Naturalization interviews in Basel can feel intense, unpredictable and hard to prepare for, especially when you're not sure what level of German is actually enough. Serena, originally from Turin, shares what her interview was really like, how she kept going through the bureaucratic confusion, and what changed after she and her two children received their Swiss passports.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- How to know when you're ready to commit to the naturalization process, even if your German feels uncertain
- What the actual bureaucratic requirements feel like and how to navigate the parts that aren't clearly explained
- What happens in the naturalization interview when you're sitting with your children, facing rapid-fire questions
- How to prepare for questions that go back years into your integration history
- What it feels like to receive the decision letter and what comes after that moment
- Why having support during the process makes the difference between pausing and finishing
- What actually changes once you hold the passport in your hand
A FAVOURITE MOMENT
"Every question I received I knew the answer to." — Serena
ABOUT SERENA BALDISSERA
Serena is originally from Turin, Italy, and has lived in Basel for more than 15 years with her two children, Giovanni and Elisabetta. She became a Swiss citizen in 2024 after a multi-year journey through the naturalization process. Professionally, she holds a Pharm.D. from the University of Turin and has built a distinguished international career in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs spanning more than 25 years. When she's not working, she practices yoga, takes long walks along the river with her dachshund Edo, and spends time with a good book.
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