Croatian returns home after living in Germany and Australia

In the “Foreigners in Croatia” segment of the show Good Morning, Croatia, we introduced Michelle Jurić — a Croatian returnee born and raised in Germany. At the age of 18, she moved to Australia, and five months ago she decided to start a new chapter in Zagreb.

Michelle’s parents emigrated to Germany 30 years ago.

“My dad is from Bosnia, and my mom is from Croatia. After the war, they moved to Germany, where I was born and raised. We lived in Bavaria, near Munich. Life was fine, but I never truly felt like I belonged. People often reminded me that my parents were Ausländer, so despite being born there, I never felt German,” Michelle explains.

At 18, she made a bold decision to move across the world.

“I felt completely lost, like I was living someone else’s life. I was trying to be perfect and liked by everyone, but I didn’t even know who I was or what I wanted to study. After talking to my parents, we decided I would go to Australia for six months — but six months turned into five and a half years. During that time, I only saw my family for one month,” she recalls.

In Australia, Michelle studied mental health and found a job in the field.

“It was a completely different experience. When I first arrived, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a whole new world.’ Australia gave me space to be alone and reconnect with myself. But after five and a half years, even though I had my dream apartment and lifestyle, I found myself wondering: ‘Is this it?’”

“I arranged my apartment so my parents could visit, but then you start asking yourself when that would actually happen. I missed simple things — walking with my mom, my dad fixing things around the house, going swimming with my brother. Those moments were missing, and I wasn’t happy anymore. That’s when I decided to return to Croatia,” she added.

Many questioned why she didn’t go back to Germany instead.

“After Australia, I couldn’t imagine living in Germany again — it never felt like home. I felt like a foreigner there, and I was also an immigrant in Australia. I kept wondering where I belonged. When I came to Croatia, I finally felt at home,” Michelle says.

She shares her journey on social media, where reactions have been mixed.

“There were many positive comments, but also quite a few negative ones — especially when I said I started my own business. People told me I would regret it, that it wouldn’t work, and questioned why I came back. Some said I’d see how bad Croatia is after a year.”

These comments made her reflect, especially on the sacrifices her parents made.

“If my dad could move from Bosnia to Germany without knowing the language, facing discrimination and hardship, even sleeping in cars while working hard with my mom to build a life — then how can I say there’s no chance? Our parents struggled so we could have opportunities. Their sacrifices weren’t in vain.”

Motivated by this perspective, Michelle launched her own business in Croatia — one that is somewhat unconventional.

“I’m a mindset coach, focusing on personal development. I also work with breathing techniques and sound baths. I help women live without fear, step away from others’ expectations, and reconnect with themselves. I offer online sessions and workshops in Zagreb, where I teach breathing techniques. Sound baths are particularly beneficial for the nervous system. If we don’t learn how to calm it, our bodies remain in constant stress, which negatively affects both mental and physical health.”

Her goal is to build a supportive network of women in Zagreb.

“I’ve already organized three events, focused on breathing and sound baths. It’s incredible to see women relax, open up, and share things they may have been ashamed to say before. They realize they’re not alone — and that’s powerful. I experienced that support in Australia, and I want to bring it here.”

After just five months in Zagreb, Michelle says she is truly happy.

“I believe everything comes down to perspective. If we constantly think everything is bad and that there are no opportunities that becomes our reality. Every morning, I remind myself that a new day brings new possibilities.”

Her family in Germany is also considering moving to Croatia, though they plan to wait until her brother completes his education.

Reflecting on a recent birthday, Michelle says:

“Last year, I spent my birthday alone in my ‘dream apartment’ in Australia. This year, my mom came to visit, and it was filled with love. It was the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

She speaks warmly about life in Croatia:

“Croatia is beautiful. People are incredibly helpful. In just five months, I’ve met so many who supported me when I didn’t understand paperwork or how things work. That sense of community was missing in Australia, where people often live more independently. I also feel very safe here — I can walk through Zagreb at night without worry.”

Finally, she has a message for others considering returning:

“If you feel it in your heart, just do it. Even if you don’t see the whole path ahead, sometimes you have to take a leap into the unknown. Everything will work out. That’s why I share my story — to show that we don’t have to live unhappy lives. We can choose differently.”