld Migros Club School Tel. 052 724 15 55 , Fax 052 724 15 56 Bahnhofplatz, Passage, 8500 Frauenfeld [email protected] Tel. 052 728 05 05, Fax 052 728 05 09 www.migrationsamt.tg.ch [email protected], www.klubschule.ch

[5] Thurgauer Zeitung [9] verdi. Interkulturelles Übersetzen in der Promenadenstrasse 16, Ostschweiz 8501 Frauenfeld verdi. Intercultural translation in Tel. 052 723 57 57, Fax 052 723 57 07 Eastern Switzerland [email protected] ARGE Integration Ostschweiz www.thurgauerzeitung.ch Multergasse 11, PO Box 133, 9001 St. Gallen Tel. 0848 28 33 90, Fax 071 228 33 98 [email protected] www.integration-sg.ch 50 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

[10] Bibliothek der Kulturen [16] Caritas Thurgau Library of Cultures Felsenstrasse 11, PO Box, Haus Sapone 8570 Weinfelden Zürcherstrasse 86, 8500 Frauenfeld Tel. 071 626 80 00, Fax 071 626 80 35 Tel. 052 724 70 30 [email protected] [email protected] www.caritas-thurgau.ch www.bibliothekderkulturen.ch [17] Benefo-Stiftung [11] Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband Ostschweiz Benefo Foundation Tenants Association Eastern Zürcherstrasse 149, 8500 Frauenfeld Switzerland Tel. 052 723 48 20, Fax 052 723 48 29 Webergasse 21, 9000 St. Gallen [email protected], www.benefo.ch Tel. 0900 900 800 (charged number) no consultations via E-Mail [18] Kantonale Steuerverwaltung (KSTV) www.mieterverband.ch/os_top.0.html Cantonal Revenue Authority (KSTV) Schlossmühlestrasse 15, [12] Strassenverkehrsamt des Kantons Thurgau 8510 Frauenfeld Department of Motor Vehicles of Tel. 052 724 14 14, Fax 052 724 14 00 the Canton of Thurgau [email protected] Moosweg 7a, PO Box, 8501 Frauenfeld www.steuerverwaltung.tg.ch Tel. 052 724 32 11, Fax 052 724 32 58 [email protected], www.stva.tg.ch [19] Thurgauer Gewerkschaftsbund (TGGB) Trade Union Federation of the [13] Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Thurgau (AKTG) Canton of Thurgau (TGGB) Compensation Fund of the Canton Gaswerkstrasse 9, 8500 Frauenfeld of Thurgau (AKTG) Tel. 052 720 50 15 Office for AHV and IV of the Canton of [email protected], www.tggb.ch Thurgau St. Gallerstrasse 13, 8501 Frauenfeld [20] Eidgenössisches Büro für die Gleichstellung Tel. 052 724 71 71, Fax 052 724 72 72 von Frau und Mann (EGB) [email protected], www.aktg.ch Federal Office for Gender Equality Schwarztorstrasse 51, 3003 Bern [14] Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit (AWA) des Tel. 031 322 68 43, Fax 031 322 92 81 Kantons Thurgau [email protected], www.ebg.admin.ch Department of Economy and Work (AWA) of the Canton of Thurgau [21] Eidgenössische Kommission gegen Rassismus Promenadenstrasse 8, 8510 Frauenfeld Federal Commission against Tel. 052 724 23 82, Fax 052 724 27 09 Racism (EKR) [email protected], www.awa.tg.ch Inselgasse 1, 3003 Bern Tel. 031 324 12 93, Fax 031 322 44 37 [15] Fürsorgeamt des Kantons Thurgau [email protected] Welfare Office of the Canton of www.ekr.admin.ch Thurgau St. Gallerstrasse 1, 8510 Frauenfeld [22] Arbeitsmarktaufsicht des Kantons Thurgau Tel. 052 724 24 99, Fax 052 724 25 86 Job market regulating authority of www.fuersorgeamt.tg.ch the Canton of Thurgau Bahnhofplatz 65, 8510 Frauenfeld Tel. 052 724 28 80, Fax 052 724 28 86 [email protected] www.awa.tg.ch > Arbeitsinspektorat Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 51

[23] Perspektive Thurgau [30] Amt für Handelsregister und Zivilstandswesen Schützenstrasse 15, PO Box 297, des Kantons Thurgau 8570 Weinfelden Ofﬁce for Commercial Register and Tel. 071 626 02 02, Fax 071 626 02 01 Civil Registry of the Canton of Thurgau [email protected] Bahnhofplatz 65, 8510 Frauenfeld www.perspektive-tg.ch Tel. 058 345 70 70, Fax 058 345 70 71 [email protected], www.hz.tg.ch [24] Selbsthilfe Thurgau Self-help Thurgau [31] HOT Homosexuelle Organisation Thurgau Freiestrasse 4, PO Box, HOT Homosexual Organization 8570 Weinfelden Thurgau Tel. 071 620 10 00 PO Box 355, 8501 Frauenfeld [email protected] Tel. 079 398 83 93 (until 9 pm) www.selbsthilfe-tg.ch [email protected], www.hot-tg.ch

