A leap into the unknown:
 from South Africa to The Netherlands

"My husband and I moved The Netherlands with two suitcases and two dogs. My husband accepted a job here as an engineer and I am a supervisor in the audit practice."
Lees mijn verhaal in het Nederlands

Culture shock?

13 mei 2025
Professional Werksfeer Mensgerichtheid Accountantscontrole

“Basically, the Netherlands and South Africa don't even differ that much. The language is even somewhat similar. I can read and understand Dutch, but I can't speak it very well yet. Also who we are as people and our mentality is very similar. However, this didn't make the transition any less challenging, but you do get used to your new environment faster.

Just bread with a slice of cheese? No, thank you!

The biggest difference is the traffic. In South Africa it is very unsafe to cycle, whereas here I have never seen so many people cycling. Even small children on bikes; it was completely new to me. Another big difference is lunch. I am used to eating something warm, so for example a pasta. Just bread with a slice of cheese? No, thank you! I now find a middle ground and often eat a 'kroket' for lunch. Deliciously Dutch, and warm, haha!”

Irene Conradie
Irene Conradie Controleleider
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Adventurous and social people

“At our office, there are many people working from different countries and backgrounds, making it quite adventurous! This immediately creates a bond, because you are all in the same boat. This immediately creates a connection, as you are all in the same boat, to some extent. I also enjoy getting to know each other better on a personal level. So having a drink after work, for example, and talking about 'normal' life instead of work. Our team is mostly made up of people who are open to opportunities and want to develop.”

My journey to Jong & Laan

“A year ago, I applied through LinkedIn for an audit position at 5BAR Assurance after my husband was offered a job in the Netherlands. I studied Financial Accounting with honors in Advanced Accounting. Working with international clients really appealed to me and so did the multicultural team I would find myself in.

I find working with international clients very exciting. You have to use a broader perspective in your work because you have to deal with multiple legislations. I wouldn't want just clients from the same country. I think it wouldn't be challenging enough for me.

Meanwhile, 5BAR Assurance has been acquired by de Jong & Laan. I like the fact that they have sustainability and ESG very high on the agenda; this is also important to me personally. I would also like to delve more deeply into this, so thinking about sustainability and ESG at companies.

I'm still young and I want to (continue to) explore. So my future plans are still forming, although professionally I definitely have some ambitions. Besides immersing myself more in sustainability, I would also like to become an Audit Manager.”

We're looking for you!

“It was really a leap of faith for us, but we are very happy to have taken this step. Our future looks bright and I am really enjoying my job. I get more and more responsibilities and my tasks are very diverse. I learn a lot about different companies, cultures and legislations in other countries, super fun!”

Would you like to get to know me and our team? Feel free to contact me!

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