My First Months living in Croatia as an American: Culture Shock

In this video, I'm sharing my firsthand experiences of the first months living in Croatia as an American. I open up about the cultural differences I encountered, the surprising similarities, and the ways I've been navigating this unique chapter of my life.
Moving to Croatia has been a transformative experience, filled with new discoveries, challenges, and moments of growth. International living can be a huge risk, and it hasn’t been easy, but life in Croatia sure has its pros!
New videos every week!
Our instagrams:
Matej: / matejzivkovic
Kayla: / _kaylapina
Our email: [e-mail]

[@AlenkoV]

You will be welcomed by people if you are respectful towards native culture and traditions in Croatia.

[@KaylaandMatej]

thanks for the tip!

[@JmKrokY]

Not even Croatian people are respectful towards Croatian culture

[@AlenkoV]

@@JmKrokY you a Croat?

[@anteperic2836]

@@AlenkoVno he isn’t… typical American fool

[@damonmelendez856]

@@JmKrokYlol very true but they don’t tolerate non Croatians being disrespectful..

[@ana______6567]

Kayla, stay strong! Croatians do not pay attention to each other in public unless they know each other and cashiers are not friendly unless they know you personally😂 it’s really a thing😂 I give croatian lessons already if you want !

[@KaylaandMatej]

Phew, that's good to hear! 😂 No way!!! DM me on instagram, we are in the market for lessons!

[@JmKrokY]

Not true bruh Croatian people always look at what other Croatian people are doing

[@edpoletto8048]

They are likely questioning why an attractive woman is with a manbun.

[@Picinacici]

e jesi ulizica...

[@Ivan-fm4eh]

@@JmKrokY Yes but they pretend to not notice.

[@TheKres7787]

As a croatian, i wouldn't notice your tan other then thinking you had bit beach time. And hey welcome to croatia!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you!

[@unklb7161]

You are a beautiful couple! May your future together be filled with much more laughter, blessings, and grace!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Amen! Thank you!

[@Picinacici]

you're so fake...

[@bettycrocker6692]

Kayla, there are lots of internet resources for language learning. Once you have gained some fluency in Croatian, you will feel much better living in Croatia. Also, it will absolutely rock Croatians' socks off to have you speak to them in their native language. Good luck and post regular updates about your progress, as they will be inspirational to others moving abroad.

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you for the love and support!

[@SuWoopSparrow]

Yes this is the big hurdle - once you learn the language, you make friends on your daily routine. After a while of this and because everyone is always walking, it becomes very easy to constantly get caught up in spontaneous conversations when you're just going about your business. Even in a big city like Zagreb, so easy to randomly run into people you know. I prefer this also because it is genuine. TJ has great customer service and America in general is "friendly", but its usually not genuine - its the service persona.

[@drewpodnar4784]

Great video! I visited Croatia in September and I was overwhelmed by its beauty, people, food, and wine! While in Split, we had Pašticada and I absolutely loved it and I will definitely attempt to make it someday (if mom is able to share her recipe, I would LOVE that). I can’t wait to get back there someday! My grandparents were from Croatia so I have much exploring to do! Thanks for sharing!

[@KaylaandMatej]

That's amazing! I am asking for the Pašticada recipe too haha If you can DM us on IG or send us an email we will send you the recipe!

[@danilaroche1156]

I'd love to live in Croatia. My son was there last month for vacation. He thought it was wonderful. The USA is not so great. Learn the language and fellowship in a genuine church. I'm mixed like you. Race has never been an issue. I guess because I grew up in all white neighborhoods. People stare because your pretty. They stare because the light of Jesus shines from you. Be encouraged!!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Yes, Croatia is a beautiful place! Thank you for the advice and encouragement ❤

[@fapmashina1]

So beautiful comment! May dear God bless you and all your family! Hello from Croatia

[@user-jx6ml2fl3e]

I'm from Croatia and I can tell you that only seaside and some national parka are pretty. Other parts of Croatia don't look presentable. I mean you can live on the seaside but there is a lot of people during summer.

