Welcome to Worldschooling
Welcome to our Worldschooling Page, where education meets adventure!
Our family embraced worldschooling during our travels and have loads to share to help you get started, enhance your journey or learn more about how to learn from the world around you.
Whether you’re a seasoned travelling family, on a family gap year, longterm travel or just dipping your toes into the world of homeschooling on the road, you’ve come to the right place.
From our comprehensive Worldschool Coach program designed to empower families to step away from traditional schooling to our Worldschool Tutor service, Blog Posts and worldschooling resources – we are here to help you on your worldschooling journey.
Here, you’ll find worldschooling resources, insights and tips, plus some expert support and guidance on how to worldschool and educate whilst travelling.
Testimonials: “Thanks to Jak, we now have a clearer worldschooling plan that fits our children’s learning styles and interests. His expertise in combining travel and education is much appreciated. Can’t wait to get started.” Hannah and Ryan
What is Worldschooling?
Worldschooling is an educational approach and lifestyle that embraces the world as the ‘classroom’. Families seek educational experiences from the places they visit.
All travels big or small have potential to be a learning opportunity and the further you wander from your environment the broader the educational experience often becomes.
The philosophy is centered on experiential and hands on learning which aims to promote self-discovery, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in children.
Often families choose to embrace a mix of experience led and curriculum led learning to ensure a well rounded education but it can also lean more towards structured or unstructured learning, depending on each child, family or even destination.
Most of the families we have met have been on long term travels or a family gap year, however, worldschooling is not just limited to those who travel full time.
Worldschooling can be more of a mindset – where you seek educational opportunities from the different places you visit, near or far.
However, I would say that the destinations you visit further away from your base the more diverse the educational experiences are, and therefore the greater the learning potential.
Our Worldschool Story
Our journey into worldschooling began when we left our teaching jobs and life in Brunei and started our family ‘gap year’ (spoiler alert – a year wasn’t enough for us).
We wanted to travel – show our children more of the world, spend quality time together, chase freedom and educate the kids through travel experiences.
This shift from traditional education to a more experiential approach has been eye-opening, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of worldschooling.
My family and I are passionate about exploring the world, not just as tourists but as engaged learners, and are currently travelling full time and loving it!
That ‘gap year’ turned into a lifestyle and educational philosophy that now drives our goals.
As a primary school teacher I have always believed that children learn best when they are actively engaged in their education.
It’s about letting go of the rigid structures of traditional schooling and embracing a more flexible, personalised approach that embraces the world as the classroom and the interests of each child.
We always wanted to pitch our worldschooling education at a level where the kids will have the opportunity to transition back into a school if they wanted to, so we embrace the freedom and flexibility to learn through travel but also maintain a level of academics through online classes and resources.
You can read more about us and our passion for chasing freedom, family travel and adventure here
Ultimately, worldschooling is about experiential learning, embracing the endless possibilities that come with travel.
From the people we meet, the cultures we dive into, the sights we see and all the everyday experiences along the way.
It’s about instilling in our children a sense of wonder, curiosity, and resilience that will serve them well long after their formal education is complete.
So whether we’re exploring Ankor Wat by bike, Haggling in the markets and souks, visiting the Acropolis in Athens, beach crawling in Sri Lanka or 48hrs in Edinburgh every experience becomes an opportunity for growth and discovery.
While worldschooling may present challenges, we will get into those shortly, with careful planning and consideration, many families have successfully embraced this lifestyle and reaped its rewards.
How to Worldschool – full podcast episode on Lite FM
Grab a cuppa and listen to our latest interview on Lite Fm where I answer questions all about worldschooling and family travel.
Is Worldschooling For me?
Worldschooling is a lifestyle choice open to anyone who is ready to embrace it, but it does come with certain considerations. Here’s what you need to know:
Financial Considerations: Traveling requires funds, and while overseas travel can sometimes be more affordable than living in a high-cost area, you’ll still need financial resources to sustain your journey.
This could come from remote work, flexible jobs, or passive income sources like digital nomad families often have. Alternatively, read our guide for almost free travel here!
Family travel doesn’t have to break the bank
Career Flexibility: Worldschooling often requires a flexible approach to work. If your job allows for remote work or you’re able to take a career break, worldschooling might be more feasible.
Legal and Government Considerations: Worldschooling falls under the umbrella of homeschooling in many countries. While it’s legal and accepted in some, others may have stricter regulations or even prohibit homeschooling.
Researching the legal status in your country is crucial. Consider the length of time you are staying somewhere and your visa status to check whether you need to comply.
Age and Education: Worldschooling can be easier with younger children, as the national curriculum is lighter and more flexible. However, as children get older and the educational requirements become more stringent, worldschooling may require more planning and consideration.
