Seeking Solace Back In South Africa with Lilly Quintal - E9
Have you ever thought about selling everything and moving overseas for a fresh start? What would you do if it didn’t work out quite like you hoped?In this episode, I chat with Lilly Quintal, who moved with her family from South Africa to Portugal after long-term financial struggles and the hope for a better future. Lilly opens up about what happened when they arrived, only to find out, months later, that they had been lied to and were faced with nothing but empty promises. What followed was months of debilitating depression, struggling to get the support they needed and having to say goodbye to the half a million rand they had spent to try and make their new life happen. It was a tough journey, and after 21 months in Portugal, Lilly and her family decided to return to South Africa.I really appreciated Lilly’s honesty and courage in sharing the reality behind her emigration story, especially given how challenging the experience turned out to be. It was uplifting to hear about how they eventually found a support system, made lifelong friends and reunited with family. Let Lily's story be a cautionary tale to anyone looking to immigrate: always, always do your due diligence before making the move.“There was a lot of guilt, the fact that I'd left them behind going to Portugal for a better future and then unfortunately things just didn't work out.” - Lilly Quintal00:00 Introduction02:16 Deciding to leave South Africa03:28 Empty promises 05:26 “I hit rock bottom”06:25 Doing due diligence 09:12 Finding community in Portugal12:55 My heart was in SA14:50 Longing to come back home17:52 Struggling with depression21:04 Seeking a better future financially 23:35 Blessed to be back24:47 Do your homeworkThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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26:27
Seeking Safety in Australia’s Gold Coast with Lindi Dercksen - E8
When the safety and security of your family comes under threat, would you move over 10,000km across the world? What if that meant leaving behind all of your family and friends?In this episode, I spoke with Lindi Dercksen, who moved from eManzimtoti, South Africa, to Australia’s Gold Coast. Lindi opened up about her family’s journey, from the early doubts and tough goodbyes to the experience of finding work and creating a new home from scratch.After looting, loadshedding and retrenchment, Lindi and her family decided to enact their dream of moving somewhere that had a big South African community, but could offer their young children a better quality of life.I really enjoyed hearing how she and her husband made the decision for the sake of their kids, but also for themselves, and how their lives have changed since arriving in Australia.It was inspiring to hear her positive attitude, the resilience of her children, and the way the South African community in Australia supports each other through the ups and downs. I found our conversation relatable, especially when it comes to missing family and building a simpler, safer life.“Kids are so resilient and they are so, so much stronger than what we think.” - Lindi Dercksen00:00 Introduction01:21 Reason for leaving South Africa06:02 Speaking Afrikaans in Australia07:22 Missing family back home08:52 Finances and finding a job10:22 The day we left12:59 There’s no turning back13:57 Australia’s South African community15:47 How similar is the lifestyle?20:16 Do people question your decision?22:37 Would you have done anything differently?23:48 Advice for immigrating26:06 Missing South Africa and appreciating AustraliaThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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27:39
Returning Home to South Africa with Hester and Johan Pieterse - E7
What makes a young South African couple decide to move to a country they've never even visited? And, after nearly a decade abroad, what makes them choose to return home?In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hester and Johan Pieterse, who originally left Cape Town in 2016 for Ireland. They didn’t know anyone there, and hadn’t even visited Ireland before making the jump – talk about taking a leap of faith! Over the next nine years, they built careers, started a family, and eventually became Irish citizens. But as you’ll hear, the pull of family and sunshine drew them back to South Africa.Unlike most of the conversations I've had with other South Africa emigrants, Hester and Johan never planned on relocating permanently. My wife and my plan had always been to make the move for good, so it was refreshing to talk to people with a completely different experience of relocating.“You can go and come back. You’ve got nothing to lose” - Hester Pieterse00:00 Introduction04:36 Visiting South Africa06:55 Cost of living in Cape Town12:31 Getting Irish citizenship18:27 Would you have done anything differently?19:46 Underestimating the red tape20:46 Considering safety in South Africa23:50 The decision to return to South Africa26:07 Do you have any local friends considering emigrating?27:18 Shielded from local politics 28:48 Advice for relocating with kids31:41 Things we miss about IrelandThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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33:20
A Better Future in Portugal for Our Children with Rogerio Vieira - E6
Have you ever wondered if moving overseas could really give your children a better future? Or what it’s actually like to leave South Africa behind and start fresh in a new country with your whole family?Today I speak to Rogerio Vieira, who made the decision to relocate with his wife and five children from South Africa to Lagos, Portugal - the same place my wife and I have relocated to! Rogerio shares what it was like to adjust to life here in Lagos, why they felt it was the right move for their kids, and what challenges they’ve faced along the way — especially when it comes to fitting into a new schooling system and learning a new language.As someone who’s gone through their relocation experience, it was great to chat with Rogerio and hear his honest perspective. I really enjoyed hearing about his family’s journey, the ups and downs, and his advice for anyone considering making the same move. I think you’ll find his story both relatable and helpful if you’re thinking about your own future abroad.“The younger they are, I think they pick it up quite easily. Us older people, it's a bit more difficult. It's not an easy language.” - Rogerio Vieira00:00 Introduction04:21 Rogerio’s father’s immigration story06:29 Living in Lagos11:04 The possibility of returning to South Africa13:18 Don’t make the same mistake we did!14:55 Getting his wife’s Portuguese passport18:49 His advice for those leaving SA todayThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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21:02
Raising Children in The Dubai Desert with Wade Loehmer - E5
Have you ever looked back on a big decision, and realised that you did the right thing, even after all this time? In this episode, I spoke with Wade Loehmer, who moved to Dubai with his wife when she was six months pregnant. Three kids later, and Wade and his family are celebrating ten years in this vibrant city. Initially sparked by a work opportunity and familial ties to the United Arab Emirates, he took a chance and hasn’t looked back.We spoke about what it’s like to live in a place that’s so different from virtually anywhere else in the world. Hearing about the adventures and adjustments that come with raising three children in a foreign land was both insightful and heartening. The challenges were certainly there, but so were the opportunities, and Wade shared some solid advice for those considering a similar path.Join me as we journey through his story together, and perhaps you’ll be encouraged to take a similar (big) step!“We all know we have to leave at some point and I think that's the difficulty in the UAE … everyone has to leave [because] there's no real retirement facilities available to an expat.” - Wade Loehmer00:00 Introduction04:04 Building a South African construction company06:52 Following investment and rental trends10:55 Challenges of emigrating13:43 Longing for South Africa19:00 Safe community for expats20:54 Cycling and running23:41 Hope for change in South Africa27:57 Starting small in financial management This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
The show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.
Join host Jan Hugo as he shares authentic emigration stories from South Africans who've taken the leap. You'll hear about what drove their decision to leave, the mistakes they made, and how they've built new lives abroad.
We'll explore everything from the emotional reality of leaving friends and family behind, to the challenges of emigrating to a foreign country.
Relocating isn't always simple, but this show will provide you with the certainty, practical information and support to make the whole process easier.
Ireland