Stories from the Falklands
What’s it really like to live in the Falkland Islands? From thriving careers to stunning landscapes and a deep sense of community, these case studies share the everyday experiences of people who’ve made the Falklands their home.
From finding the perfect work-life balance, to discovering new passions, or building meaningful connections, each snapshot offers a window into the unique lifestyle the Falklands offer.
These stories show what’s possible when you make the move, embrace a new way of life and keep an open mind.
Read on to discover what a typical day looks like, what people do for work and leisure and why so many choose to stay.
A Teacher in the Falklands
Meet Tim Mean, a teacher who found fulfilment and space after moving to the Falklands from the British Isles in 2020. The new pace of life gave him the space to focus on his well-being, embrace a supportive community, and enjoy the outdoors, all while balancing his teaching career with a much-needed work-life harmony.
Tim moved to the Islands as a Year 5 teacher and, three years later, became the school’s deputy principal.
Outside of work, Tim has explored activities that he would never have tried back in the UK. He has played indoor and lawn bowls, bridge, archery, and even knitting. He now does a weekly darts report on the local radio and hosts a monthly pub quiz and winter radio quiz. He helps with Park Run and is also part of the drama club, which puts on productions once a year.
According to Tim, the Falklands are special because of the massively supportive and encouraging community. One piece of advice he has for newcomers is to come with an open mind.
“Come with the philosophy of not saying no to anything and embrace it for what it is. It’ll give back to you twofold… if you let it in,” Tim said.
A Family in the Falklands
Meet Debbie, a professional and mother of three who moved to the Islands with her husband, daughters and their labrador dog Cookie.
Debbie and her husband were both working full-time with 40-minute commutes and a busy nursery and school drop-offs in the mornings. Life felt like a constant rush – traffic, clubs, appointments – and not enough quality time together as a family.
They wanted to experience a different way of living while the kids were still young. When she researched the Falklands, the scenery reminded her of Scotland. The slower pace, lack of commute, and smaller community were a big draw.
After taking a career break to help the family settle in, Debbie discovered more than just a new job in the Falkland Islands – she found space to breathe, time to connect with her family, and the chance to reshape her career in new, exciting ways.
A Big City Person
Meet James, a chef and marketer from the Philippines, has found a new sense of balance and opportunity in the Falkland Islands, where the different pace of life allowed him to explore career options and rediscover his creative passions.
Back home, in Manila, James juggled three jobs: teaching at a university, a college and a training centre, while also appearing on TV cooking shows in Metro Manila. He sent many of his students to work on ships and in hotels worldwide, until one day he decided he wanted an adventure abroad, too.
A chef position in the Falklands was his first opportunity. Aged 30 at the time, he decided to go for it. After two years as a chef, he moved into education, focusing on exams and data management for the Falkland Islands Government. He then shifted back to the food industry. Nowadays, he handles marketing for the largest supermarket on the islands, which he says is less stressful but still connected to his passion for food.
He also features as a chef on Falkland Islands Television (FITV), which helps keep his creative side alive.
In his free time, James enjoys off-roading, flying in the small Britten-Norman aircraft and driving out to penguin colonies.
A British Expat
Meet Darnell, who moved to the Falklands in 2022 from London.
After a role in journalism, his first in this field, he moved into communications and marketing in the conservation sector, and he has really enjoyed the transition.
Moving to the Islands felt exciting and surreal at the beginning: “It was like stepping into a simulation where everyone was happy and welcoming,” he said.
Aside from work, Darnell is involved with various activities, including playing netball, joining a swimming group and a choir, which has been a big part of his social life. He also chose to give back to his community by serving as a reserve police officer.
Darnell was initially planning to stay for one year only, but has ended up staying a lot longer. The opportunity to try new things, grow professionally, and enjoy an excellent quality of life were key factors in his decision to stay.
“I never expected to stay this long, but the Falklands has a way of drawing you in,” he said.
A Sports Lover
Meet Toni, who discovered a sense of ease and connection in the Falkland Islands, where the relaxed pace of life allowed him to focus on what matters.
As an experienced fisheries consultant, Toni had always wanted to live somewhere cold, remote, and dependent on fisheries; Norway or Iceland were the initial ideas. Then, a friend saw a suitable job in the Falklands, and he thought that was exactly what he was after.
Toni loves sports, and in the Falklands he has been able to play some at a top level. He has played volleyball with the national team and has had the opportunity to travel for competitions.
The best part of living on the Islands is the small things, according to Toni. “Things get sorted. People trust each other. If you forget your phone at the café, someone will turn it in or post it on Facebook. It’s a rare kind of community,” he said.
A Professional
Meet Hannah, a broadcast journalist who seized the opportunity to advance her career and go on the adventure of her lifetime.
Hannah moved to the Islands after successfully applying for a 12-month journalism contract with FITV, the Falklands’ leading broadcaster. She was looking for something different and challenging, and it certainly delivered.
Many years on, the Falklands are very much her home, and her career has evolved greatly.
She extended her stay after being offered a once-in-a-lifetime filming trip to South Georgia. After two years, she became Deputy Station Manager, which meant stepping into leadership roles. In 2023, she became Station Manager- an incredibly rewarding role that allows her to help shape the future of FITV, grow the station, and develop her own leadership style.
She said yes to as many new experiences as possible and advises anyone new to the Islands to do the same!
A Scientist
Meet Jorge, a marine scientist from the Gulf of Mexico who moved to the Falklands in 2018 to join a group of international scientists and explore species that he would not have been able to study elsewhere.
Being part of a smaller group at work has allowed Jorge to get involved in different projects and to learn more quickly than he would have been able to do elsewhere.
Outside of work, Jorge found time to start playing hockey again, which was one of his childhood passions.
“Despite being a small community, there’s always something happening, whether it’s going for a hike, walking along the beach, fishing, playing sports, or just hanging out with friends at the pub,” Jorge said.