| Where did you live prior to moving to Croatia? | Where did you live prior to moving to Croatia? |
| I lived in the Middle East, more specific in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman | I lived in Wolfurt, Austria |
| How long? | How long? |
| I have lived there for 10 years | From birth until September 2015 |
| Why did you decide to return to Croatia? | Why did you decide to return to Croatia? |
| Having a family in Croatia, and not knowing about my roots, culture and in general about life in Croatia made my family decide to move back. | I wanted to connect with and learn more about my roots and I needed a change of scenery. |
| What did you miss the most about Croatia? | What did you miss the most about Croatia? |
| I missed my family members who lived in Croatia the most, but I also missed not knowing as much as I would like to about my culture and my background. | I spent almost my entire life in Austria. It definitely was a very nice experience, but I think I have subconsciously always wanted a more „laid-back“ lifestyle. I really like the pace of life and the culture here. |
| How do you feel being back (coming back to family roots)? | How do you feel being back (coming back to family roots)? |
| It feels great! I have finally had the chance to experience life in Croatia | Everything feels like home to me and I’m surprised I adapted this fast. |
| Which place do you consider „home“ and why? | Which place do you consider „home“ and why? |
| It’s really hard to say. If I have to say where my life was better and if I would have to choose between the countries, I wouldn’t know what to answer. Life here and in the three countries is just too different to be able to compare. | Definitely Croatia. It’s simply because Croatia’s culture matches my personality better. They say home is not a place, it’s a feeling. Well, that feeling |
| Has growing up in the Middle East influenced you in terms of your life in Croatia now? | What about your Austrian upbringing makes you stand out amongst your Croatian peers? |
| Now I am in my 20s and I am student at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management. My international background opened various opportunities, both career and personal vise. | I have had the privilegeto live in another country which, I’m sure, enabled me to develop some personal traits and habits that will be beneficial in my personal and professional life. |
| What is the best thing about being back in Croatia? | What is the best thing about being back in Croatia? |
| The best thing is that although I am home, I am not lacking any international atmosphere, nor am I lacking the student lifestyle of partying, and hanging out with friends. | It really feels like home now. Although I have always felt Croatian, I thought it would take me a longer period to adapt to a new/old environment. I ended up adapting very fast! I am also very happy that I’m improving my Croatian. |
| Would you recommend to others to come back and why? | Would you recommend to others to come back and why? |
| I would! Being able to live in Croatia where my roots are from, and just being surrounded by my whole family is a wonderful feeling, and I would want for everyone to experience what it means to be back home. | Definitely. As I said, for me home is not a place, home is a feeling. |
