From the Netherlands to Umeå - fuelled by curiosity

Stefan and Jacomijn Edelbroek attended last year’s Emigration Expo in the Netherlands. They came with curiosity and an openness to change. Just a few weeks later, they packed their car, brought their two daughters and drove all the way to Umeå to find out if this could be their new home.

"We had a good feeling about Umeå quite early on. It’s a bit off the beaten track — but in a positive way. It seems to offer what larger, more international cities do, without feeling too big or impersonal."

When he was 17, Stefan spent a year in Sweden as an exchange student. The country stuck with him, leading the couple to occasionally consider the idea of moving there. They had imagined life deep in the countryside. But over time, their dream shifted. They wanted nature, yes — but also a community. In Umeå, they felt that they might just have found it.

"There’s energy here, but also calm. For our daughters, we see real opportunities — in school, in their free time, and in a sense of safety. It feels like a place where we can truly belong — both as a family and as individuals."

A weekday visit making a real impression

The Edelbroeks chose to visit in early May, deliberately avoiding the warm and inviting glow of summer. They wanted to experience everyday life.

"There was a balance to the pace of everyday life. It felt like a city where there’s space for both getting things done and taking the time to enjoy life."

The family also had the opportunity to meet with employers and local representatives in visits that felt less formal than they expected. Around town they also noticed something less tangible, but important.

"The fact that people took time for us, even without a specific job opening, meant a lot. We felt welcome. And our children were included - that mattered. Everywhere we went - the library, the shops, out in nature - people were friendly."

The city library quickly became a favourite with the children. So did the river, the playgrounds and the sense freedom to move around independently. And the three ice cream vans on Rådhustorget in four degrees Celsius brought smiles all around. A small detail, perhaps. But one that surely says something about local spirit.

So what now?

The family has now relocated to Sweden and is settling into their new everyday life, starting new jobs, helping their daughters adjust to school and slowly finding their rhythm in a new country.

"There have been many new impressions, of course. But overall, things have gone well."

Work was, understandably, a key piece of the puzzle — and one that eventually fell into place for both of them.

Working in healthcare, Jacomijn found opportunities quickly. She joined the oncology department at Norrland University Hospital. For now, she works as a nursing assistant while continuing to strengthen her Swedish. Stefan works as a train traffic controller at VR Norrtåg — a role that fits well with his many years of experience in the railway sector.

Looking back, the family describes the transition as a big change — but one that increasingly feels like the right one.

"For a long time, it was just a dream. It feels very good that we actually dared to explore it and make it happen."

Their advice to other Dutch families considering a move?

Research, compare and reflect. Practical things matter, of course, but so does the feeling you get from a place. When both come together, and the whole family feels at home, it becomes much easier to commit fully.