World schooling is an increasingly popular trend in education that is reshaping our understanding of learning. But what exactly is world schooling? Unlike unschooling or homeschooling, this innovative concept integrates travel with education, offering children real-life experiences that deepen their understanding of the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the rise of world schooling, its benefits, and how to put it into practice.
The Rise of World Schooling
The Concept
At its core, world schooling believes in learning through experience. It involves activities like traveling to different countries and immersing oneself in diverse cultures, engaging with local communities, learning languages through immersion, and participating in hands-on experiences such as cooking, art, and music.
So, why has world schooling gained traction? Several factors contribute to its rise:
- Many people feel dissatisfied with traditional education systems and seek a more holistic approach to learning.
- There’s a growing desire for experiential learning, where education extends beyond the classroom.
- The ease of travel and connectivity in today’s world makes world schooling more accessible.
- The global pandemic has prompted families to explore alternative educational options.
The benefits of world schooling are significant:
- It fosters independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Children are exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives, broadening their worldview.
- Real-world experiences gained through travel are invaluable and cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.
- It promotes adaptability and resilience, crucial skills for navigating an ever-changing world.
Implementing world schooling can be challenging yet rewarding. Here are some steps to get started:
- Research and plan your destinations carefully to align with educational goals.
- Incorporate educational activities into your travel itinerary.
- Engage with local communities and cultures to maximize learning opportunities.
- Utilize online resources to supplement learning and provide additional support.
- Be flexible and adaptable to accommodate your child’s learning needs and interests.
The difference between World schooling and Homeschooling
During the pandemic, many parents developed a negative view of homeschooling, mainly due to the circumstances. However, it’s essential to understand the real essence of homeschooling.
Contrary to what some might think, homeschooling isn’t about keeping kids stuck at home. Homeschooled children, often referred to as “home-educated” kids, are usually active in various activities and clubs outside of traditional school settings. They learn by exploring the world around them, much like world schoolers.
While there’s overlap between world schooling and homeschooling, there are some key differences. Homeschoolers typically stay closer to home, engaging in activities and learning experiences within their local community. On the other hand, world schoolers often travel extensively, moving from one place to another and learning from different cultures and environments along the way.
Can anyone world school?
There’s no formal enrollment process or standardized testing for world schooling. It’s more of a lifestyle choice, open to anyone who is willing to embrace it.
The primary constraints on world schooling tend to be logistical rather than educational, often revolving around the circumstances of the parents. It requires a certain lifestyle and financial capacity.
First and foremost, there’s the question of finances. While overseas travel can sometimes be more economical than living in a place like the UK, funding for such endeavors needs to be secured. For families with remote work or flexible job arrangements, world schooling becomes more feasible, especially if there’s a source of passive income. These families are often referred to as digital nomads.
Then there are families who diligently save, quit their jobs, and embark on the world schooling journey. However, they must have a plan for sustaining themselves when their savings run out.
In essence, a parent’s career or job situation often dictates the feasibility of world schooling more than financial resources alone. It’s not just about having the money; it’s about having the flexibility and stability to support such a lifestyle.
Furthermore, not all governments are supportive of world schooling. While it’s legally recognized and accepted as a form of elective home education in countries like England, the situation is less straightforward elsewhere. For example, in the Netherlands, homeschooling is not explicitly recognized by law, and in Germany, it has been prohibited since 1919.
Another factor to consider is the age of the child. World schooling is generally seen as more manageable when children are younger, as the curriculum tends to be less demanding. However, as children reach secondary school age, the complexities of providing a comprehensive education, especially if they plan to pursue exams and university, increase significantly.
But for those willing to navigate the challenges and complexities, the answer is clear: yes, world schooling is within reach!
Do world-schooled kids lag behind in their education?
Not at all.
In fact, quite the opposite is often true; they tend to excel. Many stories abound of world-schooled children taking formal educational exams ahead of schedule.
