Dian Kleynhans

Dian Kleynhans emigrated to the Netherlands in September 2023. Read more about the experiences of Dian.

Dian, why did you emigrate to the Netherlands?
I decided I need a new start, a new page in my life and a better opportunity for a brighter future. Being a programmer in SA, especially from a small town in the North-West does not hold many advantages or opportunities to grow. To be a developer here in the Netherlands opens up the world to so many things that did not seem possible before. Also the Netherlands is a beautiful country and an amazing place to be.

Can you tell us something how you do like the Netherlands?
I am currently in Rotterdam and I have to say that everything about it is just amazing, it’s one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands and that being said it’s still so clean and everything is so well looked after. You rarely see broken or vandalized things here, it’s so neat and clean and it feels so alive. Also you feel so safe here. I remember the other day I went for a walk in the park and sat on a bench next to the canal and there was a guy playing an instrument and it sounded so calm and relaxed, people were walking past with their dogs and kids were playing around and even though you are in a city so massive, with so many people you still feel safe and just calm.

Please tell us something about the projects you are currently working on.
I am working on a sort of subscription/knowledge based platform for the company I am currently with, doing mostly front-end using React and NextJS. I also do a bit of back-end development but I mostly do the front-end stuff. The platform has so much potential and I can’t wait to see what the future holds, also the company is awesome as a whole so I really enjoy working here.

Did the process of emigration go smoothly?
Coming here from actually starting with my application to landing here was all in all almost 7 months and that is quite impressive. To think how many things were arranged and sorted out for a person to move to another country, get a new job and find a house it’s just amazing how smooth it was.

Can you explain to the South Africans who are considering to go overseas how you did experience the support from us?
The support I got almost daily from summit developers was outstanding, they explained everything step by step and always answered every question. They helped so much and are willing to do so much for you and your family if needed. Even after arrival they kept on assisting and are always willing to go the extra mile.