Globetrotter Interview: Darryn Ah Yui

We spoke with our Globetrotter Darryn about his experience as a Globetrotter, how he learnt about the opportunity, why he moved to the Netherlands from Taiwan (originally from South Africa) with his wife, and why he would recommend other IT professionals in South Africa (who are considering moving abroad) should become Globetrotters!

Our Globetrotter Darryn is a software developer for a social sports gaming company, AXXS, based in s-Hertogenbosch. He grew up in Mahkanda (formerly known as Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape and always dreamed of moving abroad. For him moving and living abroad to experience different cultures is important because it gives you a different perspective on life and you see the world differently. Pursuing this dream he and his wife moved to Taiwan before they decided to relocate to the Netherlands. Being able to experience living in both of these places has been amazing and truly broadened his perspective.

When asked why he chose the Netherlands Darryn felt that there were many answers but for him what really stood out was the access to great work opportunities for software engineers in particular and the ease of travel. The Netherlands' central location to the rest of Europe makes it an ideal base from which to travel to other countries.

Darryn got in touch with Ir Olav's Globetrotters via a friend who sent him a link to the company's website. Via the Globetrotter website, Darryn got a good sense of the company's experience and expertise as an international recruiting company - it reassured him that they knew what they were doing. He also made contact with another Globetrotter, Philip du Toit, and asked him a number of questions about his own personal experience as a Globetrotter. Feeling confident and reassured in their capabilities Darryn decided to become a Globetrotter himself.

The relocation experience moving to the Netherlands was decidedly different for him and his wife compared to when they moved to Taiwan. Where they had to manage and figure out all the things they needed to do on their own in Taiwan, Ir Olav's made sure that they had all their appointments and admin on arrival in the Netherlands (from their collection at the airport, to BSN registration, TB-tests and residence card collection appointments) was pre-arranged - they just needed to make sure they go to the right address at the right date and time with the list of documents needed for each appointment. It was considerably easier and the fact that Diane regularly checked in to make sure that Darryn was happy, comfortable and knew what to expect really helped him overcome the "unknown" and the stress of moving to a whole new country. They even placed him in touch with a rental search agency that helped them find a rental property before they even arrived in the country!