When Jeanne Bester decided to leave her hometown of Bloemfontein and her role at PwC South Africa to start fresh with a Big Four firm in Rotterdam, she knew she was setting out on a bold new chapter. Just six months later, she’s already thriving: professionally, socially, and personally in one of Europe’s most modern and welcoming cities.
“I love it here,” Jeanne says with a smile. “I’m having a good time.”
A More Balanced Work Life
Jeanne was pleasantly surprised to find that audit work in the Netherlands, while similar in nature to what she did in South Africa, is structured quite differently.
“In South Africa, I was constantly juggling multiple clients. Five at a time wasn’t unusual. Here, it’s more common to focus on just one or two at a time, which is much more manageable.”
The slower, more organised pace allows her to dive deeper into engagements and build stronger client relationships. Most of her clients are large international businesses, from offshore dredging and shipping companies to renewable energy firms, offering work that’s both complex and meaningful.
A Warm Welcome and Strong Support
Relocating to a new country can be daunting, but Jeanne found the support from her new firm and the onboarding experience invaluable.
“They were very welcoming. They introduced me to other South Africans at the firm and made the transition smooth. The relocation package was a big help, especially when it came to affording temporary accommodation while I searched for a permanent place.”
Jeanne chose to use a relocation agency run by South Africans in the Netherlands, which made the process far easier. They understood her needs and quickly helped her secure a comfortable, private apartment just a tram ride away from work.
“I value my privacy, so I didn’t want to share. It took four offers before I got accepted, but I ended up with a spacious loft. Probably too big for me, but it’s perfect. It even has parking!”
Getting Around and Settling In
Without needing a car, Jeanne has embraced the Dutch love of public transport and is even considering buying a bicycle.
“Everything is close and easy to get to — work, clients, even travel across the country. The transport system works brilliantly.”
In her first few months, Jeanne explored several Dutch cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Gouda. And in a lovely twist to her relocation story, she’s also started dating a Dutch partner who lives in Nieuw-Dijk.
Building a Social Life Abroad
Jeanne hasn’t just settled in. She’s thriving socially. Through friendship apps, she’s built a circle of friends both inside and outside of work. The international community at her firm has made it easy to connect.
“Everyone’s very friendly and open. People know what it’s like to be new, so they’re quick to include you and offer help. I’ve found it surprisingly easy to make friends.”
Her firm also hosts regular social events, from monthly drinks to weekend getaways, which has made integration even smoother.
Everyday Life: Easier Than Expected
What Jeanne enjoys most might come as a surprise.
“Everything is just easier here. The admin, the transport, even getting information — you just Google it or go to the municipality, and they’re so helpful. It’s efficient and safe. I walk everywhere, and I feel completely comfortable doing so.”
Although the cost of living is higher than back home, Jeanne says the quality of life more than makes up for it.
“I’ve had to adjust my budget a bit, but I love the lifestyle. It’s calm, it’s organised, and the weather this year has been amazing. Sunny, but not too hot.”
Advice to Others: “Do It Sooner Rather Than Later”
Jeanne doesn’t hesitate when asked what she’d say to others thinking about making the move.
“Do it as soon as you can. The first three months are the hardest emotionally, financially, logistically, but then it all starts to fall into place.”
Ready to Start Your Own International Journey?
At Think Global Recruitment, we’ve been helping accountants like Jeanne build exciting careers abroad for over two decades. Whether you’re dreaming of life in the Netherlands, Australia, the Caribbean, or beyond, we offer personalised support, career guidance, and access to exclusive roles with world-leading firms.
Let us help you take the next step toward your global career.
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