Personal Commitment: Worldschooling requires a significant commitment from parents or guardians. It’s not just about the financial aspect but also about dedicating time and effort to ensure your child receives a well-rounded education.
Worldschooling Destinations
Anywhere can be a worldschooling destination really, but we do have some favourites. From our historical adventures in Egypt and Greece, to culturally rich Sri Lanka and Vietnam and more recently Morocco, you can find opportunities to worldschool everywhere you go..
Whether its on an jungle hike in Borneo, attending Worldschool Hubs, or exploring the Dolomites in a campervan, Croatian islands, or surfing in Lombok, our adventures have been so much fun and filled with educational experiences.
We have been travelling and worldschooling full time since 2022 and one of the hardest parts is choosing where to go next. Planning fatigue is real folks, trust me it is easy get lost down the rabbit hole of flight comparisons, Air BnB options and family travel blogs.
So where to worldschool?
Here are some questions to help you choose a worldschooling destination for your family:
1. INTERESTS AND LEARNING GOALS
- What are your child’s interests?
- What subjects or topics do they want to learn more about?
- What kind of experiences do you want them to have?
- What are your family’s learning goals for this trip?
2. LOCATION AND CULTURE
- Where do you want to go?
- What kind of culture do you want to experience?
- What is the climate like?
- How affordable is the destination?
- What are the travel logistics like?
3. ACCOMMODATION AND RESOURCES
- What kind of accommodation do you need?
- What resources are available for worldschooling families?
- Are there any schools, libraries, or community centers that offer worldschooling programs or support?
- What are the safety and security concerns for families traveling with children?
4. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
- How long do you want to stay?
- How will you get around?
- What visas or permits do you need?
- How much money will you need?
- What is the healthcare situation like?
Sounds great, how do I start worldschooling?
There are no formal prerequisites or qualifications needed to become a worldschooling family. It’s not a program or curriculum you enroll in; it’s a way of life centered around travel and experiential learning.
Any one can Worldschool, it is as much a mindset as it is a lifestyle choice. It is accessible to anyone who wants to make it their priority, but it comes with its own set of rewards and challenges.
Need some clarity on Worldschooling and/or Family Travel – book a consultation call with us here
Join us for a personalised 60 minute 1:1 Travel Consultation Call, where we’ll dive deep into any travel-related struggles or Worldschooling wonderings that may be weighing on your mind and share our experiences to help you move forward with confidence.
Testimonials: “Working with Jak gave us the confidence to embark on our travels with a clearer understanding of our worldschool curriculum. The curriculum Jak is helping us build will provide our son with a fantastic educational experience, enriched by the world around us. We are excited about the journey ahead and grateful for Jak’s support in making it possible.” Jon, U.S.A
Worldschooling – Pros and Cons
Traveling full time with kids may seem like a crazy idea, but consider this: the average American family spends just 37 minutes of quality time together per day during the week, and it’s not much better in the UK with families having just four hours of ‘quality time’ together every week. Maybe it’s not such a crazy idea after all.
Coming home from school, kids are exhausted, and parents are stressed. There’s cooking, cleaning, and preparing for the next day—it’s hard to find time to spend together.
While problems don’t disappear when traveling full-time, they certainly happen in more exotic locations. Time and presence are major differences in our lives now.
The benefits of worldschooling
Let’s dive into some actual studies that support what I’m saying.
Mental Health Magic
Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s also a powerful tonic for your children’s mental health. Research suggests that exposure to new environments can reduce stress levels and enhance cognitive abilities (Molijn, 2022).
Picture your kids basking in the sunshine, immersing themselves in outdoor adventures, and embracing new cultures. It’s a recipe for a happier, healthier life, fostering their well-being and personal growth (Durko & Petrick, 2013).
Our own experience has shown us that when children are engaged in subjects that truly captivate them, their motivation to learn soars. From learning to read hieroglyphics in Egypt to diving with turtles in the Gili’s, it’s incredible to witness their enthusiasm for learning in action.
Real-Life Connections
Beyond academic learning, children gain essential life skills through travel. From budgeting and time management to navigating social situations, travel offers a real-world crash course in adulthood.
By actively participating in travel planning and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, children develop valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future.
Strong Family Bonds
Full-time travel isn’t just about adventure—it’s also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds. Spending quality time together creates unforgettable memories and deepens family connections. Research even suggests that travel can improve communication and strengthen lifelong family bonds (Durko & Petrick, 2013).
Flexibility and adaptability
This isn’t just a skill for kids, but us adults too. Travel can be challenging and teaching us how to navigate this is a life skill they will use again and again. Things don’t always go to plan…and that’s ok. Travel is an ever-changing adventure, full of surprises and uncertainties.