[@fapmashina1]

@@user-jx6ml2fl3e I beg to differ. There are so many very nice continental cities, towns and villages, like capital city Zagreb, Varazdin, Cakovec, Samobor, Osijek, Ilok, Pozega, Djakovo, Daruvar, Karlovac... There are also many beautiful inland villages in all regions! You have to know that there's no place on earth, esp. larger cities without ugly suburbs and neighbourhoods but that doesn't mean these places aren't "presentable"! My advice for you would be to explore a bit suburbs and parts of cities like Paris, Berlin, Brussels, London, Rome... Also, even otherwise beautiful Croatian seaside cities do have nasty suburbs but these aren't presented to tourists!

[@JmKrokY]

​@@user-jx6ml2fl3eNah you wrong

[@abefantastic7853]

Croatia is the heaven on earth ❤ proud to be Croatian ❤

[@KaylaandMatej]

Amen to that! - Matej 🙂

[@SuperGeronimo1975]

Its heaven for Corruption!!!....still Komunismus ruing the wheel😢😢😢😢

[@JourneyDownTheRoad]

Thanks for sharing your real experience! This was so helpful as I recently got my citizenship by descent. We are hoping to move there maybe next year! New subscriber and so glad I found your channel. Me and my hubby also met in our early 30’s while we were doing missions work. I saw that you have a video about your love story so will have to check that out!😊

[@KaylaandMatej]

I'm so glad you appreciated the video!

[@nikolagregic7709]

I think we are friendly bunch of ppl. It's just a different culture here in Croatia, where people don't engage in as much small talk and fake smiles. We don't pretend.Thats all. Gl 😁

[@KaylaandMatej]

Yes, I agree. Whenever there has been an opportunity to talk to anyone I have been met with nothing but kindness. Cultures are different but that's what makes our world interesting - no one is right or wrong, just different 🙂

[@anteperic2836]

Well said. Our people don’t bs and we tend to focus on the things that matter most

[@ladyb3321]

I never miss any of your videos- love you guys!!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Awe, we are honored! Thanks for being a part of our journey!

[@asinsodojrn]

Girl, if you want to fast track learning the Croatian language, get Pimsleur! Within 2 weeks, you will be able to have introductory conversations IN Croatian with people. Within 3 months, you will speak basic Croatian! I LOVE it! And it only takes about 30 minutes per day, no "studying" necessary!

[@KaylaandMatej]

ooo great tip, thank you!

[@Leonidas_Papadakis]

If they manage to master Croatian, there's a bonus: they'll also become proficient in Serbian, Montenegrin, and Bosnian. I used to study in Serbia, and now I'm back in Greece. However, last summer, I traveled to Croatia, visiting Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, and I had an amazing time. Thanks to my knowledge of Serbian, I was able to communicate effortlessly and understand everything they said. I could easily move to Croatia tomorrow without encountering any language barriers. It's truly fantastic! So, keep in mind that learning Croatian opens up the doors to several other languages.

[@Mazurana1000]

Kayla, I'm sorry to hear you've been suffering under the stress of relocating your life. :( I would recommend you the book "Chasing a Croatian Girl" by Cody McClain Brown, where an American who also married into Croatia compares American and Croatian culture and describes his experiences with culture shock. Humorous, accurate and relatable. :D One chapter deals with making friends in Croatia - basically, Croatians won't bother with maintaining casual, superficial bonds, but once you make it into their inner circle - YOU'RE IN THERE. I bet your neighbours and local cashiers will warm up to you, given some time. :) As for the language, I get it - it's VERY different from English. Books and TV must seem daunting. :( But here is how I approached learning Portuguese - in a ridiculous, silly, fun way! XD I started watching "Pocoyo" in Portuguese. "Pocoyo" is a cartoon aimed at toddlers, where little ones learn the concepts of left-right, up-down, shapes and colours... The language is very simple, accompanied by pictures, so it isn't difficult to pick up some basic words. :) Also, it's fun! The cartoon actually had me laughing out loud multiple times! (the duck is my favourite character) XD You can find episodes here on YT. :)

[@KaylaandMatej]

I'm crying your comment means so much to me. Thanks for hearing me out and sending some great tips and resources. It really made my heart feel so much better. Thank you, truly!

