Today, we are pleased to highlight Bettina Yadigaroglu, Senior Relocation Consultant in Geneva.
Behind every successful relocation, there is a great deal of human work that often goes unseen. With 17 years of experience — including more than six and a half years at Welcome Service — Bettina supports each newcomer with an approach that goes far beyond finding a home.
With 17 years of experience — including more than six and a half years at Welcome Service — Bettina supports each newcomer with an approach that goes far beyond finding a home.
Her role involves:
- explaining how Switzerland works,
- anticipating cultural and practical challenges,
- helping families establish early routines,
- easing the “hidden stress” many assignees experience.
Every situation is unique.
Every family arrives with its own story, pace and expectations.
And this is where Bettina’s expertise makes a difference: through attentive listening, cultural understanding and clear, tactful guidance.
To understand her experience and contribution to our mission,
👉 find her full portrait in the article below.
Who is Bettina?
With 17 years of experience in relocation — including 6.5 years with Welcome Service — Bettina embodies a simple conviction: people make the difference.
Her career didn’t follow the path she had first imagined, but it quickly became evident. After starting out in advertising and communication, motherhood brought new perspectives. A friend suggested she help her sister launch a relocation agency — a turning point. “That’s how I discovered a profession where people truly come first,” she explains.
A few years later, she joined Welcome Service through Laetitia Papilloud, whom she had met at their children’s school. And for her, Geneva is the ideal place to practice this profession: a field rooted in human connection, and one that aligns naturally with family life.
The heart of the role
Behind relocation, there is human work that often goes unnoticed
“People think of paperwork or home search.
But our role is first to:
- listen,
- understand,
- reassure,
- explain a country, its culture, its rhythm.”
Every family arrives with a different story — transitions, separations, children adjusting to a new environment…
The first introduction call
The introduction call already reveals a lot.
“Before they arrive, we schedule an introduction call.
We set expectations:
how Switzerland works,
what may surprise them,
what their first weeks will look like.”
Bettina anticipates questions, clarifies and reassures.
“Sometimes, something as simple as shop opening hours can be a cultural shock.”
Hidden stress
Some hide their stress very well. Others not at all.
“In international organisations, many relocate every 4–5 years.
They are used to it… but it is never easy.”
For others, everything is new.
“Our role is to de-dramatise, provide clarity, and ensure a small concern doesn’t become a bigger worry.”
And above all:
“We are the first face they see here.
A reference point — sometimes the only one — during the first weeks.”
A profession of nuance
The most underestimated part? Understanding cultural nuances.
“We must put ourselves in their shoes and understand their expectations.
Asian, American and European assignees all have different ways of approaching housing.”
“For example, many Americans are surprised that they cannot pay several months of rent upfront.”
Every situation requires tact, pedagogy and timing.
What keeps her motivated
Each client is different — that’s what makes this job fascinating.
“It’s the human connection that motivates me.
And in Switzerland, home search is a real challenge: every case is unique.”
Finding the right fit for a family brings genuine satisfaction:
“Helping someone start a new chapter smoothly — that’s what matters.”
Conclusion
Our role? Turning a transition into a calm and confident installation.
For Bettina, relocation is not only logistical.
It is support, presence and guidance at a key moment in someone’s life.
Thank you, Bettina — for your commitment and your unique way of creating reassurance and stability.