This is because they draw upon real-life experiences from their global travels and have navigated diverse situations, fostering their growth in confidence, understanding, resilience, and adaptability. Additionally, if a child has followed a curriculum while traveling, it’s often customized to their abilities and interests rather than their age, facilitating accelerated progress.
The Challenges of World Schooling
One notable challenge is the potential lack of deep, long-term friendships that usually develop from a stable home environment. Children naturally benefit from regular interactions with peers, honing crucial social skills through play.
During world schooling experiences, children often learn to adapt and socialize in new environments, whether through playground interactions, kids’ clubs, or connections with other families on social media platforms. These experiences are valuable for fostering adaptability and social skills. While forming connections with other world schooling families can be enriching, these friendships may be fleeting. Many families anticipate the return to long-standing friendships back home, highlighting the importance of enduring social bonds.
This challenge is particularly relevant as children mature. While it may have been less pronounced during early childhood adventures, such as a year in India or an overland journey through Africa, the desire for lasting friendships grows as children age. To address this, many full-time world-schooling families opt for a slower travel pace, spending extended periods in one location to cultivate deeper connections. Additionally, parents often organize meetups with other world-schooling families through online communities like Our Tribe Travels or Worldschoolers.
Beyond social considerations, some families find adjusting to the lack of routine to be a challenge. However, it’s essential to view this as an opportunity for flexibility rather than a limitation. Each family can tailor their schedule to suit their preferences and needs, a key advantage of world schooling.
Lastly, for parents balancing work with travel, the limited availability of childcare can present logistical hurdles. Unlike traditional schooling, which may offer childcare options for working parents, world-schooling families must navigate part-time or flexible work arrangements to accommodate their childcare needs.
World Schooling Communities around the World
World schooling has sparked a global movement, with families from all corners of the world coming together to embrace this innovative approach to education.
One prominent example of world schooling is the “Worldschoolers” community, a vibrant network of families dedicated to educational travel. Founded by Lainie Liberti and Miro Siegel, this community provides resources, support, and connections for families seeking to incorporate travel into their children’s education. Through online forums, social media groups, and annual gatherings, Worldschoolers foster a sense of community and collaboration among like-minded families, sharing tips, experiences, and inspiration for world-school adventures.
“Our Tribe Travels” is a community and resource hub for families who prioritize travel as part of their lifestyle. The platform offers a wealth of information, tips, and support for families looking to embark on travel adventures with their children. From destination guides and travel itineraries to practical advice on traveling with kids, Our Tribe Travels serves as a valuable resource for families seeking to explore the world together. Additionally, the platform facilitates connections among like-minded families through forums, meetups, and group trips, fostering a supportive community of fellow travelers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a year-long adventure around the globe, Our Tribe Travels provides inspiration and guidance for families navigating the world of family travel.
Families participating in world schooling often converge in popular destinations known for their educational and cultural richness. For instance, Ubud, Bali, has emerged as a hub for world-schooling families, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and educational opportunities. With its vibrant arts scene, lush landscapes, and welcoming community, Ubud provides an ideal setting for families to engage in experiential learning activities such as traditional Balinese cooking classes, art workshops, and language immersion programs.
Similarly, Chiang Mai, Thailand, has become a magnet for world-schooling families seeking a mix of affordability, cultural diversity, and access to educational resources. With its thriving digital nomad community, abundant outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage, Chiang Mai offers a dynamic learning environment for families eager to explore Southeast Asia while pursuing educational opportunities.
Final Thoughts about World Schooling
In essence, world schooling leverages the abundant resources available worldwide to create a dynamic and personalized educational experience for children. It encourages exploration, cultural immersion, and hands-on experiences as essential components of the learning journey. While it may present challenges, such as the need for flexible curricula and adapting to changing environments, world schooling offers an enriching pathway for families seeking alternatives to conventional education, reflecting the evolving landscape of learning in the modern era.
Do you plan to implement an alternative form of education? Which one? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading!