Exploring Life in Serbia: An Expat's Journey and Insights

When asked what inspired her to move to Serbia, Kimberly explained that her decision was rooted in a desire for a lifestyle change. Having lived in Canada, where she found the educational system and cultural ideologies to be unsettling, Kimberly sought a new place where she could align more closely with her values, particularly around family and education. “The biggest reason we chose Serbia was the desire for a different and better lifestyle,” she shared. For her, this was a move not just for herself but for her entire family.

One of the most noticeable differences Kimberly highlighted between Canada and Serbia was the pace of life. "People in Serbia are much more laid-back, whether they are locals or expats. The rush-rush mentality of North America is replaced with a more relaxed, slower-paced lifestyle," she explained. In Serbia, there’s a strong emphasis on enjoying life, with vibrant café culture and families spending time together in public spaces. The slower pace isn’t just refreshing; it’s also a significant factor in why many expats, like Kimberly, feel more at ease here.

Another aspect of Serbian life that struck Kimberly was the strong family values. “Family is deeply valued here, more so than what you typically see in Canada. You see families walking together, and children are everywhere. There's a sense of community that fosters a connection between all generations,” she shared. The cultural norm of family closeness in Serbia, where extended families often play an active role in daily life, was an eye-opener for her.

Additionally, Kimberly pointed out that Serbia has an inherent safety and security that makes this sense of community thrive. She noted that the country feels much safer, with a reduced sense of fear for personal safety when compared to some areas in Canada. "It’s a peaceful environment where people feel secure, which is a nice change," she explained.

Adapting to life in Serbia came with its own challenges, and the most significant hurdle for Kimberly has been the language barrier. “Serbian is not an easy language to learn, and not being fluent definitely posed some challenges. Simple things, like shopping for groceries, became more difficult without knowing the language,” she said. However, she found that most Serbians are patient and willing to communicate, even if it means using basic English or translation apps. The effort to learn Serbian is something Kimberly has embraced, finding that even small efforts to speak the local language are appreciated by the community.

One of the things Kimberly truly appreciates about Serbia is how the community values the protection of its children, the elderly, and women. This respect for all generations creates an environment where children, even at a young age, can be more independent in public spaces, something she noted as being quite different from the culture in Canada.

She also highlighted how the patriarchal aspects of Serbian society contribute to this sense of protection. "There's a feeling that men here are very polite and protective of women and children. It’s a level of respect that you don’t see as much in North America," she said.

For anyone in Canada or the U.S. contemplating a move to Serbia, Kimberly’s advice is simple: "Come and try it. You can always go back if it doesn’t work out." She encourages those with concerns about moving to Serbia—especially those who think it may be stuck in a time of the past—to visit first and experience the country’s true essence. "Serbia is more modern than many people think, and technology here is actually ahead of North America in many ways," she noted.

Kimberly’s story is a reminder that relocating to Serbia can be a refreshing and enriching experience, offering a different pace of life, family values, and safety that many expats long for. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, Serbia has much to offer. If you’re thinking about making the move, or if you have children and are considering homeschooling options, Kimberly’s services through Star Students could help smooth your transition.

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