Being a digital nomad family is great for everyone involved when done right. But how do you make sure your children have the best academic achievements and support they can get while you move from country to country? Here are a few tips on keeping your child well-educated while you explore the world.
Universities
Contrary to what you might think, there are tons of accredited US and EU universities that have long-distance degrees on offer. Among them is the world-famous Freie Universitat in Berlin which offers one of the best educational programs anywhere in Europe. Another prestigious university is Trinity College in Dublin. And even the famous Oxford University has remote courses for students from all over the world.
But there are also downsides. First is the price. Tuition fees don’t go away just because your child is not physically present at lectures and seminars. There are also limitations to what even can be studied remotely. Things like mathematics or humanities courses like sociology or psychology can be studied remotely just fine, but if your child wants to do something more practical like medicine, they might have a hard time finding a long-distance program. It is also important to note that most long-distance university programs are at the Master’s level.
Homeschooling
Outside of university education, there is the option of teaching your own child. This is especially useful when it comes to the early days of education. The basics like writing, reading, history, mathematics, and so on can be done by most well-prepared parents. Additionally, you can consult sites like Khan Academy Kids, The Homeschool Mom, and Education.com which provide you with structured courses.
But there are downsides to this. Firstly, you need to do the schooling yourself which can significantly lower the overall income of your family. Also, homeschooling can end up making your child ineligible for university courses, depending on the country they want to enroll in. If you want to avoid this, look up the Homeschool Legal Defense Association which focuses on the US homeschooling laws. Alternatively, look up the laws in your destination.
Sometimes it is possible for your child to take a test that accredits them to be of a certain school level without ever having to set foot into a school. There are tons of obstacles here, but with some planning and research, homeschooling is a great choice.
Online schools
There are sites like K12 or Connections Academy that offer online courses which are accessible wherever you are. The two sites focus primarily on the American style of education but they provide the core learning experience of most schools in the world. There are some legal complications surrounding children that have completed these schools, but similar to homeschooling, there are tests that can make your child eligible to continue in their education elsewhere.
Private international schools
Many larger cities have international schools that accept children even if they don’t complete their studies at the institution. These schools can be a good way for your child to socialize and get a more traditional school experience.
However, it does mean that you will need to space out your travels around your child’s schedule. Some international schools let children leave after only a semester, some won’t accept them mid-way through a school year. Planning and communication with different schools can help you find solid education for your kids just about anywhere.
