Homeschooling (or world schooling) provides an incredible opportunity for families who crave adventure and dream of travelling while educating their children. However, choosing the right country and resources to embrace this lifestyle is essential. Laws, support networks, and educational freedom vary significantly worldwide. Based on our experience as a travelling family and insights from global homeschooling communities, here are some of the best countries for homeschooling and world schooling.
1. United States – Freedom and Variety
Although the US isn’t on the top of my travel list it has some of the most homeschool-friendly laws, depending on the state. Families can choose from various curricula, online programs, and co-ops. Many states require minimal reporting, allowing parents to customise education to fit their children’s learning styles.
2. Canada – Supportive and Flexible
Canada embraces homeschooling across all provinces, though regulations differ. Some provinces, like Alberta and British Columbia, offer funding for homeschoolers, while others provide little oversight. The country’s vast landscapes and multicultural cities make it an excellent place for world schooling. It’s a very easy country to navigate with a wide range of experiences on offer in each state, You can stay for up to 6 months on your tourist visa. It is worth mentioning that living costs can be more expensive in Canada, but with so much on offer, it’s a destination worth considering.
3. Mexico – A Haven for Travelling Families
Many expat families choose Mexico for its relaxed homeschooling stance. There are no strict reporting requirements, and international online programmes are widely accepted. With affordable living costs and a rich cultural landscape, it’s a top choice for world schoolers. There are also lots of local hubs that allow other like-minded families to meet up. Also, if you are from the UK, you can stay on a tourist visa for up to 180 days, which means you can settle and get to know the local area. Plus, the beaches are beautiful. Not sure if you’ve guessed, but Mexico is definitely on our list of places to visit.
4. Portugal – Growing Popularity Among Digital Nomads
Portugal has become a hub for digital nomad families. Homeschooling is legal, but parents must register with a local school or don’t exceed their 90-day tourist visa, and they can continue to travel with other like-minded world-schoolers. We’ve visited Portugal a few times, and the weather, beaches, food and people make it a must-visit country. The country’s safety, mild climate, and strong expat networks make it a fantastic base for families who want to explore Europe.
5. New Zealand – A Nature-Lover’s Paradise
New Zealand requires homeschoolers to submit a learning plan, but families have significant freedom once approved. Outdoor adventure opportunities are endless, making it ideal for hands-on, experiential learning. Not to mention long tourist visas and plenty of islands to visit locally. I love New Zealand and found the locals so supportive in the 11 months I lived there. The only downside is the length of the flight, but if you commit to travel and tie in other destinations on the way, it’s somewhere that provides an unforgettable outdoor travel experience. Now I want to go back!
6. Australia – Diverse Learning Options
Each Australian state has its homeschool regulations, but overall, the country supports alternative education. You must be able to demonstrate your understanding of the learning requirements in the state you are in. With vast landscapes and vibrant cities, Australia offers incredible opportunities for immersive learning experiences and never-ending exploration.
7. Bulgaria – Not Forbidden
I wasn’t sure if I should include Bulgaria on the list, but it’s worth mentioning. The number of world-schooling families is growing there, and it’s an affordable country with lots to explore. Homeschooling is on the rise in Bulgaria, and while you can choose independent education, there are some rules to follow. You still need to register with a public or private school and take end-of-year tests, which means there’s less freedom compared to other countries. However, with many online schools available, it’s still very doable and a great option to explore if you want your family budget to stretch further.
8. South Africa – Homeschooling on the Rise
Homeschooling is legal in South Africa, but families are required to register with the local education authorities to ensure they comply with the country’s regulations. Many parents opt for international curricula as it offer flexibility in teaching and allow for a more personalised education experience. In addition to formal learning, South Africa’s diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history provide an incredible opportunity for hands-on, real-world education. Students can learn about nature, history, and geography through direct experiences, making the country an exciting and educational place for homeschooling families.
9. Costa Rica – A Laid-Back Approach
Costa Rica doesn’t have strict homeschooling regulations, so many expat families use online programs or hire tutors. The country’s rich biodiversity, eco-friendly lifestyle, and adventure activities make it ideal for worldschooling families. There are also family hubs and volunteer opportunities available, with unique experiences like jungle schools! Costa Rica offers plenty of daily activities for children, giving them opportunities to learn and socialise while working parents can find support through these hubs.
10. The United Kingdom – Unrestricted Learning
Homeschooling, also known as home education, is legal throughout the UK and has some of the least restrictive policies. Families don’t have to follow a set curriculum, making it easy to adapt education to travel and life experiences. There are many home education groups across the UK, offering a variety of clubs, tutoring, and activities, so there’s something for every child—if you can handle the weather! For world schooling families, you can explore England’s culture and history, Scotland’s wilderness, Wales’ beauty, and the charm of Ireland.
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Abroad
Pros:
- Flexibility – Design an education that fits your child’s learning style and interests.
- Cultural Immersion – Learn languages, history, and traditions firsthand.
- Stronger Family Bonds – Spend more time together and grow as a unit.
- Outdoor and Experiential Learning – Take advantage of real-world experiences beyond textbooks.
- Freedom from Traditional Schooling Restrictions – No rigid schedules, standardised tests, or unnecessary bureaucracy.
Cons:
- Legal Challenges – Some countries have strict regulations or require oversight.
- Socialisation Concerns – This is something that often comes up as a concern, but from our experience, our children can socialise every day with children of all ages and backgrounds.
- Financial Considerations – Parents may need to work remotely, have their own business or adapt to a single income, which is one of the vast reasons we started our online business. If you want to start your online business today, CLICK HERE!
- Educational Responsibility – Parents must take full charge of planning and delivering lessons, although this isn’t the case if you use a tutor or online classes or choose an unschooling approach.
- Access to Resources – Some locations may lack libraries, extracurricular activities, or homeschooling communities, although if this is the case, you can always find resources online.
Choosing the Right Country for Your Family
The best country for homeschooling depends on your family’s travel goals, lifestyle preferences, and educational philosophy. Whether you’re looking for structured support or total freedom, there’s an option out there. As world schoolers, we’ve found that the journey is often the best education—embracing different cultures, learning through experience, and growing together as a family.
Choosing the Right Resources
There are endless learning opportunities out there, but in today’s world, we believe the best education is one that nurtures passions and builds skills for future financial independence. That’s why we love this platform for online learning—it’s where we do most of our own studies, including all the LinkedIn Learning courses you can imagine (all included in the package)!
Our children can explore any topic they’re curious about, and we get to learn together as a family. If you’re looking for a way to expand your knowledge and open up new possibilities, check it out here: Begin Learning
Looking for more homeschooling and worldschooling insights? Explore our website for resources, tips, and firsthand experiences from our family who’ve made this lifestyle a reality!