[@ngwenginini6580]

Looking great together! Love love you guys and this video😊. I can relate in part to Kayla. My country is bilingual. My first language is English but I recently moved to the French speaking part of my country. It can be frustrating being unable to give your own thoughts and ideas in a conversation just because of a language barrier.

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thanks for sharing! Kayla here - yes it can be quite difficult at times! I feel like I'm not fully myself sometimes because I miss being able to express myself. But giving myself grace during this time.

[@ancnfamily]

Here is from a Croatian married to a Filipino. We met in Toronto, got married in Croatia back in 1998. Living in Toronto region currently for next couple of yrs. When we got married back in the day, my wife was accepted by everyone in my hometown of KC. Now there a a lot of Filipinos there. There is a lot of other nationalities in Croatia. Croatia is a welcoming , friendly and a safe country.

[@mariolacic1539]

Welcome to Croatia !! You can move to Split in Dalmatia region on the coast. Just say that you love football club Hajduk, and everybody will instantly become your friends 😄😀

[@KaylaandMatej]

haha love it! I am a Dinamo supporter by marriage 😂

[@arkdevilscarlett290]

​@@KaylaandMatejdon't go to spilt then it could save your head not going there if you don't like hajduk lol😅

[@smit5590]

Fun fact: Croatian is part of the Slavic language family. It has three subdivisions in it; East Slavic (Russian, Ukrainian), West Slavic (Polish, Czech, Slovak), South Slavic (Serbian, Croatian, Slovene). All of these languages make it hard to learn especially for English speakers.

[@kammykaza]

In the right place,in a couple of years you're gonna be Croatian. I'm from Zagreb/Dubrava... it's notorious, but it's a diverse group of people and we love it. Forigens that come are loving it here after they adapt. We are very friendly. nation...at least we were

[@KaylaandMatej]

Yes, I am noticing that too. It's hard not to love it!

[@Katiefollowingjesus]

Love this! I feel validated because this is how I felt when I moved from small town USA to big city USA (that everyone hates me because strangers aren’t interactive). Love your videos and following your journey! You all shine with Jesus. You give me hope as I’ve been single many years and still wait for a godly husband at 37 years old. ❤

[@KaylaandMatej]

I'm happy to hear that! I didn't want to offend anyone but also wanted to be true to my experiences! We are praying for you in your single season, blessings!

[@jelajoz]

Kayla, welcome to Croatiaa! 😊😊🤗

[@KaylaandMatej]

🥹🥹🥹 Thank you!

[@miroperinich2495]

@@KaylaandMatej kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKPXeomOrLKmrqs&ab_channel=MojaDomovina

[@coveredbyhisgrace625]

You both are funny! I love you guys! Blessings to you both

[@KaylaandMatej]

😂 thanks!

[@liva236muzika]

You're brown? If you hadn't mentioned it I would hardly notice. Some of the folks in southern Croatia are brown just like you are, especially in the summer. My first cousin has the same skin shade as you. I doubt anyone is staring because you are brown, honestly. You are a pretty woman, so people take a peek, it's a bit of a compliment. Don't worry. Just take your time and learn a bit of the language, the rest will click into place. Enjoy your time in Croatia!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thanks for the tips! My parents are from an island off the west coast of Africa - Cape Verde!

[@elizabethwilk9615]

@@KaylaandMatejI agree I have a cousin from the Dalmatian coast that is very dark and when he tans he’s really dark. Lived in Belgium and France and people stare more there - but it’s not staring it’s eye contact. Also I remember crying when a salesperson didn’t understand my French. I think when you are a new at a culture you become hypersensitivity as well.

[@dragana0539]

You guys are too cute! Greeting from Serbia 💗

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you! Hello from Croatia!

[@jaz5438]

I was not expecting the score Kayla gave Croatia! Hahaha Matej facial expression when she said it and then immediate change when she gave USA a five was priceless. I thought she was going to say at least an 8 for Croatia. 😂😂 Also, I was wondering as you asked questions what is the religion culture like in Croatia? Have you both been able to find a Christian community/church (if you don't mind answering)? Is it pretty friendly to sharing your faith with others if Holy Spirit leads?

