Switzerland and Armenia, both countries are small, landlocked, blessed with beautiful mountains, and rely on innovative technologies due to limited natural resources. But the similarities largely end there; the towering, snow-capped Alps and the rugged Armenian highlands represent vastly different worlds. Yet, for Daniel Zurfluh, a Swiss expat who has called Armenia home since 2015, it was in these differences that he found a new sense of purpose. Drawn by personal and professional reasons, Daniel discovered that Armenia offered a unique place for his family and career to flourish amidst the country's distinct challenges and opportunities.

 

Daniel first came to Armenia in the 1990s, working with a Swiss NGO on a woodworking project. What started as a short-term assignment turned into a pivotal moment in his life when he met his future wife, Arpine, during that trip in 1994. “I didn’t know much about Armenia back then,” he recalls. “But once I got here, I realized how different it was. Seeing how people helped each other during tough times was heartening. It gave me a different perspective about what I had and where I came from.”

After spending years in Silicon Valley and Switzerland, Zurfluh made the bold decision to return to Armenia in 2015, bringing with him years of marketing and sales experience. 

 

 

Daniel’s move was motivated by both family and professional reasons. He and Arpine, now married with two children, decided to raise their family in Armenia. He has since settled into a career that targets the German-speaking market, working with Armenian companies in the IT sector. While Armenia’s tech scene is still growing, Daniel is optimistic: “In the last few years, the pace has changed with the influx of people from abroad. There are so many events and exciting projects—not just in tech but across various sectors.”

 

Daniel’s work in IT has allowed him to engage with a dynamic industry while enjoying a balance between professional success and family life. His wife, Arpine, runs her own business, and their two children have adapted to life in Armenia. The country’s unique family dynamics have resonated deeply with him. “In Armenia, the family is a larger group,” he notes. “There’s a balance here, family units staying close. It’s different from the more separated, smaller family groups elsewhere.”

 

 

Despite his smooth adaptation, Daniel admits that there have been challenges along the way. The most significant hurdles were minor inconveniences, such as adjusting to the local way of doing things and overcoming language barriers. “I work in the IT bubble, so most of my professional interactions are in English. But when meetings are in Armenian, I can follow along well enough,” he says, adding that his children have become his informal Armenian teachers.

 

Cultural differences between Armenia and Switzerland have also required some adjustment. “The Swiss are more reserved until you become close friends, whereas here, interactions happen quicker,” Daniel observes. “That’s refreshing, though it can also lead to tempers flaring now and then,” he jokes.

 

 

Since his first visit in the 1990s, Daniel has seen Armenia undergo significant changes. One of the most striking transformations, he says, is in the tech and business sectors. “There’s been a lot of growth in IT, especially in the last few years. It’s hard to keep up with everything that’s happening—there are meetups, events, and new projects everywhere. It’s exciting to be part of that change,” he shares.

 

Beyond tech, Daniel has also witnessed the country’s blossoming restaurant and café culture, particularly in cities like Dilijan and Gyumri. His wife’s work in the hospitality industry has given him a front-row seat to this boom. “It’s not just Yerevan,” he says. “The restaurant and café scenes are growing outside of the capital, and that’s encouraging to see.”

 

 

Despite the progress, Daniel recognizes the challenges Armenia still faces. Security remains a concern for many potential repatriates and expatriates, as do issues like air quality and quality education. “One of the main questions people ask is about their children’s education. There needs to be clearer communication about the options available—public, private, and international schools,” he suggests.

 

Still, Daniel is optimistic about Armenia’s future. He sees the country’s young people as a driving force for change. “There’s a lot of energy here, especially among the youth. They want to make Armenia a better place. Let’s put our faith in them.”

 

His advice for those considering a move to Armenia? “Prepare yourself. Come for a while and imagine what day-to-day life is like here,” he advises. “Armenia is Armenia—you don’t want it to be a copy-paste of somewhere else. Appreciate it for what it is, and build on that.”

 

Daniel’s journey from the Swiss Alps to the Armenian highlands proves that taking a leap into the unknown can lead to unexpected fulfillment and purpose. 

Are you ready to discover what awaits in Armenia? Repat Armenia can help you navigate the process and make your transition smoother. Visit repatarmenia.org to learn more about how you can begin your own journey.