Lindley Heynes’ Journey to the Netherlands: Insights, Laughs, and Lessons

Relocating from Cape Town, South Africa, to the Netherlands was a big step for Lindley Heynes, a Senior Infrastructure Consultant who made the move with the support of Ir Olav’s Globetrotters. In a candid video interview, Lindley shared his experiences—from language mishaps to cultural surprises—that capture the rollercoaster of relocating. Here’s what we learned from Lindley’s journey.

Lindley’s Background and Why the Netherlands?

With years of experience in cloud computing and infrastructure, Lindley was prepared for the technical aspects of his new role at Dutch company KEMBIT. “I am a Senior Infrastructure Consultant,” he explained, with a background that includes “both engineering as well as architectural aspects of technology.” But as much as he loved Cape Town, the Netherlands had long been on his radar. “I was very happy in Cape Town, very happy in South Africa,” he admitted. “However, I always knew that I would end up in the Netherlands; it’s something that I always wanted to do.”

Having first visited the Netherlands in 2016, Lindley was drawn to its “truly multinational and multicultural” society. He saw the country as a great place for both career growth and family life: “As a parent, I always said that this is a place where I would want to raise my children.” The Netherlands offered everything from “very good infrastructure” to a “very well-run government” and “good educational facilities,” making it an ideal location for his family’s next chapter.

Making the Move: The Relocation Process

Reflecting on the relocation, Lindley praised Ir Olav’s Globetrotters for their professionalism and support. “Without the assistance from the Ir Olav team as well as the partners that they work with, it would have probably taken 18 months instead of three months to get here,” he said. The team helped him every step of the way, handling everything from visa paperwork to housing. “I think the information that was shared was on point,” he added. “The tips we received made the process a lot easier.”

But relocating an entire family, Lindley noted, was no small feat. “Relocation from one country to another with a family is always going to be stressful, and there’s never going to be enough time to get everything done in a way that’s comfortable,” he explained. The challenges didn’t faze him, though. “We took the inconveniences that naturally existed and we just took it on our chins,” he said. With Ir Olav’s Globetrotters guiding them, Lindley and his family made the transition in record time.

Adjusting to Dutch Culture and the Workplace at KEMBIT

Settling into KEMBIT’s workplace culture turned out to be a positive experience for Lindley. “The culture that I’ve experienced when I arrived here seems to be exactly like it was advertised throughout the interview process,” he shared. Collaboration was a big part of that: “People here are collaborative…there’s an open-door policy everywhere,” he said, adding that the team was approachable and happy to help whenever he had questions.

Still, he encountered a few humorous cultural differences. “Oftentimes, those guys and ladies will think that, ‘Oh, you’ve also been here for 10 years,’” he joked. “And I’m like, ‘Hey, I’ve only been here…it’s my second day!’” Navigating these little cultural assumptions, he quickly learned to ask questions and adapt, embracing the Dutch approach to independence and initiative.

Language Learning: The Good, the Funny, and the Awkward

Although most people in the Netherlands speak English, Lindley found that learning Dutch was important for connecting with locals. “Luckily, I’ve got a good sense of humor—or so I think,” he joked, recalling moments when he didn’t quite understand what people were saying. As a South African, he had an advantage with his Afrikaans background, which helped him understand Dutch. “Afrikaans…helps me to relatively easily understand Dutch,” he noted. “I try to navigate.”

One memorable language mishap happened at his local store, where he asked for a “slip” instead of a receipt, not realizing that in Dutch, “slip” means underwear. “Luckily, the lady at the till was super chilled, and she just started laughing,” he said. “They knew I’m not from here, so they knew that I wasn’t being malicious.” This friendly exchange helped Lindley realize just how forgiving and good-humored the locals could be.

Lifestyle Changes: Walking, Exploring, and a Slower Pace

One of the biggest lifestyle adjustments has been embracing the Netherlands’ walkable cities and public transport. “We do a lot of walking…we love walking,” he said. Unlike in South Africa, where driving was often necessary, Lindley’s family could now “jump on a bus and then walk the last mile.” This shift to a more active lifestyle has had a positive impact, making them healthier and more engaged with their surroundings.

Lindley also loves how affordable it is to keep the kids entertained in the Netherlands. “There’s so many ways to have fun without spending a lot of money if you’re smart and if you’re just naturally curious,” he explained. “You can literally take a bus to the city center and go explore so many different places without having to spend a lot of money or having to do a lot of…crazy things.” For him, this accessible, family-friendly environment has been one of the best parts of the move.

Tips for Future Globetrotters

For anyone considering the big move, Lindley offers some straightforward advice. First and foremost, he emphasizes that it should be a well-considered decision. “This needs to be something that you really want to do,” he advised. “Moving to a different country…it sounds very romantic and sweet, but it’s actually very tough.” Adjusting to a new culture, trying new foods, and handling all the little changes can be challenging, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

Practical advice? Start early on the paperwork, especially for families. “I had 14 trips to the Department of Home Affairs,” he laughed, describing how challenging it was to get all the necessary documentation in South Africa. He also recommended opening a Dutch bank account while still in South Africa. “By the time you arrive…you just need to submit your BSN details to the bank, and then they’ll send you your card,” he said, making the process much faster.

But above all, Lindley urges newcomers to keep things in perspective. “This is meant to be an adventure, not a death sentence,” he said. Despite the challenges, it’s essential to “try to have fun” and enjoy the journey.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, Lindley has no regrets. “I wouldn’t reverse this decision for anything,” he said, expressing gratitude for Ir Olav’s Globetrotters and their commitment to seeing the process through from start to finish. “It’s a team of people that sees things through from point A all the way to point Z,” he noted. From setting up his family’s move to introducing him to a network of fellow South Africans, Ir Olav’s Globetrotters made him feel supported and connected.

Final Takeaways

Lindley’s story offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of relocating abroad. It’s not all smooth sailing, but with the right support and mindset, it can be incredibly rewarding. For Lindley, the Netherlands isn’t just a new work location—it’s become a place to grow, explore, and build lasting memories with his family. His journey with Ir Olav’s Globetrotters is a reminder that, with preparation and a positive outlook, moving abroad can be one of the most fulfilling adventures of your life.

So, if you’re considering taking the leap, Lindley’s advice rings true: “Make sure it’s what you really want, plan ahead, and keep a sense of humor.”