New beginnings for Camryn in the Netherlands

Have you seen us pop up on Facebook lately? Camryn did! A few months ago, he made the big move to Twente, where he’s now working as a Diesel Mechanic and settling in well. While he’s still getting used to life in the Netherlands, Camryn is excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to grow professionally.

Of course, moving countries is never without its challenges. “I really miss my friends and the people from the club I was part of in South Africa,” Camryn shares. “They were my support system back home.” That sense of familiarity and warmth was something he had to leave behind, something he also feels when it comes to the climate. “I’m used to the South African summer, so the weather here was another big change. I’m still waiting to see what a Dutch summer actually looks like.”

Although Manschap can’t control the skies, we did our best to support Camryn with everything else, helping him navigate the logistics of relocating and making sure he felt supported throughout the process. “I didn’t realize how different the experience could be depending on who helps you through it,” he says. “After hearing from other South Africans who came through different channels, I’m really glad I joined the right team.”

“Here, everyone’s approachable and the door is always open, you’re encouraged to ask, to learn.”

One thing Camryn appreciates about working in the Netherlands is the informal culture. “In South Africa, asking your manager a question could make you feel like you were doing something wrong,” he explains. “Here, everyone’s approachable and the door is always open, you’re encouraged to ask, to learn.” He’s also noticed how much value is placed on time away from work. “You work hard, but you also rest properly.”

In his free time, Camryn enjoys exploring the cities around Twente, especially Zwolle. “I try to spend as many weekends there as possible,” he says. As he adjusts to life in the Netherlands, Camryn is gradually getting a clearer picture of what it’s like to live and work here. He’s learning to appreciate the differences and taking things one step at a time, focusing on the experiences that make this new chapter unique.