This week I’m featuring Megan Lester, a lovely mom from Durban who has been living here for almost two years. Thanks Megan for taking part!
Where do you live and where are you from in South Africa?
We live in Eindhoven.We lived in sunny Durban, South Africa – very different from where we live now!
When did you emigrate and who did you come with?
We arrived in the Netherlands on 1 April 2023. I came with my husband and son, who was three at the time.
Why did you choose the Netherlands?
NL chose us! We had briefly spoken about emigrating, we looked into Australia, but with the cost, it really was just a “if we win the Lotto” type dream. On a whim, my husband applied for a job on LinkedIn and he got it. Things got real very quickly! He was offered the job at the end of November 2022 and we were here in April 2023.
Tell us a bit about where you live.
Eindhoven is not your typical Dutch city. There are no dutch style houses or endless canals. While, at first, I was a bit disappointed that Eindhoven lacked that obvious Dutch charm we have discovered our city has its own kind of character. It also does not have too many tourists so it’s rarely ever overcrowded, which is quite nice too!
What was the most challenging part of your relocation?
Selling our house in SA was our biggest challenge, so for three months we were still paying a bond in SA while trying to figure out our budget in NL.
What have been your most useful resources here (eg Facebook groups)
We were really fortunate that my husband’s company paid for our relocation and that included a relocation agent. She was really helpful in helping us find a rental home, setting up bank accounts and teaching us about the schooling system. I am on a few Facebook groups – South African Moms in the Netherlands, Expats in Eindhoven and my husband uses Reddit a lot too! We are also fortunate to have some great colleagues who are also really helpful.
Describe a typical day here.
For our family no day is the same. I work 3 days a week, my husband works 3 days from home and 2 days at the office. On my off days, I start my day with a run and then do the housework and any other admin stuff. I love that the day starts a bit later here and my son can roll out of bed at 7am on a school day!
Aside from people, what do you miss most about SA?
Woolworths and Checkers 60 Sixty. I also miss the familiarity of knowing where to shop for the best fit jeans or good quality underwear. I’m learning but I’ve made a few (expensive) mistakes! Coming from Durban, we also miss the beach. It really was our happy place.
What has been the most difficult/challenging thing to adjust to?
Obviously the weather is vastly different! In Durban we would pull out the winter woolies if the temperature dipped below 20 degrees! After school care has also been really difficult to find. We were on a waiting list for over a year before we got a place. We are also still waiting for a place to open up for swimming lessons.
What do you love most about NL?
Everything seems to work and you can see where your tax money goes. I love that I feel safe and don’t have to constantly look over my shoulder. I also love seeing the change in the seasons and appreciating the beauty in each time of the year. Summer is a vibe here! Although, Christmas in South Africa is awesome, I really love a winter Christmas. The twinkling lights everywhere are just, well… gezellig!
What is the one thing you wish someone would have told you before you emigrated?
The weather is not grey and miserable all the time and when the skies are blue, it’s breathtaking!
What work do you do here?
I am a teacher at an International School. I have 2 roles – 1 day a week I am a substitute teacher and 2 days a week a class teacher. It is quite different from teaching in South Africa and I didn’t know that part time teaching was even a thing! I have definitely been pushed beyond my comfort zone but I love working with international students and colleagues. I am learning so much about the world!
What are your favourite Dutch foods?
I love hot, fresh olliballen and borrelnootjes.
How would you describe your bike-riding skills?
I have come a long way since I started! I ride 12km a day to work and back so I am pretty confident on that route but if I have to go somewhere new, I am quite nervous! I have also just learnt how to ride with my son on the back of the bike (after about a year!).
What do you love doing on weekends?
We love hopping on our bikes and exploring the local bike routes, stopping at fietscafe or ice-cream shops along the way. It’s a great way to see our neighbouring villages.
Do you speak Dutch?
Speak, no. I can get the gist of written Dutch and if I know the context of what someone is talking about, I can kinda follow along. I have been doing Duolingo which helps with vocabulary. I need to get started with Dutch lessons!
Describe the Dutch in five words…
- Direct
- Friendly
- Helpful
- Decisive
- Tall
What advice would you give to someone wanting to come and live in NL?
Do your research, speak to other expats. It’s important to realise that your life will be different here and your attitude will determine whether the move will be a positive one for you and your family. When the days are dark, look for the twinkling Christmas lights.
