The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

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.

The Relocated South African | Emigration stories is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 89 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Relocated South African | Emigration stories, a society show with 89 episodes published.

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  The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

  From Green Card Lottery to HR Director: Starting Again in America-Ep 87 With Andreas Pyper

  Sep 7, 202655 min

  Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later, they packed up their lives in South Africa and moved to California. What followed was anything but easy. Andreas arrived in America as an experienced HR manager, but found himself starting again at the bottom. His first job was as an HR filing clerk. He had no US credit history, no professional network and no company waiting to welcome him. His wife also had to start over, completing the requirements to become licensed as a therapist in California. The first 18 months tested their family and their marriage. They experienced financial pressure, loneliness and uncertainty. Later, they lost their home during the 2008 financial crisis and had to rebuild again. But Andreas kept going. Today, 26 years after moving to the United States, he is a Human Resources Director for a large county organisation in California. He shares the practical lessons he learned along the way, from building a US credit history and choosing the right employer to understanding pensions, healthcare and the importance of accepting that you may have to take a few steps backwards before moving forward. Andreas also has some strong advice for South Africans considering America: build relationships with Americans, don't expect your South African career success to transfer immediately, be prepared to work your way up, and don't underestimate the importance of having a strong marriage and family partnership. This is an honest conversation about immigration, resilience, humility, career rebuilding, marriage and making a new life work. _______________________________________________________________ SABLE INTERNATIONAL For over 30 years, Sable International has offered solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:17 Welcome and Andreas' life in California 02:32 Growing up in Durban and Cape Town 07:44 His political upbringing 09:13 University and national service 10:31 Working in HR and the Green Card Lottery 11:16 How his wife won the Green Card Lottery 13:16 Discovering California 16:07 His father's life after politics 17:10 How the Green Card process worked 19:19 Leaving family behind 21:02 Starting again in America 24:29 Building a US credit history 28:25 His wife's professional re-licensing 29:30 The difficult first 18 months 35:29 Immigration and marriage 37:25 Losing their home during the financial crisis 42:24 Building their lives again 42:41 The importance of government jobs and pensions 45:10 Healthcare in America 47:02 The biggest mistakes South Africans make 49:25 Advice for anyone considering emigrating 52:45 The one thing he would have done differently CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN www.relocatedsouthafrican.com If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African considering life abroad.

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  The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

  27 Years in America: Why He's Building a Base Back in South Africa-Ep 86 with Andries Coetzee

  Aug 31, 202654 min

  Andries Coetzee left South Africa for the United States in 1999 to do a PhD. His plan was simple: complete his studies and return home. Instead, 27 years later, he is still in America. After completing his PhD at the University of Massachusetts, Andries joined the University of Michigan, where he has built a successful academic career. What began as a temporary move became a life in the United States. But his connection to South Africa never disappeared. After becoming an American citizen, Andries found that his South African identity became more important to him. His research shifted towards South Africa and Africa, and regular visits home gradually strengthened his desire to maintain a deeper connection with the country he left behind. A powerful experience during a University of Michigan orchestra trip to Soweto finally convinced him that he wanted a second base in South Africa. He has now bought a property in the Stellenbosch area and is considering spending much more of his time there after retirement. In this episode we discuss leaving South Africa, adapting to American academic life, the differences between South African and American universities, life in Ann Arbor, the cost of living and healthcare, South African identity abroad, and what it means to be at home in two countries. We also talk about Andries' optimism about Africa's future and why he believes more South African and African students should consider postgraduate study in the United States. Most importantly, this is a conversation about something many emigrants eventually discover: you can build a successful life somewhere else without losing your connection to where you came from. "As an expat, you're at home in two places, but not really fully at home in one." _____________________________________________________________ For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:06 – Why Andries went to America in 1999 03:04 – Growing up in rural Limpopo 04:08 – Adjusting to the American university system 08:37 – From PhD student to professor at Michigan 11:00 – Why he didn't return to South Africa 14:48 – Family, loss and building a life in America 18:53 – The South African "soft landing" 20:32 – Why Africa became important again 24:42 – His optimism about Africa's future 27:11 – Why he's considering a base in South Africa 31:02 – The Soweto experience that changed his thinking 34:06 – Buying a property in Stellenbosch 34:41 – Could he eventually return permanently? 38:07 – Retirement, money and exchange rates 40:33 – Healthcare in America and South Africa 43:43 – Afrikaans, culture and identity 46:57 – Being at home in two countries 48:38 – Advice for students considering America CONNECT WITH ANDRIES COETZEE University of Michigan Email: kutsiya@umich.edu Andries also offers workshops and guidance to African students interested in studying in the United States. CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Andries' story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

