Community Connectors: Sam Keller, Working Without Borders
We enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Sam Keller, Founder and CEO of Working Without Borders. Working Without Borders (WWB) provides coworking getaways for families that include culturally immersive offerings for kids and teens. Their programs blend productivity, community, education, and adventure, all while allowing adults to work remotely in interesting locations with like-minded families.
In our book, we encourage traveling families to have a “know before you go” approach to community programs and gatherings, and we love that Working Without Borders describes their ideal participant to help you do just that. We also admire their manifesto of inclusion, camaraderie, personal growth, contribution, kindness, and adventure.
Sam shares his experiences and insights with us below.
Please tell us a bit about your background and your family.
From being an exchange student in Australia to a Fulbright Scholar in Costa Rica, the most formative experiences of my life have involved living abroad. My wife’s upbringing, spanning the Middle East, Hong Kong, and France, similarly shaped her worldview. Together, our passion for global exploration led us to French Polynesia with our kids during the pandemic. These experiences and our collective love for diverse cultures laid the foundation for Working Without Borders, a venture born out of a desire to offer families the transformative power of cross-cultural immersion in a post-pandemic world.
Local and visiting kids stroll together through a village in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
Why did you start Working Without Borders?
It began with a dream. A long-shared, long-deferred daydream, imagining we could live abroad, working remotely in an exotic paradise, with our kids. It took a pandemic to make the dream come true for us. In August 2020, we made our big move as a family to Tahiti. Lo and behold, experiencing freedom and joy in French Polynesia gave rise to a bigger dream. We looked for ways to “pay it forward,” helping parents like us to experience living and working remotely in a beautiful location, amongst a community of like-minded families, with kids and teens learning alongside similarly-aged local youth.
What’s the educational philosophy behind WWB?
Our educational philosophy is rooted in the principles of worldschooling. We make highly immersive, cross-cultural, project-based, experiential learning opportunities possible. By collaborating with local communities, schools, and camp providers, we foster a deep sense of global citizenship in participating youth. This approach not only broadens their horizons but also cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy. Engaging directly with diverse cultures and environments equips them with invaluable life skills, heightened cultural awareness, and a genuine appreciation for the interconnectedness of our global community.
Families enjoy lunch at the Medellin Botanical Garden to kick off the Family Learning Adventure in Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring.
How do you select locations? What goes into the planning and how long does it take?
Finalizing a new destination usually spans several months. So far, we’ve targeted locations in the Americas and the Pacific, catering to parents working in those time zones. Considerations such as walkability, climate, safety, and local attractions guide our choices. Partnering with a dedicated local ally, who resonates with our vision, is pivotal. Together, we assess accommodations, workspaces, and kids’ camps, and coordinate activities, events, and excursions. Our primary goal is to cultivate a setting where families bond seamlessly, nurturing a close-knit community.
There are many worldschooling communities out there—what sets yours apart?
As a licensed, insured, and bonded travel company specializing exclusively in worldschooling programs, we offer unparalleled professionalism, specialization, and reliability. This ensures parents have peace of mind about the experiences awaiting their families. Parents can confidently work remotely, knowing their kids are in good hands and interacting with local youth. This consistency, quality, and connection with local families sets us apart from many hubs and other programs.
Two young girls participating in the Sacred Valley Family Learning Adventure marvel at the wonders of Machu Picchu.
What have you learned along the way? How has WWB evolved?
After running month-long programs in French Polynesia, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru, we’ve honed our blueprint for delivering transformative experiences. We’ve established specifications tailored to the families we attract, encompassing everything from airport pickups and welcome meals to workspaces, kids’ camps, and weekend excursions. We’ve figured out the right balance between structured activities and free time. Moreover, we’ve pinpointed the optimal group size to ensure our programs are economically viable while ensuring an intimate experience where everyone can get to know each other.
What programs are on the schedule for 2024?
We’re offering the Sacred Valley Family Learning Adventure in Peru twice in 2024. This 29-day program immerses families in Andean culture, from Inca history to local community engagement. Kids and teens collaborate with local peers on projects and field trips, while parents can work remotely or explore the region. Weekends feature curated trips, including Machu Picchu, all fostering deep cross-cultural connections.
Next year, we’re also offering two instances of the Family Learning Adventure in Medellín, Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring. Over 29 days, families will immerse themselves in Medellín’s dynamic urban blend of culture, innovation, and history. Children will participate in a language camp on a lush hillside, enhancing their Spanish, while parents can work remotely or delve into the city’s cultural and natural attractions. The program fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and community, highlighted by shared experiences like game nights, field trips, and weekend outings.
Visiting and local families hike together in the Andes Mountains during the Sacred Valley Family Learning Adventure.
From the Wonder Year Team: We are so inspired by Sam’s mission and thank him for his commitment to the worldschooling community. We hope this introduction to Working Without Borders is helpful when planning your family’s journey. You can find more information on WWB at:
https://www.workingwithoutborders.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workingwithoutborders4U
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/working.without.borders/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-without-borders/
