In recent years, the concept of traditional schooling has been challenged by a changing world and the accessibility to alternative educational approaches.
The most romantic approach is probably world-schooling. World-schooling involves traveling and experiencing the world as a classroom, combining education with exploration. As more families embrace this unconventional approach, they often find themselves bombarded with questions and curiosity from friends, family, and even strangers. In this blog, we will address the top five questions everyone will ask when you decide to world-school.

1. What is world-schooling, and how does it work?
World-schooling is an educational approach that takes learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. It involves traveling, often long-term, to different countries and regions, immersing children in diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. World-schoolers typically use a combination of homeschooling, online resources, and local experiences to educate their children. The key is to foster a love for learning through exploration and discovery.

2. Is it safe for your children to travel so much?
Safety is a top concern for many, and rightfully so. The safety of world-schooling largely depends on the destinations you choose, your preparation, and your vigilance. Many world-schooling families prioritize safety by researching their destinations, keeping informed about local conditions, and taking necessary precautions. Moreover, traveling often provides children with valuable life skills and a broader perspective on the world.
Just as with any skill, begin with smaller steps, gain insights from experienced individuals, and discover what suits your comfort level best. Initiate your journey by exploring local trips within your own country, consider subscribing to our informative emails, and become part of online communities that align with your interests and values.
You also don’t have to be in another country to world school.

3. What about socialisation and friendships?
Are your kids going to end up weird? yes, gloriously so. Critics often worry that world-schooling may limit a child’s opportunities for socialisation and friendships. However, many world-schooling families argue that this approach actually enhances socialisation. Children can meet and connect with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups, which can broaden their social skills and global awareness. Additionally, world-schoolers frequently engage in local communities and participate in group activities or co-learning experiences.
Let’s face it, in the school environment, adapting to a social circle often becomes a necessity for survival. This adaptive skill, honed during your academic years, translates into fitting seamlessly into various job roles as you progress in your career. Is that good or bad? Encouraging others to be their authentic selves while engaging with diverse groups, each with unique perspectives and values, not only benefits you but also prompts introspection within your family. It encourages everyone to examine their own core values and how they want to align their lives with them.

4. How do you ensure a quality education?
People often worry that if a child is not using every waking hour to cram information from the age of 4 then they might not pass exams at 18 that will get them a degree at 21 and therefore affect job opportunities.
The quality of education in world-schooling can be just as high, if not higher, than traditional schooling. Many families tailor their curriculum to their children’s interests and needs, and they often use online resources and remote learning platforms. The world itself becomes the classroom, providing real-life lessons in history, geography, culture, and more. Plus, children often develop a love for learning when it’s tied to their passions and experiences.
One of the most exciting aspects of world schooling for our family has been the incredible opportunities it provides for our children to explore and experiment with business ideas, paving the way for them to start generating income at a young age. Unlike traditional education systems, which often prioritize exams and standardized timelines, our approach recognizes that learning knows no age boundaries. Take our daughter, for example; her fascination with understanding the intricacies of the human body has been nurtured and encouraged. If she aspires to become a doctor, she’ll have the necessary resources to independently research the required exams, acquire the knowledge, and ultimately pass those exams at her own pace when she feels fully prepared.
This flexibility is paramount because it allows her to pursue her passions and generate income in parallel, thereby avoiding the burden of student debt and the pressure to work excessive hours. She won’t find herself feeling trapped in a career she’s dedicated her entire life to, only to discover it doesn’t align with her true aspirations. Instead, world schooling empowers our children to forge their unique paths and embrace the freedom to make choices that align with their evolving dreams and desires.

5. Is world schooling worth it?
World-schooling offers numerous benefits that go beyond traditional education. Some of these advantages include:
- Cultural awareness and global perspective: World schooling exposes children to different cultures and worldviews, promoting tolerance and open-mindedness.
- Lifelong learning: It fosters a love for learning that goes beyond formal education, as children see the world as an endless source of knowledge.
- Independence and adaptability: Traveling to new places and facing unfamiliar challenges encourages independence and adaptability in children.
- Strong family bonds: World-schooling often leads to closer family relationships as families spend more time together and share unique experiences.
- Real-world skills: Children acquire practical life skills like budgeting, navigating public transportation, and communicating in different languages.

In conclusion.
World-schooling is a growing trend that offers a unique and enriching educational experience for children. While it may not be for everyone, it provides an alternative to traditional schooling that can be equally, if not more, effective in preparing children for the future. Embracing world-schooling comes with its own set of challenges. Still, the benefits it offers, such as cultural enrichment and a love for lifelong learning, make it an appealing choice for many families seeking a non-traditional educational path.
For us, it was more than just a question of “What is better; world schooling or traditional schooling?” or “What’s going to give them a better future?”.
For us, it was a question of “How long do we wait to start living?”. Life can end in an instant at any age, “What’s going to give all of us a better now?”, “How do we create as many memories as possible?”. “How do we want to live today?”. But to be honest, being able to say “what do you want to do today? instead of screaming at each other whilst running late for the school run is reason enough.