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  The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

  From Johannesburg to Australia: Why Olaf Duve Chose to Start Again-EP 86

  Aug 27, 202644 min

  Olaf Duve has lived in four countries, built an international career and ultimately settled in Sydney with his wife and three children. Growing up in Johannesburg, Olaf left South Africa at 18 to study in Germany before spending eight years in the UK. After a decade in Europe, he returned to South Africa to join his family's logistics business, eventually helping grow and sell the company. Then, with three young children, a casual conversation over a braai planted the idea of Australia. Olaf had never even visited Australia. He booked a flight, spent a week interviewing for jobs and, three months later, moved his family to Sydney. Nearly ten years later, Australia is home. In this conversation, Olaf talks honestly about the realities of moving countries with a young family, why the first two years can be the hardest, the challenges of adapting to Australian working culture, the cost of living, family left behind in South Africa, and why South Africans shouldn't automatically assume that emigration is the right answer. We also discuss why Australia feels surprisingly familiar to South Africans, the importance of integrating into your new country, and what Olaf would tell someone considering making the move today. His advice is refreshingly balanced: don't leave simply because everyone else is leaving. Make sure the move is right for your family and go in with your eyes wide open. "Just be grateful and don't get so stressed... appreciate the decision you've made and enjoy the benefits of where you are." ______________________________________________________________ For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:06 – Introducing Olaf Duve 00:41 – Growing up in Johannesburg 01:38 – Having a German passport 02:26 – Moving to Germany and then the UK 05:29 – Why he eventually returned to South Africa 06:00 – Starting his career in logistics 08:37 – The conversation that sparked the move to Australia 09:30 – Moving to Australia with three young children 11:00 – Australia's visa and skills requirements 12:05 – The first two years with a family 14:24 – Why Australia feels familiar to South Africans 17:15 – The South African community in Australia 20:48 – The cost of living in Australia 25:33 – Deciding that Australia was home 28:00 – The challenge of ageing parents back in South Africa 31:02 – Australian versus South African working culture 36:38 – Will he ever return to South Africa? 39:13 – The advice he'd give his younger self 40:37 – Should young families emigrate? Connect with Olaf Duve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaf-duve-889893109/ Connect with The Relocated South African www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com ️ The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Olaf's story resonated with you, share this episode with someone considering a move to Australia—or someone trying to decide whether emigration is right for their family.

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  The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

  From Johannesburg to America: Taking Americans to Play Golf in South Africa-Ep 84 with Murray Collier

