The idea of homeschooling while traveling the world – “worldschooling” – is incredibly appealing. Imagine your children learning about ancient civilizations while standing at the foot of the pyramids, or studying marine biology while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. This is something that we dream about as a family. Being trinational, you really need to explore the world, right?!
We also consider moving overseas and being established in another country for longer periods of time. Homeschooling the girls is still our aim, so we have to take the different homeschooling laws around the world. Some countries would be lovely, but they aren’t feasible as they don’t like homeschooling.
Maybe you are considering a move overseas and would like to start homeschooling (if you aren’t now). Now is the time to get set up with homeschooling so that it is successful when you are overseas. Same principles apply no matter where you hit the books. (plug course)
And with worldschooling you have some options – shorter term stays in different countries and you cart your curriculum along with you, or longer term moves to a country (6 months to several years).
BENEFITS OF WORLDSCHOOLING
Here are just a few great benefits of worldschooling:
- Lots of experiential learning. You are moving beyond the textbook and get to earn by doing, seeing, and experiencing the world around you.
- Firsthand cultural experiences
- Global perspective
- Learn new languages in a natural and immersive environment
- Advanced interpersonal skills
- And more!
But before you pack your bags and hit the road, it’s crucial to ask yourself some serious questions. There are many considerations for family life, etc. but let’s focus on the educational aspect.
Learn the difference between homeschooling, unschooling and worldschooling.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Have you researched the homeschooling laws in the countries you plan to visit?
It might not be necessary if you are only there for a few weeks (think tourist) but if you plan to stay any length of time, you need to know the regulations. A great place to start is by looking at https://hslda.org/ but it is also good to reach out to the expat community to see whether it is feasible for you. You should also work out how to maintain accurate educational records that will be recognized in your home country, if you plan to move back there or your children will want to go there for higher education.
What curriculum will you use?
If you are traveling to many countries, you might prefer to use an online option, as you don’t want to be hauling heavy books with you. Can you limit what you are using – as in select subjects – and allow the rest to be experiential learning? This might not work for highschool kids who have set requirements for graduation. And, if you are going to use an online curriculum, you will need reliable internet access.
What will your routine be like? Will you have one or not?
It can be good to establish routines or a good flow, to maintain a sense of normalcy for your children while traveling. For longer stays this will be much easier.
What about socialization?
You need to plan for opportunities for your children to socialize with other children, such as joining local homeschooling groups or participating in extracurricular activities. Get involved with the expat community. Also encourage cultural immersion and help your children adapt to new environments and experiences.
What are your family’s needs and preferences?
Do you prefer slow travel or fast-paced adventures? Are you prepared for the challenges of constant travel and living in close quarters as a family? Maybe it works for you to be in a new place every few weeks, or maybe you need to settle for several months at a time. Maybe it is a permanent move. Take these preferences into account.
Consider your child’s learning style and choose a travel itinerary that supports their needs. Don’t know your child’s learning style? I can help with that.
Worldschooling can be an incredibly enriching experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Careful planning, open communication, and a flexible approach are essential for a successful and enjoyable journey.