[@KaylaandMatej]

Kayla here - as I said, the score is flexible with time 😂😂😂 Thanks for asking, Croatia is full of believers which is a nice change from the States. We belong to a nice church and are still adjusting to finding our tribe. Great question ❤

[@Shepardisthelamb]

Welcome and God bless u!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you ❤

[@Shepardisthelamb]

@@KaylaandMatej We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! If u ever come to Split I would Love to meet with u, we are same age :))

[@goranradovic1871]

Wish you all the luck in the world!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you!

[@fapmashina1]

Kayla, you're very welcome to Croatia and I'm sure you'll adjust fine to all differences fine with some time! There are many expats living here, some of them also from the USA, Canada and UK, some of which are very active in publishing like Paul Bradbury or one American (known for his nick name Hrvatski zet), ... About strangers that are smiling in America I have one question / observation. Do you think that all those smiles are sincere feelings likewise very usual customary question such as "how are you doing", one that no American espects to get real - sincere answer to unlike Croats and many Europeans?! Please don't get offended but I really doubt all these people on American streets that are complete strangers are nothing more than being just polite in a way it is believed to be in the US, and in that manner actually very artificial and insincere. Many of those shiny happy people are nothing more than nice facades predominantly without real substance behind it! At the other hand, it is not customary for Croats but also probably most of the Europeans to smile for as little or no reason whatsoever to any random people they stumble upon which doesn't mean they have any bad intentions and/or manners but they're simply more true and don't smile to someone they don't know. This is simply not our custom and part of our tradition. Also, no-one in Croatia and Europe appreciates overly insincere gestures and even sometimes they can find them as a sign of hidden agenda. At the end all of this comes down to the cultural differences.

[@KaylaandMatej]

Yeah, I can definitely see your point! It depends on the area like anywhere of course. I had a very warm 2 years that I spent in Pennsylvania and people were very genuine for the most part compared to Boston where I'm originally from. Different cultures have different ways of expressing themselves and it doesn't make one right and one wrong just different!

[@fapmashina1]

@@KaylaandMatej Very nicely put! Different cultures, different ways of doing things and living! 👍 Wish You and Your family all the best!

[@Moli_sa_nama]

I love u guys🫶🏼🫶🏼Kayla welcome to Croatia 🇭🇷❤️🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@KaylaandMatej]

Awe thank you! ❤❤❤

[@omnislashtuzla3654]

Mate, lijep video.Želim vam sve naj. Pozz iz Bosne.

[@KaylaandMatej]

Hvala puno, veliki pozdrav!

[@franktdot5932]

Seven months since this video was posted. I’m curious, how are you getting along? Is it still difficult/lonely or getting better for you?

[@user-px4mz3iu1s]

Odlično

[@voyagersquaremuzika]

It may seem at first that people in Croatia are not friendly, but when you become friends with someone, that friendship goes very deep, which is the opposite in America, I think, as far as I've heard from Americans! In America, people at first seem cheerful and very frendly, but actually it ends there!

[@spiseri]

You guys look like a lovely couple talking about the daily relevant issues. Like it as I soon will be there next to you as I already bought property in Croatia😊

[@KaylaandMatej]

Woohoo so cool!

[@kinglizard3406]

Depends on location also how many brown people is around, in sea part of country is more tourist (almost 17 millions tourist this year) from all around world, some visit Zagreb here and there... Croats dont judge much people by look , more by personality, soon we meet person bether we become more open.. And you must try Slavonian food xD

[@KaylaandMatej]

Makes sense! I can't wait to try Slavonian food!

[@nijevazno475]

Love you.♥ welcome to Croatia.

[@KaylaandMatej]

Thank you!

[@osmaks1518]

Brown? I got family members that are darker than your shade of skin, nothing unusual in my opinion..

[@KaylaandMatej]

👌

[@elenafaith7813]

I live in Zagreb and your video is 🎉🎉🎉 Just found your channel and I am so happy! Great video, love you both! You are so funny, warm and nice people! Keep going!