  Aug 24, 202645 min

  When Murray Collier left South Africa for the United States, the plan was simple: gain some international experience and eventually decide what came next. Reality turned out to be very different. Despite a strong career in South Africa, Murray spent 18 months searching for work after arriving in Chicago. It was a lonely and financially difficult period that tested both him and his wife. From sharing a tiny studio apartment with Airbnb guests to eventually building a successful corporate career, his story is one of resilience, determination and starting again from scratch. Today, Murray has combined his passion for golf with his love for South Africa by founding South Africa Golf Tours , introducing American golfers to the country's world-class golf courses, spectacular wildlife, incredible food and wine, and unforgettable hospitality. In this episode, we discuss the realities of emigrating to the United States, overcoming loneliness, adapting to American life, raising a family abroad, and why South Africans continue to make an impact wherever they go. We also explore why South Africa remains one of the world's greatest golf and safari destinations—and why so many American visitors return home with a completely different view of the country. It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, identity and discovering that sometimes the best way to appreciate where you come from is to see it through someone else's eyes. "I'm South African first... I get to stand with a foot on each continent." _______________________________________________________________ For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy ______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introducing Murray Collier 01:08 – Growing up in Johannesburg and studying at Stellenbosch 02:30 – Moving to Chicago 05:15 – Eighteen months without finding a job 08:00 – Loneliness and adapting to life in America 10:30 – Chicago winters and moving to Connecticut 12:10 – Financial struggles and renting out their apartment 18:10 – The South African community in the US 21:20 – Why he started South Africa Golf Tours 24:00 – Selling South Africa to American travellers 27:10 – Creating luxury golf and safari experiences 35:30 – Leopard Creek, Rovos Rail and Gary Player 39:10 – Building relationships with American golf clubs 41:20 – Americans' biggest misconception about South Africa 43:10 – Seeing South Africa through American eyes 46:30 – Would he ever move back? 48:10 – Advice for South Africans considering the USA Connect with Murray Collier Website: www.southafricagolftours.com LinkedIn: Murray Collier Instagram / X: @SouthAfricaGolfTours Connect with The Relocated South African Website www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com ️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Murray's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to the United States—or anyone passionate about golf, travel and showcasing the very best of South Africa.

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  The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

  From South Africa to Malta: Finding Opportunity on a Mediterranean Island

  Aug 20, 202645 min

  When Merle-Louise first arrived in Malta, she wanted to get straight back on the plane. Fifteen years later, she can't imagine calling anywhere else home. After building a successful career in hospitality, event management and running her own conference business in South Africa, Merle-Louise faced difficult business challenges that ultimately led her to consider a new chapter overseas. What began as a reluctant move has become a passionate mission to help other South Africans discover opportunities on one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Today, through MaltaLifestyle.com and the South African Family & Friends in Malta community, she assists South Africans looking to relocate, study, work or retire in Malta, while helping them navigate the practical and emotional realities of starting over. In this episode, we explore why Malta has become an increasingly attractive destination for South Africans, its thriving financial services, gaming, aviation and tourism industries, residency options, healthcare, education, property, safety and quality of life. We also discuss one of the biggest challenges of emigration—making the decision itself. Merle-Louise shares practical advice on preparing for a move, avoiding common mistakes, embracing change, and why success abroad begins long before you board the plane. Whether you're actively considering emigration or simply curious about life in the Mediterranean, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest advice. "Success has to be intentional. We can't wait for somebody else to make up their mind for us." _______________________________________________________________ For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:06 – Introducing Merle-Louise and life in Malta 02:13 – Growing up in South Africa and building an events business 04:50 – Why she left South Africa 06:18 – First impressions of Malta 07:55 – Flying to Malta and its location in Europe 10:07 – Tourism, history and why Malta is unique 11:38 – Why Malta became home 15:10 – The importance of integrating into your new country 17:13 – Preparing properly before emigrating 18:17 – Should you leave a back door open? 20:32 – What South Africans struggle with most overseas 22:04 – Is Malta still a good option? 25:50 – Residency, citizenship and permanent residence 28:40 – Cost of living, rentals and healthcare 30:25 – What she misses about South Africa 32:25 – Helping young South Africans build international careers 35:34 – The emotional price of emigration 39:07 – Advice for anyone considering a move abroad 41:36 – Would she ever return to South Africa? Connect with Merle-Louise Website: www.maltalifestyle.com Facebook: South African Family & Friends in Malta (SAFF Malta) Connect with The Relocated South African Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com ️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Merle-Louise's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or anyone curious about life in Malta, one of Europe's hidden gems.

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