A couple years ago we came across Kayla’s Instagram @montessoriexpat, and we were immediately intrigued. Her family has documented the many ways they engage their children in cultures across the globe, immersing them in local traditions with a commitment to what is known as World Schooling. 

What exactly is World Schooling, how does life abroad impact parenting, and how can we adopt some of these principles, even if we’re not traveling regularly? Read on to be inspired

Nell: Let’s start with the basics. What is World Schooling?

Kayla: I believe that the essence of World Schooling isn’t about traveling. While experiencing different cultures firsthand through travel is valuable, the core of World Schooling is really about expanding our worldview and fostering a deep, meaningful understanding of the diverse world we live in.

The real goal is to educate our children—and ourselves—in a way that embraces diversity, promotes empathy, and cultivates a global perspective. It's about broadening our horizons beyond our immediate surroundings and learning from the vast array of human experiences that exist around us.

World Schooling is a powerful way to raise children who are peacemakers. By exposing them to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, we equip them with the tools to understand, empathize with, and respect others. This understanding fosters a sense of global citizenship and a commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully, making them advocates for harmony in an increasingly interconnected, yet polarized world.

Nell: How do you ensure your children get a well-rounded education while traveling? / What are some of your favorite activities or resources for teaching your children about the world while on the road?

Kayla: Our children are still young (5 ½ and almost 4), but even at this age, education is a top priority for us—specifically, the right, developmentally-appropriate education that is sensory-based and individualized. We believe that fostering a curiosity about the world and a love for learning is just as important as teaching the foundational skills of reading, writing, and math. We want our children to develop these crucial skills, but not at the expense of losing the joy of discovery that makes learning so exciting.

To ensure our children receive a well-rounded education while we travel, we’ve adopted a flexible approach that adapts to their needs and the different environments we find ourselves in. We’ve incorporated various schooling options depending on the season of life we’re in and our children’s specific needs at the time. They’ve attended a play-based Arabic preschool, which immersed them in the local language and culture. When we’ve spent extended periods in the U.S., they’ve attended a Montessori school, which aligns with our educational philosophy and supports their developmental needs.

We focus on cultural experiences as a core part of their education, recognizing that learning happens everywhere—not just in a classroom. 

When we travel, we make it a point to engage in activities that bring the local culture and history to life. For example, in Egypt, we explored the Pyramids of Giza, giving our children a tangible connection to ancient history. In Austria, we visited the opera house, introducing them to the world of classical music and performance. In Romania, we visited the castles of Transylvania, sparking their imaginations with stories of knights and legends. In Greece, we hiked to the top of the Acropolis, where they could literally walk through history. In Spain, we took part in a paella cooking class and a mosaic class, allowing them to experience the culture through its cuisine and art.

We find that participating in a walking tour when visiting a new city is a great way to learn the city’s history from a local and visit key landmarks. We also enjoy visiting museums and exploring nature, as these activities provide hands-on learning and enrich their understanding of the world.

When we’re on longer trips, we bring homeschool materials with us to ensure that the basics—like reading, writing, and math—are continuously reinforced. This flexibility allows us to balance structured learning with the spontaneous, hands-on experiences that travel offers. It also enables us to tailor our educational approach to our children’s current interests and developmental stages, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide our children with a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional academics. By combining different schooling opportunities with rich cultural experiences, we aim to instill in them a deep curiosity, a love for learning, and a broad perspective on the world. We believe that these elements are essential for their development and will serve them well throughout their lives.

N: How has living abroad influenced your approach to parenting? Have you adopted any practices from the cultures you’ve lived in?

K: One of our core family values is working for justice for marginalized communities, which is what initially led us to Lebanon. We founded two elementary schools serving refugee communities living in temporary settlements, providing education to over 350 children who otherwise had no access to such opportunities. This work is deeply meaningful to us, and it’s also been a powerful way for our children to witness and participate in making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Living cross-culturally has profoundly impacted not just our parenting, but our entire way of life. Our children are growing up with a deep appreciation and respect for the differences that diverse cultures, languages, and peoples have to offer.

