An American family has shared their daily sense of “relief” now that they no longer worry about their children’s safety at school after making a significant decision to move abroad.
Clara Hogan, along with her husband Brian Hogan Stewart and their two daughters, made the move to Bologna, Italy, in August 2024. The family’s dream of living overseas became a reality as rising political tensions and living expenses in California became too burdensome. Brian’s acceptance into a prestigious MBA program in Italy provided the perfect opportunity for them to embark on a fresh start.
They made the bold choice to sell their house, let go of most of their possessions, and embrace a new life on the other side of the world. Both aged 36, Clara and Brian now experience a great sense of relief every morning as they send their six-year-old to primary school and their three-year-old to kindergarten.
Clara, a content strategist from Iowa, expressed, “I feel a wave of relief when she goes to primary school, but there’s also a sense of sadness as I think about my friends in the States. No one should have to worry about their children’s safety in schools.” The idea of moving abroad had been on Clara and Brian’s minds for some time, particularly due to financial challenges faced in San Pablo, California.
The combination of high daycare and food costs, along with the potential re-election of Donald Trump as president, motivated them to seek change. Clara explained, “Living in San Pablo was enjoyable, and it’s where we started our family. However, financial struggles persisted, especially after having children. We had concerns about the possibility of Trump winning again, which was unsettling. Having previously visited Italy and falling in love with the country and its culture, Brian’s opportunity to pursue a master’s program there felt like the perfect fit.”
In early 2024, Brian applied for an MBA in Food and Wine in Bologna and was accepted in March. Consequently, the couple sold their property, vehicles, and most belongings before relocating. Clara admitted that the transition was rapid and overwhelming, particularly during the initial months.
She recalled, “The first few months in Italy were quite emotional, with frequent moments of feeling overwhelmed. We were unfamiliar with the language and didn’t know anyone in Bologna. However, our community quickly expanded within those initial months. I feel more connected to a community here in nine months than we ever did in the Bay Area.”
As the family settled into their new Italian life, Clara noticed significant differences in how schools functioned compared to the U.S. She realized the extent of her concerns for her child’s safety back home when enrolling her daughter in school.
She noted, “I didn’t have the same worries as I did when evaluating schools in the States. Safety concerns about secure doors or glass windows were absent. I remember being anxious in California when I noticed my daughter’s classroom was close to the entrance, but those thoughts didn’t arise here. Safety concerns were not even a topic of discussion with the teacher because it’s not a worry here.”
Despite transitioning from dual to single-income status, the family’s finances benefitted from the move. They now save £1,281 monthly on rent, £3,015 on daycare, and their grocery expenses have halved.
Clara expressed, “It’s a relief to have financial peace of mind. We downsized to a smaller space but are spending only $2000 monthly, a significant reduction from our U.S. mortgage. With both daughters attending public school here, daycare costs are eliminated. Our food expenses have decreased from about $350 to $175 per week, and it could be even lower if we shopped outside central Bologna. Additionally, we no longer own or use cars as everything is within walking distance, reducing our monthly costs from $1400 to zero.”
While uncertain about returning to the U.S., Clara and Brian have found a level of tranquility in Italy that was previously absent in the States.
She mentioned, “Being away from family is challenging, and there are things we miss. As an expatriate, you long for familiar comforts, like missing good Mexican food. The uncertainty following Trump’s re-election and subsequent events make it even harder. However, we managed to visit my family in Iowa this summer, allowing us occasional reunions. Knowing my daughter is safe at school holds immense value for me.”