Simone from Our Year in Bali visited client Thomas in his home in Pejeng Ubud to talk about his recent family’s move from Austria to Bali. Their story offers an honest look at what it really takes to relocate with a young child — from education and lifestyle decisions to culture, community, and long-term planning.
When we first connected with Thomas in July 2024, it was through our complimentary discovery call. At the time, Thomas and his wife were still living in Austria, carefully exploring what life outside Europe might look like for their young family. Nearly a year later, Simone found herself sitting across from Thomas in his Ubud home, filming this conversation in person — a moment that marked the transition from planning to lived experience.
Thomas and his wife arrived in Bali with their four-year-old son, driven by a desire to create a healthier, more balanced environment for their family. The decision to leave Europe wasn’t impulsive. It came after months of reflection, research, and honest conversations about what mattered most to them. At the heart of every decision was their child.
This article is a narrative reflection of Simone’s in-home conversation with Thomas.
Watch the full interview on the Our Year in Bali YouTube channel, filmed in Pejeng Ubud, where they go deeper into the family’s decision-making process, daily life in Bali, cost considerations, and advice for other families planning a move.
Choosing a Different Path
Thomas explains that the family began looking beyond Europe because they no longer felt aligned with the political climate and overall pace of life there. Rather than reacting out of frustration, they approached the move as an opportunity to intentionally choose a place where their son could grow in a calmer, more open environment.
Weather and lifestyle played a role — Thomas has always loved the ocean and warm climates — but those factors were secondary. The real deciding factor was education.
Education First, Always
Before committing to Bali, the family explored several destinations across Asia, as well as countries like Australia and the United States. While some offered strong education systems, they came with significantly higher costs and less flexibility, especially as Thomas was in the early stages of building his business.
Bali stood out for its wide range of international schools and kindergartens, many of which combine strong academics with multicultural environments and a focus on early childhood development.
Their son now attends an international kindergarten in Ubud where English is the primary language and Bahasa Indonesia is introduced naturally. He started shortly after the family arrived and settled in quickly.
Like most families who relocate internationally, they faced small challenges in the early weeks — navigating a new culture, new routines, and a different pace of life — but nothing unexpected.
Why Ubud Became Home
Once the kindergarten was chosen, deciding where to live became much easier. Ubud offered proximity to the school, a quieter atmosphere, and a strong sense of community.
Their home is just a short scooter ride from the kindergarten, making daily routines simple and manageable. Beyond practicality, the area also offers cafés, yoga studios, and green spaces that support a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
For Thomas and his family, these everyday details have made a noticeable difference in how connected and settled they feel.
Language, Adaptability, and Trust
Language is often one of the biggest concerns for parents moving abroad. For Thomas and his wife, it wasn’t a source of stress.
Their son had already been exposed to English in Austria, and full immersion in an international kindergarten helped him adapt quickly. At four years old, learning happens naturally, without pressure.
Thomas believes their son’s smooth transition was also influenced by their own mindset. Staying calm and flexible made it easier for their child to feel secure in a new environment.
Community and Culture in Bali
One of the most striking differences between life in Central Europe and life in Bali has been the strong sense of community.
Balinese culture places a high value on family, ceremony, and togetherness. While this was initially an adjustment, it has become one of the aspects the family finds most meaningful.
Experiencing this way of life has encouraged them to slow down, be more present, and rethink how they spend time together as a family.
Planning a Move Like This Takes Time
From the first conversation to arrival in Bali, the family’s journey took around a year. Thomas is open about the fact that this kind of move requires time, research, and the right support.
During the planning process, Thomas shared that having one clear point of contact and access to structured information through Our Year in Bali made navigating schools, documents, and local contacts far more manageable. The family purchased the Silver service to ensure they were covered across the board.
Looking Ahead
For now, the family plans to stay in Bali for a minimum of two years, with the flexibility to extend if it continues to feel like the right place for them.
Their story reflects what we see time and again at Our Year in Bali: families who approach relocation with clarity, patience, and realistic expectations tend to settle more smoothly and build fulfilling lives here. It is common for families to trial Bali for a year or two with an open mind to extend.
