From Pretoria to Poland: Finding Home in Unexpected Places-Ep 76 with Retha Jacobs

After 25 years abroad, Retha Jacobs has built a life across three countries—but South Africa has never left her heart.

Growing up in Pretoria, Retha took the road less travelled. She skipped university after school, moved to London with friends, later completed degrees in Human Movement Science and Neuroscience, and eventually found herself in Poland—a country she knew almost nothing about before falling in love with its mountains, culture and people.

Over the past decade she's built businesses in tourism, coached squash, become fascinated by mushrooms, and embraced life in one of Europe's fastest-growing economies.

In this conversation, Retha shares what it's really like living in Poland, learning one of the world's most difficult languages, building a business as a foreigner, and why, after 25 years overseas, she feels an even stronger pull back to South Africa.

It's a fascinating look at a country few South Africans know—and a reminder that sometimes the longest journeys lead you back to your roots.

"Life is so short, and there are so many places to see and people to meet. Every country changes you." — Retha Jacobs

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TIMESTAMPS

00:01 – Introducing Retha Jacobs
00:57 – From Pretoria to London
04:22 – Why she moved to Poland
06:57 – Learning the Polish language
10:25 – Neuroscience, entrepreneurship and curiosity
11:32 – Building a tourism business in Poland
13:48 – Poland's national sport: mushroom picking
17:10 – Mushrooms, neuroscience and PTSD research
19:55 – Squash, sport and staying active
23:56 – What makes Poland unique
27:47 – Cost of living in Poland
32:42 – Healthcare and quality of life
35:50 – Business, bureaucracy and taxes
37:39 – Residency, passports and Brexit
41:39 – Missing South Africa after 25 years abroad
44:33 – Advice for South Africans considering emigration

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Connect with Retha Jacobs:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/retha-jacobs-470b7355/

Connect with the podcast:

Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com

Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

If Retha's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or someone curious about life in Poland.