Expat and emigration interviews: from the Netherlands to living around the World

Who is Hannah?

From a young age I was intrigued by wildlife and nature books, mainly focused on tropical countries. I remember that I was fascinated by a book about the Seychelles and its nature, and convinced my mum to sign up for WWF to get the 50 euro book for “free”. I admired the pages in the book, the animals, the beautiful beaches… The book also mentioned that one of the islands was only accessible to researchers, which might have sparked my interest in becoming a biologist. 

Anyway, after 18 years in the Netherlands and Europe, I decided I wanted to see the rainforest with my own eyes. The Seychelles was too expensive, so I decided to go to Borneo on a volunteer program. After one month of volunteering and 4 amazing months of travelling (Malaysia, Thailand and Japan) I came back to life in the Netherlands and started my studies, but the travel bug never left me.

Motivation & experiences

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to move abroad?

After six years of studying I felt like I wanted to travel again. However, as most will know, there’s not much budget after finishing university. So I entered the working life, flowing from one job into the next.

Ever since I had spent some time in Japan, I was hoping there would some day be a working holiday agreement between the Netherlands and Japan. So when that was finally announced in March 2020, it was decided. I was gonna do it. One week later - covid locked down the world. 

Fast forward 2,5 years and several jobs, in October 2022 Japan opened its borders. At the time I was just finishing up my 6 month interim job, so it was the perfect time. I filled out the paperwork and trained to the Japanese embassy. A week later - a visa and vague travel plans in the pocket. 

How did you prepare?

My preparations were minimal. I wanted to do two things - a yoga teacher training and a year in Japan. There was no end date to my trip, but at the time I said I’d probably be back within a year, or maybe three (as a joke). The only thing that needed to be arranged was leaving my things behind in the Netherlands. This meant cancelling my rent, figuring out a way to keep my phone number, giving away my furniture, plants, boardgames and other belongings and moving the things that were important to me to my mum’s house (sorry mum!). 

What does your life look like, what kind of work or activities make you feel like you are really ‘at home’?

That’s a difficult question for me. Because I haven’t really emigrated to one place, my life is different every day. I’ve spent time living in a yoga school in India, a meditation retreat in Thailand, moving from hostel to hostel in Japan, volunteering at an off grid property, working and living at a ski resort, staying with friends, pet sitting and more recently living in a car. I try to remind myself that I am my home, but to be fair, sometimes I really miss having a homebase and a bit of routine. 

Things that make me feel at home are playing boardgames with people, baking bread, cooking, going to the bouldering gym and hiking in nature. 

Is your daily routine different from your home country and if so how?

Totally! I don’t really have a daily routine anymore. I’ve found it quite hard to hold onto my yoga and meditation practices while travelling around, and also while living in a car. Because every day exists of making so many decisions (where to go next, where to sleep, what to eat, how to get to the supermarket etc), keeping routine is hard for me.

Culture & social interactions

How is your contact with locals? Do you have any tips for meeting new people?

In some countries it’s easier to meet locals, in other countries it’s harder. I like meeting other travellers, but prefer meeting locals even more. Couchsurfing and volunteering have helped a lot with that. Also just talking to random people and having the guts to ask for something (for example when I asked a lady selling delicious tea at a market if I could help her out at her farm). 

In Japan it was hardest to meet local people, in Australia it was the easiest. However, I have struggled to make close friends in Australia, as you’re often treated as a backpacker who will leave again anyway. In Nepal and India I often had small conversations with local people as well. 

Are there habits in social interaction that you found difficult to understand or get used to?

It’s so different everywhere! As Dutch people we are often very direct. Although I would say I’m less direct than most (possibly because of my time in Japan), I have struggled with this in several countries, especially in romantic relationships. In basically every country I’ve been to, people were less direct than me. That’s one of the things to get used to while travelling in Asia, but even Australia. 

In terms of habits, I’ve never struggled with taking of my shoes before entering houses or temples, we do this at my home anyway. I guess one thing to get used to was sleeping on the marble floor on a thin blanket in India, which is normal for some. It took a while before I was used to it, but now I can sleep anywhere!

How does friendship here differ from how it is experienced in your home country?

Friendships are often short, as everyone is going in different directions. At the same time friendships are sped up due to the circumstances. I have made some amazing friends while travelling and we stay in touch, but it’s sad that we live in different parts of the world and can’t meet up regularly.

What is the best or most inspiring thing you’ve experienced with locals/local customs so far?

In South India we accidentally ended up at a local deity (goddess) celebration. She was the protector of the village, and to please her, once a year the men of the village walk barefoot on coal. That’s not all, it starts the evening before with a huge, and I mean HUGE, campfire that burns the whole night, greetings to the goddess statue and music. The next morning starts with a ritual by the priest. If it’s successful (the flowers don’t burn when thrown on the coal), the coal walk starts, accompanied by dancing, shouting and people in some sort of meditative state. As the only foreigner there, me and my local friend were invited to someone’s family house for breakfast. It was very special, and I felt the spirituality, power and hospitality present in this beautiful small village.

Did you learn the local language and if so, how?

I learned a bit of Japanese and speak English, but other than that I haven’t learned local languages unfortunately. 

Challenges & growth

Were there moments when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

All the time! Especially career wise. It was not like I was truly in the career ladder, but I was definitely making good steps on my resume. It’s something I question daily - should I go back to that. At the same time other things became more important to me over the years such as time to enjoy nature, to help and learn about other people, to not live according to how the rich companies and society want us to live. But it’s not easy. The whole Dutch society is based around working, spending money, buying a house, paying for pension. If you don’t do that, it’s hard to come back. 

