Swapping the Belgian coastline for the endless plains of the Australian outback isn’t a choice many people dare to make. But for Kristof Soete (34), it felt like everything finally fell into place. From a young age, he had been fascinated by Australia, and a few years ago he decided it was time to turn his dream into reality.
Why Australia? A love for open space and agriculture
Kristof grew up on a farm in Veurne and studied mechanisation, specialising in agriculture. He wanted to work on a larger scale, something Australia is well known for, with its enormous farms and impressive machinery.
Through a consultation with Visa4you, he learned which visa best matched his situation. “The consultation immediately gave me confidence. You asked the right questions, and I knew exactly which visa suited me.”
He eventually left for Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and quickly found a job on a farm in Edgeroi (NSW). “It felt right from the start. The people were warm, and I felt at home very quickly,” he says.
Life and work in the outback
The Australian outback isn’t for everyone, but Kristof is thriving there. The farm grows cotton, wheat, and chickpeas for export, and the work is diverse: from repairing vehicles to maintaining huge agricultural machines.
“Everything is so much bigger here than in Belgium,” Kristof laughs. The nature continues to impress him too: “You see so many kangaroos, it never stops being special.”
The farm family and colleagues welcomed him warmly from day one. “They even had a Belgian flag waiting for me. It felt so warm and familiar right away.”
Integrating into a tight-knit community
Making friends in the outback isn’t always easy. Communities are small and close-knit, and newcomers often need some patience. Kristof experienced this himself: “In the beginning, I sometimes felt like an outsider. But after about a year and a half, I fully belonged.”
Barbecues, beers, campfire nights, and typical outback traditions helped him become part of the community. His mother and sister visited for five weeks around the holidays. Together they travelled across Australia in a jeep, discovering hidden places and enjoying the natural beauty.
Climate, rhythm, and new habits
For Kristof, the climate was a big plus. Winters reach 20 degrees during the day with frost at night, and summers can climb up to 40 degrees, but without the heavy humidity Belgium and the Netherlands sometimes have.
“It’s hot, but a pleasant kind of hot. Very different from home.”
What took more getting used to was the poor phone and internet reception. “You learn to live with it, but having your own good internet connection is really important.”
What surprised him most, in a positive way, was the patient and friendly nature of Australians.
“People here are so understanding. It makes life much calmer.”
Future plans: building a life Down Under
After his Working Holiday Visa, Kristof received a Bridging Visa, allowing him to keep working while his permanent employer-sponsored visa was being processed, a solution that brought a lot of peace of mind.
His focus is now on the future: within four years he hopes to obtain dual citizenship. After that, he dreams of owning a house, exploring new places, and travelling all over Australia, from north to south.
Kristof’s tips for future emigrants
To conclude, Kristof shares a few words of wisdom for anyone considering emigration:
- “Follow your dream from a young age, don’t wait until it’s almost too late.”
- “Just try it. You can always go back.”
- “Make sure your English and your health are in good shape, it really makes a difference.”
Are you also considering emigrating to Australia? Or curious which visa options suit your situation? Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help you explore the possibilities!
