Karl de Busser

Hi Karl, when did you arrive in the Netherlands?
I arrived in the Netherlands, in Rotterdam, on the 12th of July 2022. Just in time for the Dutch summer!

How did you experience the first few months in the Netherlands?
I found it great to explore the Netherlands, and frequently travelled around the country and within Europe during the first few months. It was also a good distraction to missing my family who mostly live in South Africa.

Does it feel like home?
Yes! I would say that during the first year I felt less at home in the Netherlands (more like a tourist), however after being here for two years, the Netherlands feels more like home than South Africa. Even though a lot of family live in South Africa, I still feel more at home in the Netherlands.

Do you still live in the same house as in the beginning?
I lived in the same house for over a year, and then moved to a new apartment. Both were / are great, and I feel that summit developers did a great job finding an apartment in Rotterdam with the current shortage. Hopefully this improves soon!

How was it to learn the language? Was it easier or harder than expected?
I feel that it was a bit easier than expected, even though my first language is English, and we did not have a need to use Afrikaans where I lived in Durban, South Africa. I find it nice to speak to colleagues at work in Dutch. It’s important to practice each day, then it becomes easier and more effortless.

What do you miss most about South Africa?
I would say the family, food, and nature. However, my life in the Netherlands is way better than in South Africa. I think there is equally nice food and nature in the Netherlands, it’s just different. The time spent with family becomes more special when I visit them, or when they visit me in the Netherlands.

What appeals to you most in the Netherlands?
Personally I like that there are many more (and better) opportunities in the Netherlands. It’s a more successful country, and overall quality of life is just better here.