What would you do differently next time and what would you tell others with the same idea? 

Find more ways to stay in touch with home and talk to friends about how difficult it is and can be, but that you don’t want to lose the friendship. I think one of the things I struggle with most is that part. 

What skill did you never think you would need, but did you develop? 

Not necessarily a skill, but I found out that I’m capable of more than I thought. I worked for a moving company, at a bakery, as a yoga teacher, housekeeper, tourguide, driver, and helped in gardens and farms. All things I’d never done at home, but found quite enjoyable really!

How do you deal with homesickness/loneliness? What do you miss most?

I honestly still don’t know how to deal with it. Everyone at my age is starting to create their own lifes - having babies, getting married, buying houses. It’s a two-edged sword, really. It means that there’s less time for social communication, so I also experience a bit less “missing” then when I was 18, or 23 and went abroad. But it also means more loneliness because everyone is so busy with their own things that it is hard to stay in touch with someone on the other side of the world. And the same is the case for me, my life is so unpredictable that one day I can have a call at 10pm, and the next day I can be outside all day in busy streets where it’s too loud to talk, or even without internet for days. 

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you are here?

Vegan food options in the supermarket!

Practicalities & rules

How do you deal with the bureaucracy in your new country? 

Ha, this is a funny questions and again different in each country. In India/Nepal/Sri Lanka, money is the way to go. In Japan? Paperwork. In Australia? Paperwork, online work and doing it all over again when you move to a different state. 

Were there any difficult rules to understand/follow?

No public affection in India and Nepal was a big one for me. Even hugs are uncommon. I got used to it, but it also meant that by the time I went to Australia I didn’t feel comfortable anymore to show any kind of public affection (although hugs were okay for me) in the beginning. 

How did you find a suitable place to live? Was it difficult?

There are many ways, but again so country dependent. In India I found rentals just by asking people on the streets and walking around. In Japan it was hard and I always lived where I worked. In Australia there are many shared houses and FB groups, connections and websites are the way to go. 

What are the biggest differences in costs between this country and your home country? 

I think everywhere I’ve been things are actually a bit cheaper than in the Netherlands at the moment. Even in Australia. 

What have you learned about (health)insurance, taxes and other financial obligations abroad?

It’s complicated, and I still haven’t figured it out. Taxes are different in each country, but there's usually plenty of information available for people on a working holiday visa (although a bit less info in Japan). Nothing beats good health insurance though, and I’m really glad I got one through JoHo Insurances (see link below) it’s given me tremendous peace of mind. 

Have you used local healthcare (GP, specialist, dentist etc.) and what do you notice? What is similar or completely different to healthcare in your country? What is useful for others to know / take into account?

I’ve tested the healthcare system in almost every country I’ve been to unfortunately, and it always turned out well. It is often cheaper than in the Netherlands (with Australia as an exception as a foreigner). I had cavities filled in Vietnam and Thailand, went to an ashram hospital (donation based) in India and a private clinic (they will overcharge you!!) in Nepal, a GP in Australia (not fun pricewise) and the hospital and dr in Japan (very quick, thorough, easy and quite affordable still!).

Communication

How do you keep in touch with home?

Mainly through communication apps and sometimes phone calls. It isn’t easy due to the time differences and I have lost friends because of it. Sometimes I send a post card, which is actually really fun to do. 

What are some communication obstacles you've encountered

Time difference, not being able to see facial expressions over text and no spontaneous meetups and physical hugs with friends. 

Meaningful activities

Have you developed new hobbies or interests since travelling around and moving to different countries?

I have! I started doing yoga, pranayama (breathing) and meditation regularly and also got more and more into hiking. I’ve found there are plenty of new things to try when you move to a different country, especially if you stay in one place a bit longer.

Are there any projects or activities that you are involved in that give you a sense of fulfillment?

In Perth, Australia I was involved with the WA Forest Alliance in a campaign against a big mining company. It was an amazing opportunity to help protect forests and get some insight into the issues Western Australia is dealing with. 

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your environment?

Hike, climb and look at the sky. 

What local traditions or rituals have inspired or touched you?

In India many people give money to the poor. My friend, who hardly has money to fund his own expenses, always gave money to other people. One time I asked him why, as he hardly has money to take care of himself, and his answer was “I have a roof over my head, food every day (he worked at the yoga school) and am safe. These people don’t even have that, so why would I deserve or need the money more than them?”. It has changed my view on the world, for better and worse. 

How do you find balance between working, relaxing and enjoying your new surroundings?

That’s a hard one, and sometimes balance is hard to find. 

Inspiring charities

What kind of company/charity in your new country would you like to promote? 

There are so many wonderful charities out in the world, but two I will highlight are 

• Friends of Nature Nepal, a youth lead NGO that focuses on biodiversity conservation and trains young people to work in this field and protect Nepal’s natural beauty. Check them out on FB because their website currently doesn’t seem to work. 

• WA Forest Alliance, a strong alliance in Western Australia that does everything to protect local forests (which have already been cleared massively since the arrival of the Europeans). The team is so wonderful and passionate, and so is everyone working in the alliance. And the work couldn’t be more important for animals, biodiversity, climate change and people (think of drinking water in such a dry state! Forests are needed for that too).