How to Travel & Homeschool at the Same Time (Worldschooling)

In a world where education is evolving beyond traditional classrooms, more families are embracing the concept of worldschooling — a lifestyle that blends travel and homeschooling to create a rich, global learning experience. If you dream of exploring the world while educating your children, this guide will show you how to travel and homeschool at the same time.

What is Worldschooling?

Worldschooling is a form of homeschooling where travel becomes an integral part of the educational journey. Rather than learning from textbooks alone, children experience history, culture, geography, and languages firsthand, turning the world into their classroom. The flexibility and real-world exposure make it a compelling option for adventurous families.

Benefits of Worldschooling

• Immersive Learning: Students absorb lessons more effectively when they experience subjects in real life.

• Cultural Awareness: Exposure to different traditions and lifestyles fosters empathy and global citizenship.

• Adaptability: Navigating new environments teaches problem-solving skills and resilience.

• Bonding Time: Traveling together strengthens family connections.

• Language Acquisition: Being surrounded by native speakers accelerates language learning.

• Broader Perspectives: Encountering diverse viewpoints broadens horizons and fosters critical thinking.

Planning Your Worldschooling Journey

1. Set Educational Goals: Identify what you want your child to learn. Do you want them to master a second language, dive deep into world history, or focus on science through nature exploration? Setting goals provides structure and purpose.

2. Choose a Homeschooling Method: Popular methods for traveling families include:

   • Unschooling: Child-led learning based on interests.

   • Eclectic Homeschooling: Mixing different curricula and teaching styles.

   • Classical Education: Emphasizes logic, rhetoric, and grammar through structured lessons.

   • Unit Studies: Integrating multiple subjects under a single theme.

   • Charlotte Mason: Focuses on literature, nature study, and short lessons.

3. Create a Flexible Curriculum: Utilize resources that accommodate travel:

   • Online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Outschool, or Duolingo.

   • Digital libraries and audiobooks.

   • Travel journals and blogs to document experiences.

   • Subscription kits like KiwiCo for hands-on projects.

   • Educational apps for learning math, coding, and languages.

4. Plan Your Destinations: Align travel plans with educational themes. Studying ancient civilizations? Visit Egypt, Greece, or Rome. Learning marine biology? Head to the Great Barrier Reef. Each destination offers unique learning opportunities.

5. Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello, Google Keep, or homeschool planners to track progress. Staying organized ensures learning remains consistent. Keep digital records to avoid carrying bulky paperwork.

Homeschooling While Traveling: Practical Tips

• Stick to a Routine: Create a daily or weekly schedule. Even an hour or two of focused learning each day can yield impressive results. Consistency is key.

• Leverage Local Experiences: Museums, historical landmarks, nature reserves, and local markets offer unique learning opportunities. Don’t forget to check out local homeschooling groups.

• Document Learning: Keep a portfolio with photos, essays, and projects. This serves as both a memory book and a record of academic progress.

• Connect with Other Worldschoolers: Online communities, like Worldschoolers on Facebook, provide support and inspiration. Meeting up with other traveling families enriches the experience.

• Adapt and Improvise: Travel plans change, and learning can be unpredictable. Embrace the unexpected; spontaneous lessons often leave lasting impressions.

• Include Life Skills: Worldschooling is the perfect environment to teach life skills such as budgeting, cooking, navigation, and problem-solving.

Overcoming Challenges

1. Maintaining Structure: Set clear expectations and stick to routines to avoid falling behind. Portable whiteboards and daily checklists help keep things on track.

2. Socialization: Encourage children to interact with locals, join clubs, or participate in virtual classes. Language exchanges and sports teams offer social opportunities.

3. Budgeting: Traveling full-time can be costly. Consider working remotely, house-sitting, or joining work exchange programs to offset expenses. Use budget travel tips, like cooking meals instead of eating out and using public transportation.

4. Internet Access: Reliable Wi-Fi is essential for online learning. Invest in a portable hotspot and research local SIM card options.

5. Legal Considerations: Research homeschooling laws in your home country and any countries you visit. Some places require registration or regular progress reports.

6. Healthcare: Ensure you have travel insurance and a plan for medical care abroad. Pack a first-aid kit and know the location of nearby clinics.

Embracing the World as Your Classroom

Worldschooling transforms education into an adventure. Whether you’re hiking through rainforests, exploring ancient ruins, or practicing new languages, each experience enriches your child’s understanding of the world.

The beauty of this lifestyle lies in its adaptability. Some families travel full-time, while others take extended trips during breaks. There’s no "right" way to worldschool — it’s about creating a learning environment that suits your family.

Resources for Worldschooling Families

• Online Learning Platforms: Khan Academy, Outschool, Coursera.

• Travel Apps: Google Maps, Duolingo, TripIt.

• Books: The World Is Our Classroom by Jennie Germann Molz, Unschooling Rules by Clark Aldrich.

• Communities: Worldschoolers Facebook group, local homeschool co-ops.

• Podcasts: The Worldschooling Podcast and Exploring Unschooling.

Conclusion

Worldschooling offers an unparalleled opportunity to blend travel and education, creating lifelong learners and global citizens. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and embracing new experiences, you can turn the world into your child’s greatest teacher.

Would you like to learn more about homeschooling and prepping for life on the road? Visit our Homeschooling Blog for more insights and stories from fellow traveling families.