How Do I Start Worldschooling My Kids?

If you’ve ever daydreamed about packing up your kids, hopping on a plane, and giving them the kind of education you wish you’d had growing up, you’re in the right spot. Worldschooling isn’t some secret club. It’s not reserved for people who sold everything to live full-time out of backpacks or families who somehow look perfect in every photo. It’s just… parents who believe the world has a few things to teach their kids, and they’re willing to follow that curiosity.

And if you’re wondering where to begin, the good news is you don’t need a plane ticket, a curriculum, or a life overhaul to get started. You just need a direction.

Let’s walk through it.

Start With Your Why (and no, it doesn’t need to be profound)

Every family begins worldschooling for different reasons. Some want to slow life down. Some want their kids to see cultures beyond their hometown bubble. Some want adventure. Some want healing. Some don’t want school to look like it’s always looked.

Your “why” doesn’t need to be poetic. It just needs to feel true.

Ask yourself:

• What do we want our kids to experience in the next few years?
• What kind of humans do we hope they become?
• What parts of the world do we want to learn from?

Your answers become your compass later when things get messy, plans change, or you find yourself doing math homework in a tiny Airbnb kitchen wondering what life choices brought you here.

Choose Your Version of Worldschooling (there’s no single right way)

Worldschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s more like a spectrum.

Here are the most common starting points:

Structured programs

Think Boundless Life,  Galileo, Kubrio. Built-in community. Actual school hours. Predictability. You still get the richness of being abroad without needing to reinvent education from scratch.

Homeschooling while traveling

Bring a curriculum, add the world as the classroom, follow a rhythm that works for your family.

Unschooling (or interest-led learning)

Wake up curious, follow the questions, let experiences lead the way. Works beautifully for some, feels too open for others.

Local international schools

Move abroad. Enroll your kids. Live life in one place for a while. A lovely choice if you want roots + global exposure.

Slow travel

Stay in one location for one to three months at a time. Settle in enough to feel local, then move on when you’re ready.

You can mix these. Many families do.

Try a Test Run Before You Commit

You don’t have to jump into a year abroad. Start smaller.

A simple “trial month” gives you more clarity than months of overthinking:

• A 4–6 week stay abroad
• A Boundless Life cohort
• A homeschool month at home
• A summer abroad with loose structure

You’ll learn a lot:

• How your kids handle new environments
• How you handle the logistics
• What rhythm your family naturally falls into

The best part? You cannot mess this step up. A trial is a trial.

Build a Simple Learning Framework (simple is the keyword)

You don’t need a color-coded homeschool binder to make this work.

Start light. Add structure as you go.

Some easy options:

• Math: Singapore Math, Beast Academy, Khan Academy
• Reading: Books tied to the country you’re in
• Culture: Museums, markets, local tours
• Nature: Beaches, forests, parks, wildlife

The world provides a lot on its own, so you’re not filling every minute with worksheets. Think “anchors,” not “rigid schedule.”

Handle the Logistics Without Getting Overwhelmed

This part feels big but becomes doable when broken down. The basics:

• Passports for everyone
• Housing options (Airbnb, Plum Guide, furnished rentals)
• Health insurance you can use abroad
• Visa requirements for your chosen country
• Understanding homeschool/education rules in the country you visit
• A rough budget for the trip

Lists help. So does planning early.

Expect Things to Shift (and that’s part of the magic)

Your kids might surprise you. You might surprise yourself. You’ll realize quickly what works, what doesn’t, and what matters more than you thought.

Worldschooling isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about living intentionally, learning together, and giving your kids experiences that stay with them long after the trip ends.

You don’t start worldschooling by being ready.

You start worldschooling by being willing.