From South Africa to the Netherlands – Stefan Wilsenach’s New Life with Ir Olav’s Globetrotters

Meet Stefan Wilsenach, a network engineer who recently swapped South Africa for the Netherlands, all with a bit of help from Ir Olav’s Globetrotters. From the big decision to relocate to the daily adjustments of life in the Netherlands, Stefan’s story shows the ups, downs, and surprises that come with starting fresh abroad. Here’s what he had to say about his journey, and maybe some tips for anyone thinking about making a similar leap.

A Networking Expert Ready for Something New

With 11 years in network engineering, Stefan was used to being “the go-to guy” in South Africa, always handling things solo. But he’s loving the switch at KEMBIT, where he’s part of a bigger team of network engineers, all ready to support each other. “Now I can actually rely on other people as well, which is great,” he said. It’s clear he appreciates the change, enjoying both the teamwork and a bit of the workload shift.

How the Move Happened – and Why the Netherlands?

Funny enough, Stefan wasn’t actively hunting for overseas jobs. The thought had been in his mind, especially with the rolling blackouts back home thanks to Eskom. But he had been looking at places like Australia and the U.S., not the Netherlands. Then, as if it was meant to be, Wendy from Ir Olav’s Globetrotters reached out to him on LinkedIn. “I didn’t go looking for it; you guys found me,” he laughed, amazed at how smoothly it all came together. The Netherlands quickly won him over, not just for the work opportunity, but the quality of life he saw from afar.

First Impressions of KEMBIT and Dutch Work Culture

Once the interviews began, everything clicked. The process was fast, with Wendy guiding him at every step. “Every time I had a question, Wendy would immediately assist me,” Stefan recalled, adding that he felt well-prepared and informed throughout. At KEMBIT, he found a work environment that’s supportive, with a focus on team spirit. For someone used to tackling everything solo, being able to lean on a team was a welcome change.

Tackling Dutch – and the Humor that Comes with It

Moving to a country where another language is the norm is no small adjustment, but Stefan’s taken it all in good stride. From amusing new words to some lost-in-translation moments, he’s finding Dutch both challenging and hilarious. In one instance, he encountered the Dutch word for “umbrella” and couldn’t stop laughing. “It’s the funniest word I’ve ever heard!” he shared. Stefan has recently passed his A2 Language exam - congratulations Stefan!

Embracing the Dutch Lifestyle – One Bike Ride at a Time

One of Stefan’s favourite parts of his new life is the ease of getting around. “The first thing I did was hop on a bus and a train… it was a really great experience,” he said, appreciating how organized the public transport is. He’s also fallen in love with cycling – a staple in the Netherlands. He talks about feeling completely safe on his bike, a big difference from the hectic roads back home. “I don’t feel like a minibus taxi is going to kill me at any point,” he joked, highlighting how cyclists are respected here.

And it’s not just the transport. Stefan’s learned to adjust to things like waste sorting, which took him by surprise. Separating trash might seem like a small thing, but it’s added to his sense of community and environmental responsibility. “I feel like I’m reducing my carbon footprint,” he explained, laughing at how different his trash habits are now.

Tips for Those Thinking About Moving

When it comes to relocating, Stefan’s advice is to keep an open mind. “I tried to avoid having expectations, to be honest, just to make it easier for myself,” he admitted. With this mindset, he’s found himself pleasantly surprised by many aspects of Dutch life. He also emphasized the value of having a solid support network, like Ir Olav’s Globetrotters, who helped him navigate everything from paperwork to settling into his new life.

Personal Reflections and Why It Was All Worth It

One of the things Stefan values most about life in the Netherlands is the safety and sense of freedom. He loves seeing families cycling together without a care in the world, and neighborhoods without the high walls and barbed wire that are so common back home. “To have a dog not as an alarm system but just as a loving animal… it’s a very different experience of life,” he shared. For him, the security and quality of life in the Netherlands are worth every challenge of moving.

The support from Ir Olav’s Globetrotters has made all the difference, easing what could have been a stressful process. “The entire journey was sculpted for me… my hand was held all the way through,” Stefan said. With their help, he was able to focus on adjusting to a new country and job without getting bogged down in logistics.

Looking Ahead – Dreams of Europe

Stefan’s already got his sights set on more adventures. He dreams of getting a motorbike and touring all over Europe, exploring the continent in his own time. Moving to the Netherlands has opened up a world of new possibilities, and he couldn’t be happier with his choice.

If you’re thinking about making a similar move, Ir Olav’s Globetrotters is there to guide you every step of the way.