Seven continents, 102,000 miles, 13 months and countless lessons you wouldn’t learn in school | CNN

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Family's Global Adventure

Andi and Randy Almond, along with their children Finn and Aria, embarked on a 13-month, seven-continent journey, integrating education with travel. Their experience is detailed in Andi's book, "The Everywhere Classroom."

Worldschooling Approach

Rather than traditional homeschooling, the Almonds collaborated with their children's teachers to create a curriculum aligning with their travel destinations. They utilized local authors and immersive experiences to enhance learning.

  • Integrated local literature, like "Cry, the Beloved Country" in South Africa, with classroom curriculum.
  • Leveraged online resources and family travel groups for support and inspiration.

Journey Highlights and Challenges

Their trip encompassed various cultural experiences, from learning Portuguese in Brazil to trekking in the Himalayas. Challenges included a scorpion bite and adapting to diverse travel rhythms.

  • Scuba diving certifications in Zanzibar
  • Portuguese language lessons in Brazil
  • Trekking in the Himalayas (Aria)
  • Mandarin immersion course in Taiwan (Finn)

Financial and Educational Considerations

The Almonds rented their home, reduced expenses, and carefully planned their finances. They adapted their approach, initially rejecting formal world-schooling programs due to cost and scheduling constraints.

Post-Trip Reflections

The family found the trip cost less than a typical year at home, and the children gained valuable life skills and a broader perspective. While not drastically transformed, they exhibited enhanced confidence, empathy, and practical skills.

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