Building a Life Abroad: A South African Software Designer in the Netherlands

Every year, the Netherlands welcomes a steady stream of highly skilled professionals from around the world, many of whom arrive with their families. Three years after settling in most are still working here, and 80% even hope to make the Netherlands their long-term home.

To better understand what this transition looks like in practice, we spoke with Gerhard Myburgh (Software Designer) about his family’s move from South Africa two years ago to join TOPIC Embedded Systems. In our conversation, he reflected on his own experiences, as well as those of his wife and two children, offering practical insights into making the transition and integrating into Dutch society

Deciding to move

The decision to move to the Netherlands started when I was contacted by one of TOPIC’s recruitment partners via LinkedIn. They hosted an information session in South Africa, which piqued my interest and got me thinking about the possibilities of working abroad. After a series of interviews with TOPIC and receiving a job offer, I faced the difficult choice of whether to uproot my family for this new adventure. My wife was immediately open to the idea, eager for the experience of living in another country, while I was more hesitant at first.

My main concerns before the move centered around my children, on how they would adapt to a new language, school system, culture, and climate. I also had to think about our dogs, deciding whether it was kinder to rehome them in South Africa or bring them along to the Netherlands. On top of that, the prospect of finding a home and managing the cost of living in a new country felt daunting.

At the same time, there were strong reasons to consider the Netherlands. Eindhoven is known for its world-class tech companies and innovative engineering sector, which offers an exciting professional opportunity. I also wanted my children to experience life in a different part of the world, helping them become more adaptable and open-minded. The Dutch language felt more accessible due to its similarities with Afrikaans, and there was a sense of connection knowing our family roots trace back to the Netherlands. Living and working abroad while experiencing a new culture was always a dream of mine, and ultimately, these motivations outweighed my concerns. 

Arrival and adjustments

I arrived in the Netherlands in March 2023, while my family remained in South Africa for another four months due to paperwork delays. Before the move, we were able to find a house online. Since we couldn’t visit in person, someone from the recruitment agency arranged a viewing on our behalf. Their assurance that the house was in good condition and fairly priced put our minds at ease.

Those first months on my own were a real learning experience. Navigating Dutch public transport was completely new to me, as I’d never used trains or buses back in South Africa. Settling into a different daily routine and getting used to how things work in the Netherlands took some time. When my family finally joined me, I was able to share what I’d learned and help them adjust more smoothly to our new surroundings.

Schooling and integration

We chose to enroll our kids in a Dutch school, as we felt this was the best way for them to integrate and pick up the language. They received extra Dutch lessons in school, which helped them settle in. For our daughter, while she was old enough to start high school, we chose to place her in the final year of primary school to help her settle in. Later, when she moved on to high school, she had the option to join a program with English-language courses. However, we chose not to do that; instead, we enrolled her in the regular Dutch high school program to support her language development and integration. 

It was reassuring to find a small group of South African families at our kids’ schools. Having others who understood our situation made the transition easier for both us and the children. The Dutch families were also very welcoming, offering practical advice about daily life and even helping my wife with her Dutch.

Cultural impressions

One of the first things I noticed, having just arrived in the Netherlands, was just how diverse the country is. At TOPIC, I work with people from many different countries, which was a new experience for me. The Dutch reputation for directness quickly became clear, but I have come to appreciate their straightforward approach. I also value the ‘live and let live’ mindset here, it makes it easier to just be yourself.

There are of course things I miss from South Africa, especially my family and the warmer weather. The long, dark, European winters also took some time to get used to. At the same time, I have come to enjoy new routines, like cycling to work and using public transport. I also appreciate the strong work-life balance at Dutch companies, where for example taking time to eat lunch together is valued. A highlight for our family recently has been my wife’s progress with the language; after passing her B2 Dutch exam, she now works as a substitute teacher at our son’s school, which has helped her feel more connected and confident in our new environment.

Building communities and advise

Connecting with other South Africans and local Dutch families has made a big difference in our settling-in process. It’s been helpful to ask questions and get advice from people who have gone through similar experiences, even if it felt uncomfortable at first. Looking back, I would encourage anyone new not to hesitate to reach out and ask for help—most people are willing to share their knowledge, and you learn so much faster when you’re open about what you don’t know.

After two years, I do feel more at home in the Netherlands, though there are still moments when I miss South Africa. Questions about the future remain, whether to stay after the visa expires or consider Dutch citizenship, but for now, we’re enjoying our life here and the opportunities it brings. The sense of belonging has grown gradually, helped by building routines and making connections in our community and at work. Even though the big decisions still lie ahead, I’m grateful for the experiences and growth this move has brought our family.