Have you heard of the term worldschooling before? Or does it sound like something completely new, yet intriguing? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re a family of four, and for the past several years, the world has been our classroom. I was a teacher for 10 years, but I felt pulled toward something different—something freer and more connected. Homeschooling our children meant we didn’t need to be tied to a house or school calendar, so we began to travel and learn along the way.
This is worldschooling.
What is Worldschooling?
At its heart, worldschooling is simply the idea that the world itself can be your child’s classroom.
It doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some families keep a home base and take extended trips; others (like us) sell everything and travel full-time. Some lean heavily on formal curriculum, while others prefer unschooling, letting real-world experiences guide learning.
There’s no one way to do it—just as there’s no one way to learn.
Why Choose Worldschooling?
Travel naturally opens doors to rich and lasting learning opportunities that no textbook can fully capture. History comes alive when you stand in front of the Colosseum or explore a prehistoric cave in France. Geography isn’t abstract when you cross time zones, hike mountains, or swim in different oceans. Cultural understanding deepens when your kids play with local children, taste new cuisines, or hear unfamiliar languages. Life skills grow naturally—adaptability, problem-solving, resilience, and curiosity thrive on the road.
Our kids (now 8 and 10) have been to over 18 countries. They’ve learned how to navigate airports, budget pocket money in multiple currencies, and make friends in all corners of the globe.
Worldschooling Styles
Like homeschooling, worldschooling has many styles. Some families prefer:
- Structured learning: bringing workbooks, online lessons, or tutors on the road.
- Unschooling: letting curiosity lead the way—whether that’s digging into fossils, exploring art museums, or learning from conversations with locals.
- Hybrid: a balance of formal lessons and spontaneous learning. (This is us!)
The beauty is, you can adjust as your children grow and your travels change.
Who Worldschools?
You might be surprised—worldschooling families are everywhere!
- Some have a home base but travel during off-seasons.
- Others road-school in vans or RVs.
- Some fly from continent to continent with only backpacks.
The uniting factor? A desire to learn through real-life experiences and a belief that education doesn’t have to look like a traditional classroom.
How to Get Started with Worldschooling
If you’re curious, here are a few first steps:
- Connect with communities – Community groups like Connected Travel Mamas or Facebook groups like Worldschoolers are great places to meet like-minded families.
- Try a short trip – Start with a week or two where you intentionally focus on learning through travel.
- Experiment with resources – Mix in travel journals, local museum guides, or apps like Duolingo. See our favourites here.
- Look into alternative travel styles – House sitting, slow travel, or work exchanges can make this lifestyle affordable. Read about our house sitting experiences here.
Common Myths (and the Truth!)
❌ “Worldschooling is only for the wealthy.”
✅ Many families worldschool on a budget using house sitting, slow travel, and work exchanges.
❌ “My kids won’t learn enough.”
✅ Kids often learn more deeply when education is connected to real experiences. You can also add formal curriculum if needed.
❌ “They’ll be isolated.”
✅ Worldschooling families have thriving communities worldwide, both online and in-person.
Ready to Explore Worldschooling?
Worldschooling has been one of the most rewarding choices we’ve ever made as a family. It’s not always easy, but the memories, the learning, and the shared adventures are priceless. It truly is a lifestyle choice that can benefit the whole family, not just your child.
If you’re curious about whether this lifestyle could work for you, I’ve created a Worldschool Starter Pack —an 80-page guide packed with insights, resources, and tips from our journey. It even includes a Worldschooling Styles Quiz to help you figure out your own approach.
Grab your copy here.
