An American family has shared their daily sense of relief knowing their children are safe at school after making a life-changing decision to move overseas.
Clara Hogan, alongside her husband Brian Hogan Stewart and their two daughters, made the bold move to Bologna, Italy, in August 2024. Their relocation was fueled by a long-held desire to live abroad, but the final push came from escalating political tensions and the high cost of living in California. Brian’s acceptance into a prestigious MBA program in Italy provided the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.
The family sold their house, pared down their belongings, and embraced a new chapter on the opposite side of the globe. At 36 years old, Clara and Brian now experience immense relief each day as they see off their six-year-old to primary school and their three-year-old to kindergarten.
Clara, originally from Iowa and a content strategist, expressed mixed emotions, stating, “Sending my daughter to primary school brings a wave of relief, but it’s also bittersweet as I think about friends back in the States.” The decision to move abroad had long been on their minds, especially as financial struggles mounted in San Pablo, California.
Skyrocketing daycare and food expenses, coupled with concerns about the possibility of Donald Trump’s re-election, prompted the family to seek a change. Clara explained, “Living in San Pablo was enjoyable, but financially challenging, especially after having kids. We had a gut feeling that Trump might win again, which was unsettling. Having previously visited Italy and fallen in love with the culture, Brian’s acceptance into the master’s program felt like a perfect match.”
Brian’s application for an MBA in Food and Wine in Bologna was successful in early 2024. Consequently, the couple liquidated their assets and made the move. Clara acknowledged the swift and overwhelming nature of the transition, recounting tearful moments during the initial months in Italy. However, their community in Bologna quickly blossomed, providing a sense of belonging that surpassed their experiences in the Bay Area.
As they settled into their new Italian lifestyle, Clara noticed stark contrasts in school safety measures compared to the U.S. She highlighted the absence of security concerns during her daughter’s school enrollment process in Italy, a far cry from the anxiety-inducing assessments of American schools.
Financially, the family reaped benefits from the relocation, despite transitioning from a dual-income to a single-income household. They now save significantly on rent, daycare, and grocery expenses, allowing them a sense of financial ease previously elusive in the U.S. Clara emphasized the peace they now enjoy in Italy, even as they grapple with occasional pangs of missing home comforts and family.
Uncertain about returning to the U.S., Clara and Brian find solace in the safety and tranquility their new life in Italy offers, a stark contrast to the uncertainties and anxieties they left behind.
