What in the World is Worldschooling?
Have you ever heard the word worldschooling and thought, “What in the world does that mean?” Maybe you picture families selling everything to travel full-time, living out of backpacks, and hopping from country to country. And yes, that’s one version — but it’s not the only one.
At its heart, worldschooling simply means using the world as your children’s classroom. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a full-time traveler to embrace it.
How Our Journey Began.
For our family, worldschooling didn’t begin with plane tickets. It started in our own home back in Adelaide, South Australia
Our kids loved our students, and our students adored our children. Hosting became a wonderful and memorable experience for our whole family — and it was the catalyst for us embarking on our own worldschooling adventures overseas.
We opened our home to international students from all over the world.
By hosting, our kids learned about different languages, customs, and traditions — without ever leaving Australia.
It gave them a first-hand education in global connection, and for us as parents, it was also a way to save for future travel while opening our home (and our hearts) to the world.
That was the spark. And once we began, the idea of learning through life — not just through workbooks — took hold in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
What Worldschooling Looks Like
Maddie enjoyed the hands on learning about Turtle conservation at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg, Queensland
Worldschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It can look different for every family, but here are some real examples:
History in real life – Instead of learning about the Vietnam War from a classroom desk, we took our kids to museums in Vietnam and walked the streets where history happened.
Culture through experience – Rather than a home economics lesson, kids learn how to make sushi in Japan. Festivals, food tours, and cooking classes become cultural immersion days.
Everyday resilience – From navigating Asian street markets to figuring out a menu in another language, kids build patience, adaptability, and confidence in ways no worksheet could ever teach.
Local adventures – For years before we set off full-time, we took day trips to museums, art galleries, Indigenous heritage sites, and nature reserves right in our own backyard. That’s worldschooling too.
Hosting international students – Bringing the world to you is just as powerful as flying across the globe.
The Myth: Worldschooling is Too Expensive
Hannah shopping at a market in Malaysia, admiring the different styles of trinkets and jewellery in Asian culture.
One of the biggest misconceptions about worldschooling is that it’s only for the wealthy. But the truth? It doesn’t always cost more than staying home.
In fact, in many countries, the cost of living is significantly lower. Right now, as we write this from Vietnam, our grocery bill is nearly half of what it was in Australia. For some meals, it’s actually cheaper to order dinner out than to cook at home.
Travel also shifts how you spend. Instead of a resort with expensive cocktails by the pool, we choose a simple apartment where our family has space to spread out. Instead of ticking off every theme park or tourist attraction, we pick one special experience, then fill our days with free beaches, wandering markets, and games with the kids at a park.
When you travel with intention, you realise that worldschooling isn’t about luxury — it’s about experiences. And sometimes, it can be surprisingly affordable.
Why Worldschooling Matters for Families
Worldschooling is about so much more than travel. It’s about raising kids who are curious, resilient, and globally minded.
They learn history not just by memorising dates, but by standing where it happened.
They build empathy by meeting people from different backgrounds.
They grow in confidence by adapting to new environments and challenges.
It’s about connection — to the world, to others, and to each other as a family.
Final Thoughts
Worldschooling doesn’t belong only to families who travel full-time. It belongs to any family willing to see the world — whether that’s through hosting, exploring locally, or flying across an ocean.
At Dream Big Travels, this is why we create experiences designed for families: because travel isn’t just a holiday. It’s education. It’s connection. It’s transformation.
So, what in the world is worldschooling? It’s a way of living and learning that helps raise respectful, curious, and resilient global citizens. It’s many things — but what matters most is what it becomes for you and your family.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t need to overhaul your life to start worldschooling. Begin small and intentional:
🎒 Download our Cultural Food Night Printable to bring the world to your dinner table.
🎥 Grab our Family Worldschooling Watchlist of movies and documentaries to explore cultures, history, and traditions from your living room.
👉 You’ll find both free resources in our Dream Big Travels Store.
And if you’d love more practical tips and real-life stories about raising globally minded kids through travel, join our community — we’ll be right alongside you, cheering you on as you dream bigger for your family.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
If you’re already imagining your family diving into hands-on worldschooling experiences, why not join us on a Worldschool Camp?
We host group trips for families in destinations all around the world — from Egypt to Japan to Peru — where learning and adventure go hand in hand. Explore ancient history, taste local food, and connect with other like-minded families who value meaningful travel.
✨ Find your dream destination on our World School Camps page, fill out an expression of interest form, and we’ll be thrilled to welcome you on an unforgettable journey.
