Profile of Sophie
The serendipitous expat blogger behind NextChapter Family
Photo: NextChapter Family
Hello, I'm Sophie
I work as a project manager. A parent. An expat living in Utrecht, Netherlands.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter in life abroad.
How It Started
Relocating to Netherlands wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.
The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built NextChapter Family
Most online resources were either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was lacking was a genuine, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to bridge that gap — practical guidance grounded in real life in Netherlands.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site IS:
- Real-world experience from living in Netherlands
- Centered on family life and everyday realities
- Updated whenever something truly changes
This site ISN'T:
- A tourism authority resource
- Sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our time in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains useful, I will keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Utrecht or anywhere in Netherlands, feel free to contact me.
Cheers,
Sophie
Utrecht, Netherlands