Educating Your Children While Traveling: Worldschooling
I get asked relatively often how my children are educated if we travel so much.
Answer: We worldschool!
Pictured: My children and I at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
I really challenge folx to think outside of the box. Children do not need to sit at a desk for 6-8 hours per day to learn! In fact, I find that my children learn much more in a shorter time period than if they are in a classroom with 25 other kids all day.
Worldschooling, an educational philosophy that integrates travel and global experiences into a child's learning journey, offers a wealth of benefits that can significantly enhance their development. It is not always easy but it has been extremely rewarding.
My kids personally use Miacademy for the basics and some electives. They really enjoy it and find it fun!
It only takes them 1-2 hours per day, tops and they are still at the level they should be for their ages, if not beyond in some subjects.
Benefits of Worldschooling
Cultural Awareness and Diversity:
Children experience different cultures, languages, and traditions firsthand, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity. This exposure cultivates empathy and open-mindedness. Worldschooled kids easily become global citizens.
Real-World Learning:
Education becomes an immersive experience as children learn in real-world settings. Visiting historical sites, museums, and natural wonders transforms abstract concepts into tangible, memorable knowledge.
We wanted to learn about Egypt, so we went to Egypt! It was INCREDIBLE and an experience beyond words.
They learned about Angkor Wat by visiting it at sunrise with a guide. It was beautiful and powerful.
They have learned local history in multiple countries: Mexico, Colombia, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand! What better way to learn?
Adaptability and Resilience:
Changing environments teach children to adapt to new situations, enhancing their problem-solving skills and resilience. These experiences prepare them to handle various challenges throughout life.
My kids have gained so much self confidence in exploring areas in which they are not certain of what to do. They adapt and figure it out with my support.
Language Skills:
Living in different countries offers natural opportunities to learn new languages, improving linguistic abilities and communication skills. Bilingual or multilingual children gain a significant advantage in a globalized world.
We speak a decent amount of Spanish and look forward to learning other languages too.
Family Bonding:
Spending extensive time together during travels strengthens family bonds. Shared adventures and experiences create lasting memories, deepening connections among family members.
Customizable Learning:
Worldschooling allows for a personalized educational experience tailored to a child’s interests and pace. Parents can integrate specific learning goals into their travels, ensuring a rich and engaging education. Some parents choose to “unschool” or utillize fully child-led learning. It sounds scary to some folx but I’ve seen it work and work well for many families during my travels.
Broad Perspective:
Exposure to global issues and different ways of life broadens a child’s worldview. They often become more socially conscious and engaged with global challenges, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion.
This is one reason why a lot of people get scholarships when they are worldschooled then choose to go to university. Universities know the value in having students that are globally-conscious.
Challenges of Worldschooling
Lack of Social Stability:
Frequent travel can make it challenging for children to form lasting friendships and maintain a stable social network. They might miss out on traditional school activities and peer interactions. So far this has been of limited issue for us thanks to social media and the internet. We still find things that interest them everywhere we go.
Educational Consistency:
Maintaining a consistent educational curriculum can be difficult. We personally find that kids will learn in ways that work for them and often without encouragement. We should put more trust into our children.
Cost:
Worldschooling can be expensive due to travel, accommodation, and other related costs. Not all families can afford the financial investment required for this lifestyle. However, we travel very frugally. See my other posts about that.
Logistical Challenges:
Planning and executing travel, securing visas, and managing accommodations can be complex and stressful. I personally enjoy the challenge. It also slows me down which I appreciate.
Legal and Regulatory Issues:
Different countries have varying regulations regarding homeschooling and education. Families need to navigate these legalities to ensure compliance with local laws. For example, if you want to move to Germany, homeschooling is illegal!
Healthcare and Safety:
Access to reliable healthcare can be a concern in some destinations. Ensuring safety and managing health issues while traveling can be more complicated than in a stable home environment. The best healthcare I’ve ever had was in Mexico. Affordable, personalized care will be sorely missed as we transition back to the United States next month.
Impact on Parental Careers:
Worldschooling often requires at least one parent to have a flexible job or to work remotely, which might limit career opportunities and income potential. It can be done though and I’m forever grateful that I’ve been able to do this! I am the only source of income in our family and it works out. It can be done.
Despite these challenges, the profound benefits of worldschooling—such as fostering a love for learning, developing global citizens, and building a strong family unit—often outweigh the downsides. With careful planning, flexibility, and a commitment to both education and adventure, worldschooling can provide an unparalleled educational experience.
I have always told my children that we can return to “traditional school” if they would like but so far, they opted to go to one in Mexico for four months and then were done! It is truly thrilling to consider what the future holds for us.
Stay tuned.
