Please introduce you and your family.
We are Brian, Anna, Dhyan and Arelia! When Brian and I met we had a few big things in common and one of them was travel. We started traveling together the moment we met. Now, 15 years later and with two kids (ages eight and six), we took off again to see the world as a family.
What does worldschooling mean to you?
For us, the definition of worldschooling has evolved as we have traveled. Initially, we thought it meant taking our kids out of traditional American public schools (even though Dhyan attended a Waldorf Charter) and instead traveling the world to teach them about what we saw and experienced. Today, we also seek out resources where we go, while also homeschooling, to create a hybrid education. We use everything as an opportunity to learn! Almost everything we do has become part of the education.
Describe how you and your family approach education and learning.
From Spirituality to History one can develop a unique itinerary based on what one wants to teach. Now, almost 2 years in, we have created an educational style wherein we worldschool and use a Waldorf homeschool program that works for us while we travel. We feel this gives us the best of both worlds. Plus, our perspective on worldschooling has broadened. We have met many traveling families that worldschool using various types of educational methods, including unschooling, and provide the necessary resources to support their children’s interests.
How long have you and your family been worldschooling?
It will be 2 years in March of 2019.
Share an “aha moment” you’ve experienced on your worldschooling journey:
We get aha moments all the time! Traveling gives us more time and energy to nurture our creative, inspired moments and fuels new ideas. Our views and perspectives are expanded! Worldschooling oftentimes leads to unexpected rewards and surprises. Breaking away from what is familiar, and questioning the system one has always conformed to, gives one the space to discover not only the wonders of the world, but also themselves.
What role does community play in your worldschooling experience?
Community plays a huge role! Ours has grown to include an international community. Traveling families become welcome new additions to your community, people who know and love this life style, and who can also relate to you. Oftentimes, we make community as we go, and have to say goodbye to them along the way. The world does not seem so large after a while, so you feel you can always touch base with those you have met on the road. Our hometown community is a comforting touchstone, and our worldschooling community is a vital piece of living abroad.
What has been your greatest worldschooling challenge?
Often, we find ourselves traveling and yearning to remain longer in certain places, but find we have limited time due to Visa restrictions. We are limited in our freedom because of visa regulations, and the limits on how long we are allowed to stay in certain areas. Also, lack of community can be a big challenge. Sometimes we find ourselves missing people. We’ve become adept at reaching out, and more open to putting ourselves out there, getting to know locals. For example,we have a tradition of bringing our neighbors homemade banana bread! It helps breaks the ice a little, and we usually end up making friends. But now and then, we miss having friends for our kids..
Your greatest worldschooling achievement?
Our greatest achievement is simply making it all happen! Its been a beautiful learning curve. We’ve given ourselves the opportunity to discover the world and ourselves while developing powerful bonds with each other. Fully aware of how privileged we are, we are compelled to give back to the world, to touch the lives of others through volunteering, or just by being beacons of love and inspiration, bolstering community spirit, and encouraging people to have the faith & courage to follow their dreams. Our son is finishing up second grade, reading, writing and thriving. He has learned all about money as he navigates using different currencies, and is on his way to opening an online store selling treasures he’s found while traveling! He’s becoming a pretty savvy little dude! Our daughter is adaptable, sure of herself, and comfortable getting to know people.
Share one travel hack or a few words of advice you’d like to share with fellow worldschoolers:
Slow it down. Everyone has their own style and pace of travel. We find slow travel is key, staying in one place for at least a month, acclimating to the culture, and staying somewhat off the beaten path. It’s less stress on the kids, gives us time to build community, find a rhythm, learn more about an area, and save money!
What were the biggest takeaways you experienced at a Project World School Family Summit?
The importance of community!
What were your favorite moments?
Meeting other traveling families, hearing about what they have done and how they travel.
What would you say to someone who was considering coming to a Summit?
Go. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded people and learn a ton. Plus, it’s so fun and inspiring!
What Summit(s) have you attended?
Fall 2018, Chaing Mai, Thailand.
Where can people find you?
Website / Blog: https://trustingtravel.