South African expats offer tips to Rachel Kolisi on moving abroad

South Africans abroad have been sending encouragement and tips to Siya Kolisi’s wife Rachel Kolisi as she embarks on their big move to Paris, France where the Springbok rugby player will be joining Racing 92 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup! Rachel posted a raw and honest message on Facebook this weekend, sharing her feelings of trepidation, as she prepared to leave her beloved South Africa.

Many South Africans who’ve become expats could relate – it can be daunting leaving behind everything you love and know so well – from friends and family to your business network, your favourite foods and drinks, even hairdressers, the beautiful views and the familiar culture. And then there’s the language barrier!

The good news for Rachel is that it is only temporary, and there are far worse places to spend some time than the City of Lights (and Love)!

Some leave with mixed feelings – excitement tinged with a little fear… but for Rachel her heart was just “super heavy”. Here’s what she said:

“After a week of devastating goodbyes, packing, working, holding space for my babies, farewells, and lots and lots of admin.

This morning I woke up to this flower. The promise of a new season.

My heart is super heavy, moving is very very hard. I’m throwing all my faith in Jesus in this season.

Thank you to those who have checked in, and showered us with love and kindness. We are so grateful.

Kez, Nic and I are moving to Paris today.”

Phillippa M said: “It’s a very different part of the world you’re off too. All I can say is try to embrace it as quickly as you can. Find a cafe that makes you feel welcome and happy. In sad times you will need that place. Sightseeing is for another time, first you embrace the town you’re going to live in and meet up with the locals. It will be hard but try your best to focus on the here and now…. “

Many pointed out this was the chance of a lifetime with new beginnings, and that change is normal. But going through sadness, and feelings of loss, are also normal… and there are even migration emotional survival coaches in some parts of the world.

Elzana V said: “Baie sterkte! It is hard now, but when you are back in SA, I am sure you guys will remember it with fondness.”

Angelique D added that “emigration is not for sissies” but that “with God at your side, you can do this…”

Loveness K advised: “It’s very hard to leave your home country, family and friends… But it’s a new season for your family! Give it 6 months to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle. Find a community of other internationals in Paris or South Africans in Paris – it helps, and use your kids’ school as a platform to make new acquaintances… All the best and hey we might just bump into you guys someday as my son is Siya Kolisi fan and we have made a promise to him that since we live close to France, we will surely come and see many rugby games…”

We wish the Kolisi family all the best with their move, we’re sure they’ll be wonderful ambassadors for South Africa, and the French people will embrace them… as well as the many South Africans living in Paris (and nearby).