Dear South Africans in the Netherlands, consider Overijssel

Find out how to get in touch in the last paragraph!

Many South Africans start their Dutch adventure around the major cities in the west. That makes sense: the big cities are well-known, and there are plenty of jobs. Yet, after a few months, many expats start feeling the same way; you manage, your job is fine, you can make ends meet financially, but something doesn’t feel quite right. Your home is small and expensive, and life feels very rushed. You can’t give your children the space they deserve, and pets? Forget about it. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. It’s exactly what we often hear from South Africans who realize that while the region offers opportunities, it doesn’t always provide the quality of life they had hoped for. And that’s often when Overijssel and the rest of Eastern Netherlands come into the picture, a solution that might not seem obvious at first, but really is.

Housing plays a huge role. If you’re from South Africa, you’re used to space. That doesn’t necessarily mean luxury, but simply being able to breathe normally in your own home. In the western Netherlands, that feels very different for many South Africans, apartments are small, rents are sky-high, and even having your own parking spot is a luxury. It’s frustrating to work hard and still feel like you’re not getting ahead. In Overijssel, much of that pressure disappears. Homes are more spacious, affordable, and available. Many people say they only realized how stressed they were once they finally had a home where the walls didn’t feel like they were closing in.

The big western cities are never truly quiet because of crowded streets, packed trains, and busy schedules. That gives a certain kind of buzz, but it also drains you just as much. For many South Africans, that constant sensory pressure eventually becomes exhausting. In Overijssel, the pace is different. Life feels calmer without being completely inactive. You commute without weaving through hundreds of people, and after work, you can be in nature within minutes to clear your head or walk your dog. Try doing that in a city like Rotterdam.

You’ll find the same balance in the work culture. Of course, work-life balance in the Netherlands is managed well, but in the western provinces, the work pressure is higher, and there’s less time to really get to know people. Many South Africans notice that things among colleagues are very businesslike. Sometimes they feel like a number rather than a colleague. In Overijssel, it works differently, as companies invest in long-term relationships and take the time to build trust. Teams are often closer, and the atmosphere is more personal. You are taken seriously, and your wishes are listened to.

What also surprises many people positively is how locals in Overijssel interact with newcomers. In the big cities, you meet many people, but interactions often remain superficial. In Overijssel, people are seen and welcomed more quickly. Neighbors greet you, colleagues genuinely ask about you, and you feel less anonymous than in the big cities. Especially in villages, the sense of community is strong, in our regional language, we call this Noaberschap.

Finally, Overijssel also simply brings new opportunities. The region has a high demand for technical talent and skilled workers, a given that has existed for centuries. Twente was one of the largest technical regions during the Industrial Revolution, and today, many technical companies are still based there.

South Africans bring exactly the qualities employers are looking for: expertise, authenticity, and a strong work ethic. Manschap helps you make this transition smoothly, both practically and personally, so you don’t just find a new job and home, but also a life that is calmer, more stable, and better suited to you.

Is this opportunity something for you? We will mediate you and take care of your new job and new house, and of course, your family can come along too! Send an email to info@manschap.com or if you would rather send a WhatsApp, send a message to +31 6 51297448 (your person of correspondence is Sisca).