The Relocated South African

In this episode, I speak  with Wendy Carlsson, a South African who relocated to Sweden. 

Wendy shares her journey from growing up in a coloured community in Cape Town to adapting to life in Sweden.

She shares her experiences with cultural differences, starting a business, and the challenges of being away from her family. 

She reflects on the beauty of her new life while also expressing the emotional complexities of leaving her homeland. 

Wendy offers insights into the cost of living in Sweden, the importance of community, and advice for young South Africans considering emigration.

She makes a point to travel back home regularly to see her family.

Wendy Carlsson: "Life in Sweden has been wonderful, perfect growth for me in that in a world where you don't have to worry about safety," 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:49 Wendy's Background and Early Life
11:51 Life in Sweden: A New Beginning
13:06 Starting a Business in Sweden
15:05 Adapting to Swedish Winters
17:11 Cultural Differences and Food
20:01 Reflections on South Africa
23:26 Cost of Living and Community
28:31 Advice for Young South Africans
33:15 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

In this episode I speak to Marlene Prentice the owner of Migration Network Australia.
 
She shares the inspiring journey of a family determined to emigrate to Australia despite facing numerous challenges. 
 
Their journey motivated her to leave her accounting career to become an immigration agent to help others.
 
One of the beautiful stories she shares is about a young mother who, lacking qualifications and work experience, embarked on a seven-year journey to secure a visa for her family. Through perseverance and dedication, she successfully navigated the visa process, ultimately achieving her dream of settling in Australia with her family.
 
She offers valuable advice for people who want to immigrate to Australia.
 
 
Marlene prentice: “ I don’t like taking people’s money knowing that they are not going to get a visa…”
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome 
00:03 Marlene's Journey to Australia 
00:09 Cultural Differences and Challenges 
00:15 Establishing Migration Network Australia 
00:21 Advice for Future Immigrants 
00:27 Current Immigration Landscape in Australia 
00:33 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
Marlene’s contact details are as follows: Website https://www.migrationnetworkaustralia.com
 
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

In this episode I speak with Nic Latouf, a South African entrepreneur and co-founder of the Lekker Network. 

We discuss Nic's journey from Pretoria Boys High to building a global network for South Africans, emphasising the importance of community, connection, and the potential of the South African diaspora. 

We explore the challenges and opportunities faced by South Africans abroad, the significance of networking, and the positive impact of the Lekker Network in fostering collaboration and support among its members. 

Nic shares insights on maintaining a positive mindset, the emotional toll of immigration, and the upcoming book 'Winning the Away Game,' which highlights the successes of South Africans worldwide.

He also discusses the need top maintain positivity and wellness for South Africans abroad.

Nic Latouf: “Focus is the key to success."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Podcast
01:10 Nic Latouf: Background and Early Ventures
03:01 The Birth of the Lekker Network
08:42 Building a Global Community of South Africans
12:59 The Power of the South African Diaspora
16:14 Connecting Opportunities: Real Stories of Impact
18:54 Future Plans and the Impact of the Lekker Network
30:37 Maintaining Independence and Future Investments
33:12 The Power of Positivity in the Diaspora
36:22 Navigating Family Dynamics and Immigration Challenges
42:25 Inclusivity in Business Networks
46:56 Celebrating South African Success Stories
53:03 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
56:59 Balancing Work and Family Life

Nic is active on Linkedin @niclatouf. Visit the Lekker network at www.the lekkernetwork.com.

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

In this episode of the Relocated South African podcast, host I speak  with Kirsty Jones, founder of Federated Advisory in Dubai. 

Kirsty shares her journey from South Africa to Dubai, discussing the safety, stability, and opportunities the UAE offers for expats. 

She highlights the challenges of starting a business in a new country, the importance of transparency in advisory services, and the need for community among South Africans abroad. 

She also believes that the UAE offers a transparent government and very low taxes combined with absolute physical safety.

Kirsty also addresses the cultural dynamics of being a woman in business, the cost of living in Dubai, and the unique challenges of communication in the UAE. 

Maintaining family connections is critical for emotional well-being.

The conversation concludes with valuable advice for those considering relocation to the UAE.

Kirsty Jones: “Dubai is very fitness focused."
"I miss South African chips so much!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Show
01:04 Kirsty Jones: Journey from South Africa to Dubai
02:13 Why Choose the UAE? Safety and Stability
03:16 Starting a Business in Dubai: Kirsty's Experience
05:14 The Need for Transparency in Advisory Services
06:56 Navigating Business Setup in the UAE
08:14 Common Business Ventures for South Africans
09:47 Supporting South Africans in Job Searches
11:07 Overcoming Red Tape in the UAE
12:19 Cultural Dynamics: Women in Business
15:46 Challenges of Isolation in a New Country
17:12 Building Community Among Expats
18:51 The Temporary Nature of Life in Dubai
19:07 Connecting People and Networking
20:02 Finding Accommodation in Dubai
20:30 Coping with the UAE's Climate
24:41 Cost of Living: Balancing Salaries and Expenses
28:30 Understanding Alcohol Regulations in the UAE
29:49 Communication Challenges: WhatsApp and VPNs
33:04 Advice for Future Expats
34:34 Final Thoughts on Relocating to the UAE

Contact Kirsty at www.federatedadvisory.com

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

A few thoughts on the complexities of celebrating Christmas as an expatriate from South Africa. 

I share personal experiences of joy and sadness during the holiday season, with emphasis the emotional toll of immigration on family connections. 

I talk about the challenges of maintaining relationships with children and grandchildren who live far away, and the bittersweet nature of long-distance family gatherings. 

Treasure time with loved ones and to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar feelings of separation and loss.

Jan Hugo: “I know your pain. I know how you feel."

Chapters

00:00 Christmas Reflections: A Time of Joy and Sadness
06:04 The Impact of Immigration on Family Connections
08:45 Sharing the Journey: Connecting with Others in Similar Situations

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]