For many families, the dream of a more connected, intentional life is leading them far from suburbia—to the lush, spiritual heart of Bali. In this story, we meet Aileen and her family from Georgia, who swapped their structured American routine for life in an eco-village near Ubud and enrolled their children in Bali’s world-renowned Green School.
Their journey reveals what it truly means to trade convenience for community, structure for self-discovery, and predictability for the unpredictable magic of “Mama Bali.” From barefoot learning and bamboo classrooms to deep cultural immersion and daily offerings, this family’s leap of faith shows how Bali transforms not just where you live—but how you live.
Introduction: The American Dream Meets Bali’s Magic
Imagine trading your SUV for a motorbike, your air-conditioned office for an open-air bamboo classroom, and your suburban neighbourhood for a vibrant eco-village surrounded by rice paddies. For an increasing
number of American families, this isn’t just a fantasy – it’s becoming reality.
Meet Aileen and her family from Georgia, who made the bold decision to relocate from the American South to Ubud, Bali, with their three children aged 11, 9, and 3. Their story offers invaluable insights for families considering a similar leap of faith, particularly those interested in alternative education through Bali’s famous Green School.
Why American Families Are Choosing Bali: Beyond the Obvious
The Education Revolution
For many American families, the catalyst for considering Bali isn’t just wanderlust – it’s education. Aileen’s family had already experimented with homeschooling, recognising that traditional American education wasn’t aligned with their values or their children’s learning styles.
“We knew that there was another way for our family that would work better and feel more aligned for all of our individual souls,” Aileen explains. The Green School, with its commitment to nature-based learning and regenerative education, had been on their radar for years.
Green School Bali: What American Families Need to Know
The Reality Check: It’s Not for Everyone
Before you start packing your bags, Aileen offers crucial honest advice about Green School: “It has amazing marketing, but it’s not for everybody.”
Green School is ideal if your children:
● Love being outdoors all day
● Thrive without air conditioning
● Prefer barefoot learning
● Enjoy project-based, experiential learning
● Handle hot, humid weather well
● Don’t mind getting rained on regularly
Green School might not suit families who:
● Need traditional report cards and structured assessments
● Prefer classroom-based learning
● Require climate-controlled environments
● Want conventional academic tracking
A Day in the Life: Summer Camp Every Day
“It feels like summer camp every day,” Aileen describes. The educational philosophy center around:
● Nature-immersive learning
● Project-based curriculum
● Real-life skill development
● Community integration
● Experiential rather than theoretical learning
The school day runs from 7:30 AM pickup via bio-bus to 4:30 PM drop-off, with learning happening in bamboo classrooms, gardens, and natural settings throughout the campus.
Living in Bali: The Eco-Village Experience
Community Living: Old-Fashioned Values in a Modern World
Aileen’s family chose to live in an eco-village in Penestanan, a decision that proved transformative. Their home features:
● No doors except bedrooms (for mosquito protection)
● Earthen construction with feet always touching natural materials
● Rope swing in the kitchen (constantly used by neighborhood children)
● Open-flow design encouraging community interaction
The village lifestyle recreates what Aileen calls “old-fashioned living” where:
● Children move freely between homes
● Parents share childcare responsibilities naturally
● Community safety means kids can walk to cafes independently
● Everyone knows and watches out for each other’s children
Location Benefits: Penestanan’s Strategic Advantages
The family’s choice of Penestanan offers multiple benefits:
● 15-20 minute walk to Ubud center
● Direct access to rice paddies
● Walking distance to sacred river sites
● 5-minute walk to Green School bio-bus pickup
● Access to traditional Balinese alleyways and artist studios
The Challenges: Real Talk for Families Considering the Move
Homesickness and Adjustment
Even in paradise, challenges exist. Aileen notes that occasional homesickness affects the children, particularly missing grandparents and extended family. However, the benefits of increased adaptability and resilience often outweigh these temporary struggles.
The “You Can’t Copy-Paste Your Life” Rule
One of Aileen’s most important pieces of advice centres on expectations: “You cannot copy and paste your life. You cannot copy and paste what you knew at home into this reality.” This means:
● Letting go of familiar routines and activities
● Embracing inconvenience as part of the adventure
● Shopping differently (carrying groceries on a motorbike limits bulk buying)
● Accepting that life will be less convenient but more magical
Practical Adjustments
Daily life requires significant adaptation:
● Transportation: From SUV to motorbike, including riding in rain
● Shopping: Frequent small trips rather than weekly bulk shopping
● Climate: Constant heat, humidity, and rain
● Infrastructure: Less reliable utilities and services
The Financial Reality: Making Bali Work for American Families
Cost Considerations
While Bali offers affordable living compared to many US locations, families should budget for:
● Green School tuition (significant annual cost)
● International health insurance
● Visa and permit fees
● Regular flights home for visits
● Higher costs for Western amenities
Travel and Exploration: Southeast Asia as Your Backyard
One unexpected benefit of Bali living is accessibility to Southeast Asian travel. Aileen’s family has explored:
● Thailand (Christmas vacation)
● Vietnam (described as “otherworldly”)
● Gili Islands (particularly Gili Asahan for snorkeling)
● Japan (easy access from Bali)
The affordability and accessibility of regional travel provides educational opportunities impossible from a US base.
