The Borderless Classroom:
Why Families Are Selling Everything to “Worldschool” Post-Pandemic
In 2020, the pandemic uprooted traditional learning as we knew it. While many students returned to physical classrooms as restrictions eased, a growing group of families chose a different path: worldschooling.
Worldschooling, the practice of using travel as the primary form of education, is not new, but it gained new momentum during the pandemic. As children attended school remotely, the idea of learning from anywhere, with the world as a classroom, became more feasible and appealing. Families around the globe took a leap, leaving behind traditional school settings in favor of an immersive education experience that spans countries and continents.
For many families, the pandemic served as a tipping point. The pandemic changed the way we look at education. When schools closed, many families realized that they didn’t have to conform to the traditional education system to give their children rich, meaningful learning experiences.
According to a report by the Worldschooling Hub, a global online community, more than 100,000 families joined its ranks in 2021, many of them driven by a desire for more flexible, real-world learning experiences. For example, the Perez family, from Florida, decided to leave their conventional lives behind. “We were tired of the American dream treadmill,” says father Alejandro Perez. “When we realized we could give our daughter a good education anywhere, it was obvious to at least try it.”
In the worldschooling movement, educational experiences are not confined to a classroom. Children learn languages in the streets of Barcelona, explore ecosystems in the Amazon Rainforest, and study history in the ruins of Machu Picchu. The model centers on the belief that travel can enrich a child’s education in ways a traditional school can not.
For all its freedom and adventure, worldschooling comes with its own set of challenges. Critics argue that while worldschooling offers a rich, diverse education, it can lack the structure and social stability provided by a traditional school. Worldschooling can be an incredible opportunity for some students, but it’s important to recognize that consistency is key for young learners. Being able to form lasting friendships and having a routine are critical for social and emotional development.
Despite these concerns, the worldschooling movement continues to gain traction. Many families cite the flexibility and freedom that worldschooling provides as key factors in their decision to embrace the lifestyle. Families today are looking for more than just academics. They want an education that is personal, authentic, and grounded in real-world experiences.
Financially, worldschooling is not always easy to maintain. The majority of worldschooling families rely on remote work, savings, or entrepreneurial ventures to fund their travels. For some, it means downsizing significantly. “It’s a major financial commitment,” says travel blogger Sarah Jackson, who has been worldschooling her children for three years. “But we find that we actually save money compared to maintaining a home and paying for traditional schooling.” In fact, Jackson’s family is able to travel cheaper by working remotely and living in affordable destinations.
The financial aspect raises the question of accessibility. Many of the families embarking on worldschooling journeys come from privileged backgrounds, with resources and flexibility that allow them to live abroad. There seems to be an increasing equity issue within. Not all families have the luxury of being able to travel, let alone sell everything to do so.
Despite these challenges, many worldschooling families view the experience as life changing. “For us, it’s not just about taking a break from the system,” says Alejandro Perez. “We don't want our kids to just see things, we want them to understand. You just can’t find that stuff in public schools.”
As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, it’s clear that worldschooling is here to stay, at least for those who can make it work.