Kids who can embrace this lifestyle quickly develop the ability to adapt to new situations and environments, making them more flexible and resilient individuals. In a world that’s evolving at an unprecedented pace, these skills are vital.
Travel is all about experiencing the unfamiliar. This exposure to new experiences and a touch of healthy anxiety can actually enhance their performance and open their minds to embracing change.
OK, I MAY BE TOTALY BIASED BUT… THE BENEFITS OF WORLDSCHOOLING blog post
The challenges of worldschooling
Ok, let’s keep it real. Family travel and worldschooling is not all sunshine and rainbows.
Balancing Work and School
One of the key challenges of worldschooling is balancing work commitments with your child’s education. It requires effective time management, patience, and flexibility to ensure that both professional responsibilities and educational needs are met without compromising quality.
For example, we might need to schedule our online Tutoring around the kids learning activities or miss out on some activities during the day while one parent works and the other takes the kids out.
Responsibility for Learning
Worldschooling places the responsibility for your child’s education and academic progress squarely on your shoulders. This requires active involvement, whether you choose a structured online program or take on the role of teacher/facilitator yourself.
Regardless of the approach, it demands continuous support and a willingness to adapt to meet your child’s evolving needs and the amount of time you have to invest.
Being resourceful and proactive in finding educational opportunities is crucial, whether through online resources, local activities, or interactions with other worldschooling families.
While this responsibility may seem daunting, many worldschooling parents find it to be a rewarding and enriching experience as they witness their children learn and grow in diverse and exciting ways
It really is up to the parents how they educate their child(ren) whilst travelling.
If this is an area that is stressing you out, please get in touch. As a Worldschooling Coach my mission is to empower families like yours to confidently embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and learning and feel confident about your educational choices.
Need expert guidance to get over your Worldschooling hurdles?
Join an experienced teacher and worldschool parent to unlock your confidence, gain clarity, unpack resources and strategies to tailor your bespoke educational plan.
Strain on Relationships
Trust me you can have too much of a good thing. While spending extended time together as a family is a significant advantage of worldschooling and one of the main reasons we love it, it can also put a strain on familial relationships if not managed effectively.
Open communication, mutual respect, and conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining healthy family dynamics. We have found that separating our girls every now and then, having our own personal time, embracing worldschool hubs and any offers from friends and relatives to meet up helps significantly.
Limited Personal Time
Embracing the multi faceted roles of educator, parent and never ending planning can mean sacrificing leisurely breaks and personal time. Finding moments for self-care and rejuvenation amidst the demands of worldschooling requires creativity and prioritisation.
Missing Family and Friends
Traveling the world with your family is an incredible experience, but it can also mean being far away from family and friends. Distance can sometimes amplify feelings of homesickness and longing for familiar faces. Staying connected through calls, messages, and video chats becomes essential to bridge the gap.
We have returned ‘home’ a couple of times in the last few years to visit family and always jump at the chance of meeting up with people on our travels. We have met so many new friends on our travels and have made the effort to meet up again along the way.
Lack of Team Sports:
For kids and adults who thrive on team sports and structured activities, long-term travel can pose challenges. Finding opportunities for organised sports leagues or consistent training sessions is challenging. We tap into any opportunities when we can, but the consistency and team camaraderie from your team events is hard to find on the road.
Anyway, enough of that. We have found way more benefits than challenges and nothing that has broke us, yet … 😬
Worldschooling Blog Posts
- The Kid’s Kindle: Raising Readers on the road
- Traveling with Kids- The Key Life Lessons They Learn
- Third Culture Kids: Support for families on the move
- Top Tips for Starting a Worldschooling Life: Budgeting, Planning, Resources
- Every fact you wanted to know about Egypt!
- What do you need for worldschooling success?
- Top 10 amazing things you might not know about Worldschooling
- How to choose an epic worldschooling destination
- Exploring Worldschooling Communities for Family Travel
- Unlocking Travel Secrets: Quick Fire Travel Questions Answered
- Unveiling the Wonders of the Worldschool Hub
- How Family Travel Enriches Your Child’s Education
Need expert guidance to get over your Worldschooling hurdles?
At the Worldschool Coach our mission is to empower families like yours to confidently embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and learning that unfolds across the globe.
Join an experienced teacher and worldschool parent to unlock your confidence, gain clarity, unpack resources and strategies to tailor your bespoke educational plan.
Meet the author
Jak is co founder of Boston Tribe Travels. He has lived and travelled abroad for over 15 years with his family. He has taught in International schools around the world as a primary teacher and leader. He now travels full time with his family, worldschooling and coaching other families to follow their worldschool dream.