[25] Spitex Verband Thurgau [32] Beratungsstelle für gewaltbetroffene Frauen TG Spitex association Thurgau Counseling service for women who Freiestrasse 6, PO Box, are victims of violence 8570 Weinfelden Rheinstrasse 8, PO Box 1002, Tel. 071 622 81 31, Fax 071 622 81 34 8500 Frauenfeld [email protected], www.spitextg.ch Tel. 052 720 39 90 [email protected] [26] Pro Senectute Thurgau www.frauenberatung-tg.ch Zentrumspassage, Rathausstrasse 17, PO Box 292, 8570 Weinfelden [33] Fachstelle Häusliche Gewalt Kapo Thurgau Tel. 071 626 10 80, Fax 071 626 10 81 Office for domestic violence [email protected] St. Gallerstrasse 17, 8501 Frauenfeld www.tg.pro-senectute.ch Tel. 052 728 29 05 [email protected] [27] Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz Kanton Thurgau www.kapo.tg.ch > Häusliche Gewalt Swiss Red Cross of the Canton of Thurgau [34] Konflikt.Gewalt – Gewaltberatung für Männer, Rainweg 3, 8570 Weinfelden Frauen und Jugendliche Tel. 071 626 50 80, Fax 071 626 50 81 Konflikt.Gewalt – violence counse- [email protected] ling for men, women and youths www.srk-thurgau.ch Beratungsstandorte in Weinfelden, Winterthur und St. Gallen [28] Pro Infirmis Thurgau-Schaffhausen Tel. 078 778 77 80 Marktstrasse 8, PO Box, kontakt@konflikt-gewalt.ch 8501 Frauenfeld www.konflikt-gewalt.ch Tel. 052 723 25 35, Fax 052 723 25 40 thurgau@proinfirmis.ch [35] Amt für Volksschule des Kantons Thurgau www.proinfirmis.ch Office of State Schools of the Canton of Thurgau [29] Heilpädagogische Früherziehung Thurgau Spannerstrasse 31, 8510 Frauenfeld Early remedial pedagogic education Tel. 052 724 26 54, Fax 052 724 29 64 Thundorferstrasse 3, 8500 Frauenfeld www.av.tg.ch Tel. 052 722 20 17, Fax 052 722 35 37 www.hfe-tg.ch 52 Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau!

[36] Amt für Berufsbildung und Berufsberatung [41] Amt für Umwelt des Kantons Thurgau des Kantons Thurgau Office of Environment of the Office of Vocational Education and Canton of Thurgau Guidance of the Canton of Thurgau Bahnhofstrasse 55, 8510 Frauenfeld St. Gallerstrasse 11, 8510 Frauenfeld Tel. 052 724 24 73, Fax 052 724 28 48 Tel. 052 724 13 70, Fax 052 724 13 73 [email protected], www.umwelt.tg.ch [email protected], www.abb.tg.ch [42] Kulturamt Thurgau [37] Kontaktstelle Heimatliche Sprache und Kultur Cultural Office of the Canton of (HSK) des Kantons Thurgau Thurgau Contact office native language and Grabenstrasse 11, 8510 Frauenfeld culture (HSK) of the Canton of Tel. 052 724 22 46, Fax 052 724 21 81 Thurgau [email protected], www.kulturamt.tg.ch Office of State Schools Grabenstrasse 11, 8500 Frauenfeld [43] Sportamt Thurgau Tel. 052 724 27 72 Office of Sports of the Canton of www.av.tg.ch Thurgau > Schulentwicklung > HSK-Unterricht Zürcherstrasse 177, 8500 Frauenfeld Tel. 052 724 25 21, Fax 052 724 22 59 [38] Amt für Mittel- und Hochschulen des Kantons [email protected], www.sportamt.tg.ch Thurgau Office of Secondary Schools and [44] Thurgau Tourismus Higher Education of the Canton of Thurgau Tourism Thurgau Egelmoosstrasse 1, PO Box 1123, Grabenstrasse 11, 8510 Frauenfeld 8580 Amriswil Tel. 052 724 22 26, Fax 052 724 22 48 Tel. 071 414 11 44, Fax 071 414 11 45 [email protected], www.amh.tg.ch [email protected] www.thurgau-tourismus.ch [39] Stipendienstelle des Kantons Thurgau Scholarship service of the Canton [45] Benevol Thurgau of Thurgau Volunteer center Office of Secondary Schools and Freiestrasse 4, 8570 Weinfelden Higher Education Tel. 071 622 30 30, Fax 071 622 30 69 Grabenstrasse 11, 8510 Frauenfeld [email protected] Tel. 052 724 22 77, Fax 052 724 22 97 www.freiwilligenzentrum.ch [email protected] www.amh.tg.ch > Stipendienstelle

[40] Eingangsportal Validierung des Kantons Thurgau Entrance portal validation of the Canton of Thurgau Ofﬁce of Vocational Education and Guidance St. Gallerstrasse 11, 8510 Frauenfeld Tel. 052 724 13 87, Fax 052 724 13 89 [email protected] www.abb.tg.ch > Lehraufsicht > Qualiﬁkationsverfahren > Validierung Welcome to the Canton of Thurgau! 53

[46] Major political parties in the canton of Thurgau:

Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei (CVP) www.cvp-thurgau.ch

Sozialdemokratische Partei (SP) www.spthurgau.ch

Freisinnig-Demokratische Partei (FDP) www.fdp-tg.ch

Schweizerische Volkspartei (SVP) www.svp-thurgau.ch

Bürgerliche Demokratische Partei Schweiz (BDP) www.bdp-tg.info

Die Grünen www.gruene-tg.ch

Grünliberale Partei (GLP) www.tg.grunliberale.ch

Eidgenössisch-Demokratische Union (EDU) www.edu-udf.ch

Evangelische Volkspartei (EVP) www.evp-thurgau.ch

www.sozialnetz.tg.ch Sozialnezt.tg gives an overview of offers in the social sector in the canton of Thurgau. Emergency numbers (throughout Switzerland)

Police 117 Fire service (ﬁ re, water, gas) 118 Emergency medical service/ambulance 144 The Helping Hand (psychological distress) 143 Toxicological information center (poisoning) 145 Children/adolescent emergency call: 147

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