Matthew Spencer

Hi Matthew, when did you arrive in the Netherlands?
My girlfriend and I arrived in the Netherlands in July 2022. It’s hard to believe how quickly these two years have flown by!

How did you experience the first few months in the Netherlands?
The first few months in the Netherlands were quite overwhelming, as I had to learn a new language, navigate the public transportation system, and get accustomed to the intricacies of our new country. Despite these challenges, the experience was incredibly rewarding and worthwhile!

Does it feel like home?
It took some time to get used to, but the Netherlands now truly feels like home.

Do you still live in the same house as in the beginning?
We lived in our first apartment for over a year before moving to a new one. The housing crisis here is a real problem, but sometimes a little luck makes all the difference. We are very grateful to summit developers for finding us our first apartment, which made our initial transition much easier.

How was it to learn the language? Was it easier or harder than expected?
Coming from Durban without a strong Afrikaans background made learning Dutch a bit trickier than I had expected. Reading and writing Dutch were relatively easy to pick up and understand, but speaking the language proved challenging, requiring daily practice. However, over time, it has become much easier to converse with my colleagues in Dutch.

What do you miss most about South Africa?
I would say the weather, food and friends.

What appeals to you most in the Netherlands?
What appeals to me most about the Netherlands is its exceptional safety and the convenience of its highly efficient public transportation system, which reliably allows you to travel anywhere in the country. Additionally, the strong job security in the Netherlands significantly enhances its appeal as an ideal place to live and work.