Life on Hvar
Idyllic.
Soaring mountains and crystalline seas are the setting for a vibrant, caring community of families.
Moving to island Hvar is not just about choosing the best school. It is about coming to a place where “the good life” is possible: where you feel safe, know your neighbors, and can live comfortably on a normal income. This is a place to be in community with others who are committed to care for each other and their chosen home.
Hvar is a pristine island on the coast of Croatia, an EU member state which faces Italy across the Adriatic sea. Croatia is a democratic country with moderate politics, inexpensive national healthcare, and a skilled workforce. Almost all people under the age of forty speak English fluently. The average gross salary in Croatia is around €22,000 per year.
The island of Hvar is home to 10,000 year-round residents including many artists, academics, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn by its natural beauty and gentle climate. Children and strollers are ubiquitous. This is in part because the island is quite livable. It boasts attractive museums and historic sites, modern grocery stores, charming libraries, frequent daily ferries and catamarans to the city of Split, an emergency room and helicopter, excellent restaurants and lively cafes, and extensive hiking trails.
This is Mediterranean bucolic life at its best: gorgeous and walkable historic towns; acres of olive orchards, vineyards, and gardens; and the cleanest beaches in Europe.
Relocation
Residency, housing, and career are the key practical considerations for families relocating from abroad.
Residency. EU/EEA citizens may relocate to Croatia easily. For third-country nationals, such as citizens of the US, Canada, and the UK, the process is more complicated, but navigable. Croatia has temporary residencies which are straightforward to get. These last for 12 months and require a 90-day pause before renewal. Croatia also offers temporary residency to high school students, and direct family members can obtain residency through that child. After five years, third country nationals are eligible for permanent residency or long-term stay. The Field School of Hvar does not directly handle immigration matters, but can connect families with vetted experts in this domain.
Housing. The long-term rental market on Hvar is currently fairly small, so finding the perfect flat takes some work. Likewise mortgages are not generally available to foreigners in Croatia and fixer-uppers are a major undertaking. Again, The Field School of Hvar does not provide real estate services, but can recommend trusted agencies.
Career. The most challenging aspect of relocation for most citizens outside the European economic zone will be career. Entrepreneurship, freelancing, remote work, and local employment are all possible solutions. Hvar is one hour by boat from a major Croatian city, Split, and from the airport, which has one-hour direct flights to Paris, two-hour flights to Berlin, and three-hour flights to London.
Parents are an active part of The Field School of Hvar. Family involvement benefits children, school affordability, and creates a sense of belonging in what - for most - will be a foreign country. We build community in a variety of ways: admissions, logistical support, service, and celebrations.
During the admissions process, families come to Hvar to assess our community. They meet our faculty, enrolled families, local friends, and program partners. Before school begins, children and adults already have many friendly faces awaiting them on the island.
Once enrolled, our staff at The Field School assist parents in navigating the logistics of relocation by connecting families with vetted real estate agents, immigration consultants, doctors, and other important contacts.
Finally, when families arrive, parents are welcomed into holiday celebrations, all school Friday parties, Service Saturdays, and shared work teams of a few parents each, which assist with the everyday operations of the school.
Mentors and Neighbors
the role of parents at The Field School of Hvar
