Uploaded on 2016-05-02 by DaniBal

1. Housing 2. Political stability 3. Health care 4. Education 5. Job opportunities *Why do I live where I live?* 1. Job opportunity: I got a unique opportunity to work in Switzerland during my gap year before I enrol college. I took this gap year so as to release the burden of financial support of my university studies off the shoulders of my parents. However, this would never be possible in my motherland (Slovakia), since I - an IB graduate - (or generally, any high school graduate) could not find a job in Slovakia with salary comparable to the Swiss minimum wage. The spa I work in is in the following pictures. ![][1] ![][2] 2. Environment: This village is located in the heart of Swiss Alps with basically no pollution, very little traffic and beautiful surroundings. ![][3]![][4] 3. Climate: The same explanation as above applies here. The photos speak for themselves... ![][5] ![][6] ![][7] 4. Safety: Although it might sound as a vague statement, walking the narrow, well-lit streets and paths surrounded by cosy looking family houses, cafés, and restaurants creates a sense of safety and comfort. The well-lit part is in my opinion crucial. ![][8] 5. Culture: Everybody here has numerous opportunities to learn new languages and to practice them on a daily basis; moreover, local vernacular architecture is simply lovely. ![][9] ![][10] *Fulfilment of my criteria:* 1. Housing 85/100 2. Political stability 98/100 3. Health care 83/100 4. Education 66/100 5. Job opportunities 92/100 General livability score ~ 85 (84.8)/100 *What would I change?* The village I currently live in (Leukerbad) is a tourist destination rich in natural resources (local thermal springs, temperature of this thermal water is 51°C) with a unique location (in the heart of Swiss Alps). The local officials could make use of all of the aforementioned in more effective way to attract larger quantities of tourists. The first step might be to improve the availability, accessibility, and clarity of information in a way that all the actors involved would benefit from it (tourists would know about this beautiful place, and small-scale businesses initiated by local residents would benefit from more tourists). Apart from better information flow, either private actors or local officials could boost tourism by new and unique attractions throughout the whole year (not only the winter season) focused on various age groups (for instance something adventurous to attract youth, improvement of the already existing thermals spas for families and seniors). *Why and where would I move?* - Zurich or Geneva, Switzerland - Barcelona, Spain - Auckland, New Zealand Reasons for all the places above: job opportunities, political stability, diversity, multicultural society, many languages – social inclusion is more likely, culture, climate, environment [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622224483177175.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622224839084763.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1462222630570789.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622226087060454.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622226683108989.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1462222686298998.jpg [7]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622227027474778.jpg [8]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622227522289397.jpg [9]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622228745305432.jpg [10]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14622228929415675.jpg