What is "Worldschooling"?

Sunset at Pingtung Aquarium, Taiwan

Worldschooling is about seeing the world as a classroom, but without the usual four walls. It is a lifestyle and educational approach where families integrate travel and real-world experiences into the learning experience.

Families who practice full-time worldschooling use global exploration, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning as their primary form of education. Instead of following a traditional school system, they educate their children while traveling.

The goal is to make the world around us a classroom, fostering adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.

Difference Between Worldschooling and Traveling with Children

The key difference is the focus: while a tourist trip usually prioritizes sightseeing, on getting "away" from our routines... Worldschooling places more emphasis on learning and education.

Having said that, it's not like you have to choose one or the other. Worldschooling can also combine leisure: visiting tourist attractions, having fun, resting, and at the same time setting the focus on meaningful learning.

Difference Between Worldschooling and Homeschooling

The main distinction is the travel element. Homeschooling does not necessarily involve travel (but it can include field trips); rather, it focuses on following an educational curriculum from home. However, many families today combine both approaches. Depending on the destination country, it is important to research the relevant laws regarding compulsory education (as in physically attending a local school) and alternative learning options, including home education.

Our take on Worldschooling

Until a few months ago, we were unfamiliar with the concept of worldschooling. Yet, without knowing it, we have been embracing this lifestyle in recent years: though we would say, only part-time. We moved to a country Taiwan (with just a few suitcases) and made it our "base", our children do attend a local school, but we incorporated worldschooling into our learning experience since Covid times, and since then we try to make the most of our winter and summer breaks and national holidays to explore new places.

Worldschooling + Christian faith

Worldschooling can be seen as more than moving from place to another and learning, it can be a blend of worldschooling, lifeschooling, and a mission-oriented family journey (for many christian families). On this journey, not only children, but adults continue to discover their unique gifts and callings while learning through daily life. A mission mindset adds depth, inviting us to engage with nations more meaningfully: understanding the country's history, hoping to connect with local communities and churches (this is definitely a challenge for us, introverts!), and supporting others in any small way with empathy and respect.

This approach challenges us to examine our hearts, expand our perspectives, get rid of prejudices when necessary, and grow in love. In this sense, worldschooling becomes a shared journey of growth for the entire family, less about having it all figured out, and more about walking together, being humbled by how small we are and how big this world is! acknowledging our own weaknesses, yet keeping our hearts open and hands willing to give and contribute (if we can do so)!

Our First Worldschooling Experiences

Travel doesn’t need to be far or expensive.

Initially, during the years when travel restrictions were in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we focused on exploring our current base: Taiwan. This was still uncharted territory for us, so we were deeply thankful for the opportunity to grow in love for this land and the people of this beautiful island.

Every kilometre travelled, every visit to a museum, park, every person we greet, meet, helped us see the country from a new perspective.

As we encountered different realities, we learned to see ourselves more like "guests", and not like "tourists". Similar to someone visiting a friend’s home for the first time, and not someone paying for a service and hence expecting some standards to be met. This shift in perspective makes us feel indebted to the kindness and hospitality of the people and places that welcome us. As a response, we started to reflect on how we can give back, whether through prayer or small acts of service towards the organizations, churches, or communities we get to join paths with. Of course sometimes the opportunity to contribute might not arise right on that trip, but you never know, maybe some day! And it just makes a huge difference on how you perceive that country and the people that live in it after you have travelled there.

Once we were more and more familiar with Taiwan and gained experience travelling with young kids, we ventured further, exploring other countries for longer periods.

Considering Worldschooling for Your Family? Where to Start?

Research

If you are exploring this lifestyle for your family, we encourage you to keep gathering information. Today, there are countless blogs dedicated to sharing worldschooling experiences, as well as Instagram accounts and YouTube channels offering valuable insights. As a starting point, consider these key questions:

When and for how long?

If you are considering a part-time approach, identify times of the year that could work for travel, such as school holidays, work schedules, or national holidays.

If you are thinking about full-time worldschooling, consider how long you want to do it for and when to start the "unschooling" process (withdrawing your child from traditional education).

Where?

Consider destinations, cultures, or communities you are genuinely curious about and would like to connect with or learn more about.

What is your budget?

Many families who adopt this lifestyle are usually digital nomads or have flexible work arrangements. Others choose to sell everything, quit their jobs, and seek alternative ways to support this new way of life. Whatever your current situation, you can start with the resources you have or explore sustainable funding options.

Why? 

Determine the main goals of your journey. Not all learning has to follow a traditional academic model or goals. Some of the goals could range from: developing empathy, cultivating your children's love and talent for art, music, architecture, or languages, and so forth. It could be bigger ideas such as: Inspiring the kids to make a difference in the world, by starting with engaging communities and volunteering, etc. Some families also adopt this lifestyle because they are healing from something that happened to them, or suffered a loss and need time to connect as a family. Or simply because traditional schools cannot meet the special needs of one of their children. ♡

Whichever is your motivation, we hope this information helps you to assess whether worldschooling is a good fit for your family.

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