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Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
GUIDE FOR
South Africa, often called the "Rainbow Nation," is a stunning country full of natural wonders. It has a deep history and many vibrant cultures. No matter if you're an expat planning a big move, a digital nomad dreaming of working remotely with breath-taking views, or a student ready to explore a new chapter, moving to South Africa is an incredible adventure. It’s a place where every day can feel like a new discovery.
This guide will give you a clear and exciting look at South Africa. You'll learn about its fascinating history, colourful traditions, welcoming work culture, and the variety of languages spoken across the country. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to feel prepared and inspired to start this journey.
Are you ready to embrace this opportunity and create unforgettable memories in one of the world's most unique destinations? Let’s dive in!
An overview of South Africa
Located at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a country of contrasts. It boasts bustling urban cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Alongside this they host some of the world’s most stunning natural landmarks, including Table Mountain, the Drakensberg mountains, and safaris in Kruger National Park. South Africa is also known for its diverse population of nearly 60 million people and a variety of lifestyles, from cosmopolitan city living to tranquil rural retreats.
South Africa has a strong economy in comparison to much of the continent and is often considered a gateway to Africa for businesses and travellers alike. Its prominent industries are mining, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and tourism. While navigating South Africa requires understanding certain challenges like economic inequality and safety concerns, the country’s warm people and vibrant culture win the hearts of many who visit or relocate.
A look at South Africa’s history
It's quite important to try and understand South Africa's history for anyone considering a move here. This country has a rich history but also one of complexity. It's history continues to shape its identity and politics.
South Africa’s early history was marked by indigenous cultures such as the Khoisan and Bantu-speaking peoples. They lived across the region long before European arrival. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers arrived and established the Cape Colony, followed by the British in the 19th century. This all lead to centuries of colonial conflict and power struggles.
The discovery of gold and diamonds further intensified these tensions and played a major role in shaping the economy and politics of the region. In 1948 the institutionalisation of apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation marked one of the darkest chapters in South African history. For nearly five decades, the apartheid government oppressed the non-white majority through discriminatory laws, forced removals, and violence.
This era came to an end in the early 1990s thanks to decades of resistance from inside and outside the country. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, with Nelson Mandela becoming the nation’s first Black president.
The transition was peaceful but the legacy of apartheid remains deeply rooted in economic inequality, education gaps, and ongoing efforts at social reconciliation.
South African culture and customs
South African culture is as diverse as its people. The country’s nickname, "Rainbow Nation," reflects its blend of various ethnic groups, traditions, and lifestyles. This diversity is celebrated not only in daily customs but in the arts, music, cuisine, and festivals.
Key cultural insights
Ubuntu philosophy: Central to South African thinking is the concept of "ubuntu," meaning "I am because we are." This expression roughly believes in a shared concept of unity that connects all of humanity.
Greetings: South Africans value politeness and friendliness. A warm handshake with a smile and some small talk is the common way to greet someone. Among some communities, respectful gestures like nodding or avoiding direct eye contact when addressing someone senior may be customary.
Communal gatherings: South Africans enjoy coming together for occasions like "braais" (barbecues), which are an essential part of local culture. Braais are known for their relaxed atmosphere and delicious traditional foods like boerewors (sausage) and pap (a corn-based dish).
Celebrations: South Africa’s vibrant calendar is packed with cultural festivals, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Afrikaburn, and National Heritage Day ("Braai Day").
Respect for each other’s differences is crucial when navigating everyday life in this multi-cultural country as it reflects the diverse and tolerant society.
Working in South Africa
Those planning to work in South Africa will find opportunities in various industries, including mining, IT, financial services, tourism, and agriculture. However, the job market can be competitive, particularly for foreign workers, so obtaining the necessary work permits and qualifications before arrival is essential.
Work Culture
South African workplace culture tends to vary across industries and regions, but here are some key points to know:
Hierarchy and respect: Many workplaces follow a hierarchical structure, so addressing senior colleagues formally until invited to do otherwise is recommended.
Punctuality: While South Africans are generally laid-back, punctuality in business is still valued and seen as a sign of professionalism.
Networking: Building strong professional relationships is vital. South African business culture often emphasises fostering trust and rapport before closing deals.
Remote work is gaining popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital nomads will appreciate South Africa's affordable cost of living compared to Western countries and the breath-taking scenery that makes work-life balance much easier to maintain.
