From Nepal to Osijek: Nepali Student Pursues Theology in Croatia

In a story that highlights the diverse paths individuals take in pursuit of their dreams, Som Bahadur Baraili, a 29-year-old from Nepal, has found an unexpected home and calling in Croatia. Arriving three and a half years ago with the primary goal of supporting his mother, Baraili's journey has led him not to the typical labor jobs many of his compatriots undertake, but to the hallowed halls of the Evangelical Theological College in Osijek. His dedication to his faith and family is evident as he shares his motivations, driven by a belief in divine plans and a deep respect for his mother, who single-handedly raised six children. Baraili's initial experiences in Croatia were challenging, marked by demanding work as a delivery driver and construction laborer. A particularly jarring cultural shock came when he worked as a barista in Dubrovnik, a role vastly different from his understanding of the profession in Nepal, where it involves serving only coffee and cakes, not alcohol. This experience, coupled with his aversion to alcohol, led him to seek new opportunities, eventually finding work in a five-star hotel where he was treated with kindness and respect by his manager, whom he describes as a brother. It was through his involvement with a Baptist church in Dubrovnik that the path to theological studies opened up, leading him to Osijek and a scholarship that allows him to pursue his academic and spiritual aspirations. Baraili's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of opportunity, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience in Croatia.

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The reason I left Nepal and came here was, above all, because I believe God had a plan for me. Another very important reason was that I wanted to help my mother.