They’ve learned firsthand that the world is rich with varied perspectives, traditions, and ways of living, and this has shaped their worldview in ways that we could never have taught solely through books or discussions.

Over the past 10 years living in the Middle East, there are many words, foods, and traditions that have seamlessly become a part of our daily lives and parenting practices, often without us even realizing it. For example, Arabic phrases have naturally integrated into our household language, and traditional Middle Eastern meals are now a staple at our family table. We’ve also embraced local customs, such as the importance of hospitality, which has taught our children the value of welcoming others with warmth and generosity.

Incorporating the cultures and traditions of the countries we’ve lived in goes beyond just the tangible elements like language and food. It’s also about adopting the underlying values and perspectives that these cultures offer. For instance, we’ve learned the importance of communal living and how relationships are prioritized in many Middle Eastern cultures. This has influenced how we approach family time, prioritizing connection and quality time together, and teaching our children the importance of community and collective well-being.

Our commitment to justice and partnering with marginalized communities has been enriched by our experiences abroad. Our children see the realities of inequality and the importance of standing up for those who are vulnerable. This exposure has not only informed our parenting but has also instilled in them a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to contribute positively to the world.

Living abroad has allowed us to weave the rich tapestries of the cultures we’ve encountered into the fabric of our family life. It has enriched our parenting by providing our children with a global perspective, a deep appreciation for diversity, and a grounded sense of justice and empathy that will guide them throughout their lives.

N: How do you prepare for trips and ensure your children are comfortable and engaged during travel? How do you create a sense of stability and routine for your children while living a nomadic lifestyle? 

K: Traveling with children can be challenging, but our attitude as parents greatly influences their experience. By staying positive and flexible, we can turn travel into a rewarding adventure for the whole family.

Every child is different and handles transitions in their own way. For instance, one of my children is particularly sensitive to change and needs extra connection to feel secure. To support her, we maintain a routine of daily quiet time and ensure we spend at least 15 minutes of undistracted connection and one-on-one play before that quiet time. This helps her adjust more smoothly and prevents us from rushing or overloading her with activities.

We also prioritize welcoming our children’s feelings while maintaining clear boundaries. Keeping as much of our usual routine as possible—like mid-day rest and bedtime—even if the timing shifts, helps provide a sense of stability. 

Bringing familiar comfort items, such as favorite toys and books, can help them feel secure. Engaging our children in the travel experience by discussing plans and letting them make simple choices also keeps them involved and gives them some control.

Ultimately, quality connection often addresses the underlying roots of undesirable behaviors, especially those related to transition stress. By being a safe place for all their feelings, we maintain that essential connection while we create memorable experiences.

N: What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself or your parenting style through your travels?

K: Through our travels, I’ve discovered that while I absolutely love exploring new places and immersing myself in different experiences, I also deeply value and need time at home for rest and routine. It’s been surprising to realize how essential this balance is for me.

I’ve learned that I thrive when I have a healthy mix of adventure and the mundane.

The excitement of discovering new cultures and destinations is incredibly fulfilling, but so is the comfort and stability of our home life. This balance helps me stay grounded and rejuvenated, which in turn positively influences my parenting.

Traveling has shown me the importance of integrating both exploration and downtime into our family life. It’s not just about the destinations we visit, but also about creating a rhythm that supports both our sense of adventure and our need for rest.

N: Can you share some tips for parents who want to incorporate elements of World Schooling into their own lives, even if they don’t travel as much? 

Absolutely. Here are some tips for incorporating elements of World Schooling into your life, regardless of where you are:

By incorporating these elements into your daily life, you can bring the spirit of World Schooling into your home, helping your family develop a broader, more compassionate understanding of the world, and raising children who are equipped to be peacemakers in an increasingly complex global society.