The languages of South Africa
South Africa recognises 11 official languages, an impressive reflection of its multicultural population. The primary languages spoken include Zulu (isiZulu), Xhosa (isiXhosa), Afrikaans, and English, alongside others such as Sesotho, Setswana, Tsonga, and more.
Why are there 11 official languages?
South Africa's linguistic diversity reflects its rich cultural heritage. The country's 11 official languages include indigenous Bantu languages and influences from colonial history. In 1994, with the end of apartheid and the establishment of democracy, South Africa officially recognized these languages to promote inclusivity and celebrate its multicultural identity.
What this means for you
English dominance: While English is not the most widely spoken language at home, it is the dominant language in business, education, and government communication. Most South Africans are multilingual and can easily communicate in English.
Language barriers in business: While English is widely used in business transactions, there may be instances where clients or colleagues prefer to communicate in their native tongue.
Openness to learn: Learning a few phrases in languages like Zulu, Xhosa or Afrikaans can go a long way in showing respect and goodwill, especially in social settings.
Opportunities for language learning: There are various resources available online and in-person for those interested in learning one or more of the official South African languages. This can not only improve your communication skills but also broaden your understanding of the country's diverse culture.
Safety in South Africa
Safety is an understandable concern for many people considering a move to South Africa. To not sugarcoat anything, yes, South Africa does have a higher crime rate than many countries in the western world. That said, many expats still live securely and happily by taking some precautions and staying aware.
Urban cities like Cape Town and Durban offer modern conveniences and a lovely community, but there you could also fall victim to petty crime and theft. A particularly useful tip here is to carry a fake wallet with a little bit of cash and fake cards to make it look real. Aside from this locals and expats alike would recommend avoiding poorly lit areas after dark, don't keep any valuables within sight. It's also recommended to lock your doors and windows at home and in the car.
On the topic of transportation, expats and locals would recommend staying away from public transport. Not only have there been cases where crimes have been committed but they are notoriously unreliable.
Lastly, South Africa's infrastructure should be mentioned briefly. Due to an ongoing energy crisis in the country, they have introduced the concept of load shedding. On a predetermined schedule certain neighbourhoods will lose power for 2-4 hours to handle the energy demand.
All in all the biggest tips are to try and stay and move with a group and avoid the dark where possible. That said, many South Africans are still incredibly open and helpful. Many will gladly help you and share certain tips.
Why relocate to South Africa?
Moving to South Africa is a chance to experience a vibrant and exciting country. With stunning scenery, countless career opportunities, friendly locals, and a lively community spirit, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to live here. South Africa has something special to offer for everyone. Why not take the leap and start your journey today?
Sponsors
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!
Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!
As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.
With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.
Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.
From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.
The AvD is the most traditional automobile club in Germany. Many things that are taken for granted today has been actively promoted and shaped by the AvD. To this day, the AvD is associated with the driver's license, the zebra crossing, the IAA and successful petitions, among other things. The AvD is committed to road safety, Motorsport and the preservation of historic vehicles. Today and in the future.
We’re AXA – Global Healthcare, and we’re experts when it comes to healthcare around the world. We use AXA’s resources around the world to help our members access quality medical care whenever they need it. We do that by matching them up with international health insurance that suits them, and by keeping them supported before, during and after treatment.
We help our members to live life to the fullest, knowing we’ll be here to help if they need us.
Bambridge Accountants provides expert accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes. Whether you're managing personal finances or handling corporate tax obligations, our team offers tailored solutions to ensure your financial success.
With extensive experience in UK and international tax issues, we simplify the most challenging financial matters. From tax planning and financial compliance to corporate advisory, we guide you towards achieving your financial goals with clarity and confidence, delivering personalized service every step of the way.
Real value extends beyond financial capital - it’s about our impact on people, the environment, and society. At BDO Nederland, we ensure that everything we do delivers value and drives positive change. Our approach is rooted in shared core values, ethical principles, and sustainability, which are embedded in our DNA.
The BDO Code defines these values and the professional standards that guide our work. It ensures that every BDO team member upholds integrity, accountability, and excellence - both individually and collectively. This framework shapes how we engage with clients, stakeholders, and the wider community.
At BDO Nederland, we are more than just accountants - we are trusted advisors, business partners, and innovators committed to making a lasting impact
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