Making The Commitment To Norway with Norman and Chantal van Wyk - E28

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pack up your life and move overseas - not just physically, but mentally as well? What does it mean to fully commit to a new country, instead of keeping one foot in the place you came from?

In this episode, I talk to Norman and Chantal van Wyk, the first couple I’ve interviewed who made the move from South Africa to Norway. What struck me most about our conversation was how determined they were, right from the start, to go all in. They didn’t leave with a safety net or a backup plan to return home. Instead, they put all their energy into starting over and truly making Norway their new home.

I really enjoyed speaking to them. Their honesty about the ups and downs of committing fully to life in another country really resonated with me. If you’ve ever wondered about what it means to let go of your old life and embrace a new one wholeheartedly, I think you’ll find their story both inspiring and relatable.

“We need to make Norwegian friends. We can't just stay in this South African bubble. Although we're very appreciative of them.” - Norman van Wyk

00:00 Introduction

06:25 Seeking safety abroad

08:49 Life in the countryside

11:59 Serendipitous Scandinavian job offer

13:52 Finding the right house

18:18 Aligning their mindsets was key

22:34 Adapting to life in a foreign country

27:58 Applying for a visa

35:24 Breaking barriers with locals

37:57 Yearning for familiar connections

42:14 Limpet the cat went missing in Amsterdam

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [e-mail]

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com