[@KaylaandMatej]

Awe thank you so much for your support!

[@kingrat5564]

My wife and I are American and moving to Croatia this month. I definitely agree with you on the language! It is SO HARD. We have been in Europe for 3 months now and the thing I miss most here is Mexican food 😢. I work in construction and my brother and I would get street tacos almost every day for lunch in the states. I feel like apart of me is missing without this😂😭. Very helpful video! What part of Croatia are you and your husband?

[@KaylaandMatej]

Yaaas! I feel you! I have been on an enchilada kick because I miss it too 😂 We live in Zagreb! Where are you moving to?

[@kingrat5564]

We are moving to Sibenik. Planning on staying here but also looking at some work opportunities north.

[@Picinacici]

just be white-like, no problem

[@ErikNjegovanRubini-wt2ho]

Sounds like a Buddhist opportunity right?

[@unchartedimages2721]

As an American, I understand what you mean about cashiers etc. being friendly, because we're used to that. (at least in some parts of the country!) But having worked in jobs like that, I also know what it cost me to be that friendly, even when I was having a bad day. It's very draining and so much extra work to be that personable to strangers. Myself, and anyone I know that has worked with the public, are completely burned out and scarred for life from these jobs! I've learned not to take it personally when people in different countries simply want to do their jobs without draining the life out of themselves by smiling to every single customer and acting thrilled to be serving them. It's hard enough to do the job without putting on an act for others! And after all, the main reason you have to be so friendly in this country is so the customers keep coming back. It's all about the profit motive, and the CEO's of these large companies don't care how drained the little guy is that slaves for customers all day!

[@irenaj.2878]

A very nice welcome to the EU, Croatia. I'm sure you'll love it. Another link: Croatia is the best Place to Live: 8 Reasons Why (P. Bradbury)

[@spiseri]

In which part of Croatian coast are you located? Spit or Zadar?

[@KaylaandMatej]

We live in Zagreb but would love a home on the coast one day!

[@myflyingkidney]

i would say that cashiers will actually speak to you if you start talking first and often you can choose if you want the small talk to happen or not. I am personally introverted and don't like small talk so I appreciate when people don't force it, but many people that I know will easily strike up a conversation with cashiers or people at the marketplace and have very pleasant encounters. so i like that there is a choice. although it is true people are more likely to chat with you if they see you at least few days in a row

[@KaylaandMatej]

Love it, thanks for the tip!

[@ErikNjegovanRubini-wt2ho]

You are welcome

[@annestancic4101]

I felt judged somewhat when I was in Croatia but I’m a kinda loud colorful person (i wear bright colored clothes and most in Croatia wear darker colors) They would stare and it felt intimidating but I believe it’s cultural differences. All that being said, I absolutely loved Croatia and was sorry to leave.

[@vrcmf3172]

As a Croat who moved to America I’d say the American lifestyle is very dependent on where you move to. Miami is very very similar to Croatia in that people enjoy life a lot. New York is more where you go to make a fortune. In Croatia we do enjoy life but because economy is bad many of us leave for years to work in Germany, Netherlands etc. but I’d say in America you have places where it’s also laid back. I went to Idaho and was shocked how they lived. No Americans want to go to Idaho because it’s not California to New York so again I’d say it’s like Europe. Croatia and Germany are not the same

[@goodlawyer1813]

You guys are awesome. SN: The beaches in Florida are pretty nice; I highly recommend Naples, FL or Palm Beach, FL. I would be dumbfounded if Croatia's beaches are better than those. :-)

[@1borism]

She'll be apples! Relax, embrace, and enjoy life!

