Dian Kleynhans

Hi Dian, when did you arrive in the Netherlands?
I arrived in the Netherlands on 17 September 2023. I am close to being here for 2 years.

How did you experience the first few months in the Netherlands?
I then had no idea the amount of fun and new experiences that were waiting for me around every corner. There were so many things to see and learn.

Arriving here alone, not knowing anyone and first time out of the country might seem like a daunting task and of course there is a level of stress and anxiety but that soon disappears when you start making new friends and colleagues.

Does it feel like home?
The moment I set foot here I knew, this will be my home, this is my new home.

Do you still live in the same house as in the beginning?
I lived in my first apartment in Rotterdam for a year then moved to a new apartment in Zoetermeer. I’m sure I will be there for the next few years.

How was it to learn the language? Was it easier or harder than expected?
Starting out it did feel a bit frustrating but it was easier than expected, being Afrikaans helps a lot but you also use some words that have a totally opposite meaning or some of your colleagues look at you and just say “he?”. It does make for good laughs but in the end in less than 2 years I only speak Dutch at the office.

What do you miss most about South Africa?
Friends and family, alongside the occasional trip to Spur steakhouse. But luckily, we have a few South African shops here to indulge in some familiar tastes from home — from boerewors and biltong to Ouma rusks and peppermint crisp tart.

What appeals to you most in the Netherlands?
I got the opportunity to not only advance my professional career but to be in a place that works alongside you, that has your needs in their same agenda. The fact that you actually feel like part of society is something so normal but yet only now has happened.

A place where everything works as it should and a place where I have met some of the most amazing people.