We see worldschooling as a lifestyle where learning is centered around the world and its people, culture, and nature. It's a journey of discovery for the entire family – whether you’re exploring your own proverbial ‘backyard’ or traveling abroad. If you're considering this path, here are six core concepts to guide you, from your first steps to a sustainable, long-term approach.
1. Dabble
The best place to start is by exploring your child(ren)’s interests. What are they naturally curious about? Instead of diving into a rigid curriculum, dabble in various topics to see what sticks.
Use surveys or interest inventories like the Renzulli Profiler to discover passions you might not have known about. Get in touch with us if you’d like to try this out.
Spend time at your local library, letting your children browse freely and pick books based on what catches their eye.
Visit nearby museums, parks, or historical sites. Pay attention to what sparks questions and conversations.
By allowing this initial exploration, you'll build a foundation for learning that feels exciting and personal, not like a chore.
2. Reconfigure Routines
Moving away from a traditional school and 9-5:00 schedules can be a big adjustment. Rather than trying to replicate the classroom, think about what kind of structure works for your family. Some people thrive on a more strict routine, while others need flexibility.
The key is to find a rhythm that balances the needs of everyone in your family. If you have children with different needs or learning styles, you might need to compromise to create a schedule that gives everyone space to learn and grow. This is where the concept of "unschooling" often comes into play, allowing for more spontaneous, interest-led learning.
Here’s a free template you can adapt for your needs.
3. Find Resources
Your local community is a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Start local by planning day trips or field trips to museums, libraries, and historical landmarks. These short outings are a great way to test the waters of learning outside the home.
Once you feel comfortable, plan an overnight or weekend trip. This is a crucial step for understanding your family’s travel needs. As you get more established, try incorporating learning experiences into your vacations. For example, a trip to Copenhagen could include a visit to the Viking Ship Museum along with enjoying the Tivoli Gardens.
For longer stays, consider slow travel, which involves staying in one location for an extended period (often three months, depending on visa regulations). This allows you to truly immerse yourselves in a culture and community.
No matter where you are, online resources are abundant. Our community, Worldschooling Quest (contact us for UK-specific link at hello@intl.education), has a searchable database filled with resources to help you along the way.
4. Connect with a Tribe
Worldschooling can feel isolating at first, but you are not alone. Finding a community of like-minded families is essential for support and inspiration. You can connect with worldschool hubs, home education groups or alternative education providers for practical advice, emotional support, and even travel companions.
Groups like Family Travel Hive are great places to start. These communities offer a sense of belonging and a space to share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. You can even create your own swarm to find others nearby with similar interests.
If you’d like to experience cross-cultural connections without travel, we have the International Kids' Council virtual sessions online, which develop essential skills through real-world, collaborative problem solving utilizing technology.
5. Be Open & Adapt
The most memorable moments in worldschooling often happen when you least expect them. It’s important to stay open-minded and willing to adapt your plans. Sometimes, the friends you meet along the way will change your trajectory entirely, leading to spontaneous adventures.
For instance, our family's plans shifted when we met new friends in Bali. We ended up celebrating birthdays at their hotel – the Hard Rock in Kuta, a memory that wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been open to a change of plans.
6. Communicate, Reflect, Iterate
Worldschooling is a continuous learning process for everyone. Set aside time, at least once a week, for a family check-in. This is a dedicated space to communicate openly and honestly with each other.
One great method is the "roses and thorns" reflection. Everyone shares a "rose" (a high point or something they enjoyed) and a "thorn" (a challenge or something that didn't go well). For example, your child might say, "My rose was seeing the monkeys in the jungle today, but my thorn was feeling tired during the hike." This simple practice helps you understand each other's experiences and gives you insight into what’s working and what’s not.
Based on these reflections, you can iterate your approach. To stay on track, establish SMART goals for your family in various areas, such as finances, education, and well-being. For example, we have a goal to complete a monthly learning project, like our son Leo’s presentation about shipwrecks. We also have an annual budget spreadsheet to ensure our spending aligns with our financial goals.
Of course you can keep a personal diary or journal to reflect your internal thoughts too. My husband James often says to our 7-year-old son, “If you go into this with a negative mindset, it will be negative. If you take on a positive mindset, it will be positive.” By communicating regularly and reflecting on your journey, you can continuously refine your worldschooling experience to make it a sustainable and enriching adventure for everyone.
Where are you on your worldschooling journey? We’d love to hear from you!
– Jess Marsh
INTL Edu Director & Cofounder
