Jane Aickin and David Williams
Renting out their New Zealand house six years ago, Jane and David took their three boys Taine, Quinn and Jesse (aged 14, 12 and 11 at the time) to live in Italy for a year. They lived in Piazanno on the Tuscan/Umbrian border for a large part of that year where the whole family worked taking care of a 300ha private park and garden in exchange for board and food.
“It was an incredible experience,” says Jane. “We had lots of goals but the goal that was least stated and most powerfully delivered on, is that it brought us together as a family. You had to be each other’s mates, entertainment, language-learning student buddies, navigators etc — it was a real level playing field for every member of the family and we got to work with and build on everyone’s strengths.
“The kids had varying reactions initially — the 14-year-old, who was the most reluctant and apprehensive, actually found it the most liberating and the easiest. Mr 12 was going to be a footballer so this was heaven, until umpteen rules put paid to him ever playing one competitive game for the club. The 11-year-old thought a big trip overseas sounded great before we went, but struggled initially when it became a reality. But as time progressed, they all adjusted and ended up having a great time. When they came back they were so much more worldly, empathetic to others and clear about what they wanted in life.
“It wasn’t all perfect. There were administrative challenges and regulations that differed to New Zealand. Jesse broke his arm and we had to deal with working through rural hospital systems where little English was spoken. Our beautiful dog passed away two weeks after we left Tāmaki Makaurau. That, in particular, was really incredibly hard.
“To anyone thinking of doing this, I’d say don’t be scared by the finances. Yes, you need some money, but you no longer have the cost of insurance, running cars, NZ-priced groceries, perhaps a mortgage. You can rent out your house and go interest-only so there’s no debt servicing. Sell the cars or lock them up and if you volunteer for food and board, it’s all very possible.”