[@nickcigo_6578]

to b e honest as a half croatian living in belgium and speaking the language bot fluently but really good. i would live in croatia in an instant but the economy comapred to belgium is just not worht it for me , when im older i hope to renovate my property there so i can live there . for now 1 month in the summer and during christmas is good enough ;)

[@spaceexplorer3690]

No small talk and fake smiles thats all

[@KaylaandMatej]

got it 😂

[@vanessazlatic7849]

Kayla, you are probably self conscious about your skin colour because almost everyone around you is white, but I can tell you that people are not staring at you because of your skin colour. They are looking at you because you are good looking and Croatians, both women and men appreciate good looks. So forget about being brown. It's not a thing. There was a black guy living in Croatia (maybe he is still there) and I mean black. He loved Zagorje and he kept telling everybody that he was a Zagorec. Everyone loved that! It was so funny. Zagorci are very pale otherwise. He was definitely not a Zagorec but hey, he felt like one because that's how much he loved Zagorje. Welcome to Croatia. You will love it more the longer you are there.

[@ErikNjegovanRubini-wt2ho]

Well I Don't hate you and you are welcome to my country :) even do I live in Paris

[@KaylaandMatej]

Awe thank you!

[@user-cj2hi4uf8i]

Yeah we dont do fake smile and way too loud laughin,try to relax and chill a lil bit,and that feelin everyone hates u,they dont,we just tired of tourists and low paycheck lol

[@KaylaandMatej]

😂

[@cetterus]

It gets better... there will be no Target and all the convenience that comes with it but you will learn where to get specific stuff in different places. You will also be stranger less and less. There are bad things that come with it as well. But things that worry you the most at the moment- these will get much better with time. Croatians are good bunch. Even when they don't know it. They are force fed information about how everything Croatian is bad. Because their enemies hold most of media. Those who see pass that- they enjoy more.

[@anteperic2836]

We have 3 C’s, our J’s sound like Y’s, and if you want to learn to read we generally are phonetically sounding words

[@KaylaandMatej]

Je, Kayla se polako baca u učenje hrvatskog i super joj ide :)

[@anteperic2836]

@@KaylaandMatej Ja sam iz Slavonske Požege, puno sam putovao u svoje vrijeme, učenje novih jezika je uglavnom obveza naše kulture

[@suzisuzi5197]

I have one advice for bothof you seem nice people. Croatia it not friendly,sophicate organise country, as you think they're . On the other hand salary are shit here in comparison American salary. The employer has very hight expectation for such small salary the amount over time both are working. Run before wast your both precision time. Don't do same mistake as we did . Good luck 👍

[@kentprince4851]

Have a little one and you can learn the language as the baby grows up

[@user-mg4sd9wx6q]

Ja sam iz Hrvatske

[@DigitalCatnipDesigns.]

Omg im Croatian living in Germany its 10 time worse.Its all Europe nobody gonna laugh and talk to stranger in shoping or on the street.

[@anaximanderofapollonia9842]

Well, since this was the first video of yours that I watched, I was actually expecting a plot twist where you (the woman) is croatian while your husband is a Yank. As someone from the north west of Croatia, your skin tone is not anything special. Also, I heard an analogy which describes "western vs. eastern (european)" mentality: peach vs. coconut. As in, "a soft shell with a hard inside vs. a hard shell with a soft inside." And an observation of mine, though I do not know how (in)correct it is. Protestant vs. catholic mentality. On some hierarchy, the moral values go like this: Protestant: 1) efficiency, 2) politeness, 3) honesty, Catholics: 1) honesty, 2) efficiency, 3) politeness. As in, to be efficient, you need to abide by some set of rules/norms. In doing so, you get politeness at the expense of honesty. The result is: more efficient with a side dish of (built up) frustrations (especially when one emphasises individualism over collectivism). While for the catholics, if I can be honest, then I can be efficient. And when I am efficient, then I will be polite (because I got everything I want). Therefore, since getting 2+ people's honesty to work is the hard part, then as a result, efficiency suffers. But when that is achieved, so is efficiency and then one's politness becomes a side effect. All in all, the best of luck to you, peach, on your conversion into becoming a coconut. Because, not gonna lie, your desire to not offend anyone is an alien concept for me/us.

[@emotivelyy_]

⚛️➗

[@ekonomist5]

Kao da sele u neko Africko pleme.🙄

[@R12gordini]

dušo moja, mi ne kidamo kruh to rade srbi

[@Eline_Meijer]

literally no one cares

[@annestancic4101]

No one cares about what?

[@ronstochler]

Its Croatian not Keration.