You live in BiH?... Why?? - Mirjam Buitelaar

​The most commonly asked question when people hear you live in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a genuine…. why?? 

​In this session, Mirjam will explain not only why she chose to live in Mostar, but also how she settled and enjoy the good life here. 

​Who is Mirjam Buitelaar?

​Mirjam Buitelaar knows what it's like to start over in a new country. Originally from the Netherlands, she has built a life across continents—from Dubai to China, and now in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she moved with her husband Hendrik Willem in August 2022.

​Her international journey began in Dubai, where she experienced life in one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. From there, she and Hendrik Willem moved to Changshu, China in 2020—arriving during the pandemic into a highly restricted environment. They spent nearly two years in China, navigating a completely different culture and language, before making their next big move.

​When they relocated to Mostar in 2022, they knew they were choosing something different, but that sense of adventure is exactly what drew them here.

​Living in Mostar has given Mirjam a deep appreciation for this city and country. She's written openly about learning to understand Bosnia and Herzegovina's complex history while figuring out how to build friendships and settle into a new place. In 2024, she even co-organized Mostar's first HR Conference.

​Through her coaching work and her own professional journey as an HR Leader and Leadership Development Coach, Mirjam understands the challenges and rewards of living abroad—the excitement and the loneliness, the cultural surprises and the practical hurdles. Whether you're just arriving or have been here a while, she knows what it takes to not just survive in a new country, but to truly thrive and make it home.