Too Sofía Vergara for Switzerland? The Emotional Gap Between Cultures

When people picture Switzerland, they imagine chocolate, mountains, and perfect trains. What they don’t always expect is the silence. Coming from a culture where emotions are loud, shared, and celebrated, I couldn’t help but wonder, in a place where quiet is the norm…

Was I just too much?

The First Shock: Silence on Rails

The first time I came to Switzerland, I was 17. I was visiting my uncle, and I brought my best friend along for the adventure. I’m usually the quiet, even-tempered one in my group. But on that trip? I felt like the Sofía Vergara of the Alps. Especially on the train. Five minutes into our conversation (okay, more like a monologue), I realized the carriage was dead silent, except for us. I whispered to my friend to lower her voice. She immediately threw her arms in the air and shouted (in Spanish): “Why are you shutting me up?!” Cue every Swiss head turning in slow motion.

From that moment on, I shrank myself as much as I could: no talking on public transport, no hugging unless they hugged first, no animated phone calls, no bold reactions. Just respectful silence and questioning my entire body language for the next three train stops.

It was the beginning of learning how to fit into a culture that values calm over noise.

Step 1 – The Research

Stereotype Showdown: Passion vs. Peace & Quiet

Let’s talk clichés. Latin Americans? Loud, emotional, animated. Swiss Germans? Reserved, neutral, efficient. And yes, it’s a spectrum – but the contrast is real.

As a Latina, I sometimes feel like I’m living in my own telenovela. My emotions don’t just show up quietly  –  they enter the stage left with a dramatic flair, music cue, and possibly a wind machine. If I’m sad, I’m suffering. If I’m excited, I’m ecstatic. My reactions often come with full-body expressions and raised eyebrows.

Latino mode: Emotional support AND dramatic sound effects. We don’t just say “no” – we sigh, throw in a shocked face, maybe even clutch an invisible set of pearls for extra effect.

Swiss mode: Subtle, measured, and deeply efficient. A simple answer, maybe a thoughtful nod, and you’re left wondering if they’re reflecting on your story… or calculating their taxes. It’s not cold  – it’s just calibrated.

So… Who Am I Supposed to Be?

Sometimes I feel stuck in the middle. Too expressive for Switzerland, too quiet for Latin America. I’m like a watered-down Margarita, still Latin, but with a neutral twist.

But here’s the thing: neither way is “right” or “wrong.” I love that Swiss people take time to think before they speak. That they don’t overshare. That they value calm. I’ve learned to appreciate silence, space, and not hugging people I barely know.

But I also love my side – the passion, the warmth, the joy of expressing every thought like I’m on stage.

Step 2 – The Challenge

Can I Be Myself AND Make Swiss Friends?

For this blog’s challenge, I’m going to test one big question: Can I be my expressive Latina self and still make Swiss German friends?

Here’s the plan:

• I’ll lean into being a bit more me – a few jokes, more storytelling, maybe even a wild hand gesture or two.
• I’ll see if opening up emotionally sparks a connection or just gets me awkward stares.
• And of course, my Swiss mentor (a very neutral observer, naturally) will score my social success.

If food didn’t win them over and Swiss German pronunciation only got me polite giggles… maybe a little honest, emotional storytelling will?

Disclaimer: Handle With Humor!

This blog is based on personal experience and light generalizations, not a UN-backed cultural report. I love both my warm, emotional Latin side and my cool, calm Swiss surroundings. If you’re Swiss and don’t relate to this… you probably just nodded silently – and I appreciate that.

Missed a post? Catch up on the full Swiss Integration Challenge here:

• Part 1 – Introduction: How to Make Swiss German Friends (Or Die Trying)
• Part 2 – Swiss Social Rules: A Guide for the Socially Confused
• Part 3 – Speaking German in Switzerland: A Plot Twist I Didn’t See Coming
• Part 4 – Too Sofía Vergara for Switzerland? The Emotional Gap Between Cultures – You are currently HERE 
• Part 5 – Swiss Compliment Culture: Too Much, Too Soon?
• Part 6 – Swiss Dinner Diaries: Applesauce From a Can and Other Confessions
• Part 7 – Swiss Trivia Night: Do I Finally Understand Switzerland?
• Part 8 – From Foreign to Familiar(ish): Lessons from Switzerland 

Join the Conversation!

Have you ever felt like your personality didn’t fit in abroad? What did you do?  Let me know in the comments below 👇