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[latinrn]

Hello.
I came accross this blog and was excited to be able to get some feedback!
My husband and I are planning to take our 3 sons on a one year trip to travel Europe. We thought of renting a house in either Spain or Italy (for a home base) and visit our host country and surrounding countries about 3-4 days out of the week. We found out that we will need a Schengen long term Visa. Fourtunately, we will not need a work visa, since I understand these are hard to get approval for.
How do I go about getting a Schengen Visa? Do I really need one? Has anyone attempted this crazy notion to live abroad with 3 young kids? Am I crazy? Am I brilliant? Italy vs. Spain? Any advice/tips would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thank you!

[starlagurl]

What country are you coming from? It might be different depending on which country you are from.

[mmbcross]

My family and I went to live in Guatemala for four years in 1998 when my son was just starting high school. We enrolled him in the American School of Guatemala. When we returned home, he was accepted into Florida International University without any necessity for remedial courses. He speaks Spanish like a Guatemalan, and has many friends he still keeps in touch with. It was a priceless experience for all of us. Europe will be even better. Go for it!

[wakingdream]

Has anyone attempted this crazy notion to live abroad with 3 young kids? Am I crazy? Am I brilliant?

That's an easy one....you're brilliant!

[mmbcross]

By the way, Italy is more centrally located for visiting all of Europe. Spain is a bit on the periphery. On the other hand, having everyone speaking Spanish fluently will probably be of more use in the United States when you come home (if you ever come home).

[oneyearaway]

We took a year away to travel around the world with our three kids, ages (at the time) 6, 9 and 10. It was a great experience. How old are your kids? Homesickness will be a greater problem as they approach teenage years. Don't underestimate this issue as we did on our trip.

Can't speak to the visa issue. Ours were all short-term.

My strong vote would be Italy (partly because I love Italy). It is more central, and it is generally more pro-American, not in terms of policy but in terms of people-to-people affection.

You might also consider renting for three to four months each in a few different places. This would give you the experience of "being at home" in several cultures. We found what we loved most about the places we stayed longer-term was just the day-to-day joys of stopping at our local bar for an espresso, shopping at the Coop, etc.

Regards,

Jim Hemphill