Cultural Immersion: Living Among Hindu Traditions
Daily Spiritual Practice
Living in Bali means constant exposure to Hindu spiritual practices:
● Daily offerings and prayers throughout the community
● Incense and ceremonies as part of daily life
● Sacred spaces and temples integrated into neighbourhoods
● Purification ceremonies for life transitions
Impact on Children
The constant spiritual atmosphere affects children in profound ways:
● Participation in temple ceremonies
● Understanding of ritual and symbolism
● Exposure to different spiritual practices
● Integration of gratitude and mindfulness into daily life
Practical Tips for American Families Making the Move Before You Go
1. Travel light: Sell possessions and live minimally
2. Research thoroughly: Visit Bali first, preferably during different seasons
3. Secure income: Establish remote work or business systems
4. Set realistic expectations: Understand it won’t be like home
During Transition
1. Embrace the culture: Don’t try to recreate American life
2. Connect with expat communities: Green School provides built-in network
3. Be patient with adjustment: Allow time for family adaptation
4. Stay flexible: Plans will change, and that’s okay
Long-term Success Factors
1. Open mindset: Surrender to the experience
2. Community engagement: Participate in local and expat communities
3. Educational commitment: Understand Green School’s philosophy
4. Financial planning: Maintain stable income sources
The Green School Community: Your Support Network
Parent Integration
Green School actively involves parents in the community:
● Morning coffee sessions after bus drop-off
● Collaborative problem-solving for everything from piano teachers to specific services
● Shared travel planning and cultural exchange
● Mutual support systems for practical and emotional needs
Children’s Social Development
The school environment promotes:
● International friendships with children from around the world
● Cultural competency through diverse exposure
● Independence and problem-solving skills
● Environmental consciousness and sustainability awareness
Health and Safety Considerations
Medical Care
While Bali has adequate medical facilities, families should:
● Maintain international health insurance
● Understand limitations of local healthcare
● Plan for serious medical situations requiring evacuation
● Keep up with routine vaccinations and preventive care
Safety Factors
Generally, Bali offers:
● Low crime rates especially in expat areas
● Strong community watch systems
● Child-friendly environment with cultural protection of children
● Reliable transportation through established services
Timeline and Commitment: How Long Should You Stay?
Aileen’s Approach
The family initially planned a sabbatical but found the experience so transformative they’ve committed to additional time. Their approach:
● Flexible timeline without rigid end dates
● Seasonal commitments (extended through another school term)
● Open to other destinations as part of ongoing adventure
● Making the most of this life phase while flexibility exists
Recommended Minimum Stay
For families considering the move:
● One full school year minimum to truly experience the education
● 18 months ideal to handle initial adjustment plus full integration
● 2-3 years for deeper cultural immersion and language acquisition
Is Green School Bali Right for Your Family?
Ideal Candidates
Families most likely to thrive:
● Nature-loving children who prefer outdoor activities
● Parents seeking alternative education approaches
● Families comfortable with cultural immersion
● Those desiring slower, more intentional living
● Parents able to work remotely or with established passive income
Potential Challenges
Consider carefully if:
● Children need highly structured academic environments
● Parents require familiar support systems
● Family has significant extended family obligations
● Financial situation requires US-based income
● Health considerations require advanced medical care
Making the Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Are we seeking adventure or running from problems?
2. Can we financially sustain this lifestyle long-term?
3. Are our children adaptable and open to change?
4. Do we embrace uncertainty and cultural differences?
5. Are we prepared for the challenges alongside the benefits?
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Taking the Leap
Aileen’s family story demonstrates that dramatic life changes are possible with careful planning, open hearts, and willingness to embrace uncertainty. Their advice to families considering similar moves: “Don’t be afraid of mama Bali’s work in your life. Be open to it all, and you will come out on the other end so much more vibrant and alive and aligned and connected and in love with your life.”
Embracing Mother Bali’s Magic
Central to Aileen’s philosophy is the concept of trusting “Mama Bali’s magic” – viewing the island not just as a destination, but as a living, nurturing force that actively transforms those who approach it with openness. She believes you must “trust that the mother that is Bali is working her magic over you and through you.”
Drawing parallels to spiritual faith, she explains: “I always say in my practice, like, I am not afraid of God’s work in my life. So don’t be afraid of mama Bali’s work in your life.” This perspective suggests Bali possesses a divine, motherly energy that guides and transforms visitors who surrender to the experience.
From the moment you step off the plane and smell the incense, Aileen describes feeling “an island that’s alive and connected to spirit and connected to nature.” This living energy permeates daily life through constant prayer, offerings, and spiritual practices woven into the fabric of Balinese culture.
The Surrender Philosophy
The key to success lies not in trying to recreate American life in Bali, but in surrendering to the experience and allowing the transformation to unfold naturally. Aileen emphasises being open to all aspects of the Mother Bali experience – the challenges and inconveniences alongside the magic and beauty.
This surrender requires:
● Letting go of control and rigid expectations
● Embracing discomfort as part of growth
● Trusting the process even when it doesn’t make logical sense
● Remaining open to unexpected changes and opportunities
For families seeking alternative education, cultural immersion, and a more connected way of living, Bali – and particularly the Green School community – offers a unique opportunity to reimagine what family life can look like under the guidance of this nurturing island energy.
Whether this becomes a gap year adventure or a permanent lifestyle change, the experience of living in Bali with children offers lessons in adaptability, cultural awareness, and the power of community that will benefit families long after they return to their home countries – or decide to make Bali their permanent home.
The question isn’t whether moving to Bali with kids is challenging – it certainly is. The question is whether your family is ready to embrace those challenges as opportunities for growth, connection, and transformation, trusting in Mother Bali’s transformative magic along the way. For the right families, the answer is a resounding yes.
If you wish to do a school deep dive on the Green School or discuss other school options, reach out to us and book a consultation. We can connect you to other Green School families and get introduced to the School Head of Admissions. By working with Our Year in Bali we share everything a Green School family needs to know to hit the ground running.
