Below, Jamie shares a bit about their experiences in her own words.

Please share a bit about your journey.

When I was in college, I had my first opportunity to live in another country when I went to Baja, Mexico for a 6-month school program. It changed my life. I loved the experience of being immersed in another culture and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty that surrounded me with the people, their way of life, and the natural landscape. It was an experience that I have wanted my son to have. I had been looking for opportunities for a while and more so in the last few years, knowing my son would not want to be going on these excursions with his mom much longer and leaving his friends and his activities. An opportunity came my way last year and I was able to start up my own business and make enough money to be able to travel and work. 

Jace making a bowl in pottery class.

What was one of the most important ingredients in getting your family on the road – what did you do that worked out well? 

Determination. I had my mind set and was going to do whatever it took to make it happen, which included finding someone to take care of my house and dog for a month, setting up my business to still function while in Peru, getting his dad on board for this trip to Peru, saving up enough money to be able to go, and not letting my anxiety about such a huge undertaking so far away from home stop me.

Why did you decide to attend a Working Without Borders program? How did it fit into your overall journey and worldschooling plan/approach?

I had a childhood friend that I had reconnected with on Facebook recently and was reading her posts on her worldschooling journeys. As soon as I saw what she was doing, I thought to myself, “This is it!” Working Without Borders was the perfect program for me because it offered programs that were during my son’s summer break. I felt a month-long program was the perfect amount of time for us. It was long enough to really get to know the area and the people and he could still have half his summer to do other things at home. WWB also had everything planned out for us, including safe and comfortable living arrangements, transportation, schooling, after school classes, and weekend adventures. 

Where was the WWB program you attended? Please tell us what the experience was like for you and your son. Are there specific aspects of the program you feel are a good fit for single parents?

We attended the Sacred Valley program in Peru. It was the most wonderful experience and was above and beyond my expectations. Jace left for classes at a local school around 7am and returned around 5pm after attending different classes after school each day that taught the visiting kids about local cooking, music, outdoor adventure, art, and pottery. While he was busily engaged and learning during the day, I was able to do my job remotely from my home office–my bungalow’s back patio overlooking a river and mountains! Jace was totally immersed in the culture and made friends with local students in spite of the language barrier, and that was one of the most important experiences I wanted for him. 

What are the lasting impressions of your WWB experience? How has it impacted you and your son?

It was an incredible eye-opening experience that allowed my son to experience getting to know kids from another part of the world and to learn how much they had in common, as well as understanding and appreciating the cultural differences.

What are some of the unique aspects of long-term travel and/or world schooling as a single parent? What do you wish you knew before you started, or what would you like to share with other families before they launch?

It was financially difficult to come up with the money and it was a little scary to be the only available on-site parent being responsible for making decisions for my son in a foreign country.

Learning how to harvest potatoes with members of the Huama Community.

What does community mean to you, and how have you found it during your travels? Have you attended other organized programs besides WWB?

Community is essential to thrive, to learn from others, to share experiences with others, to make this world a better place. WWB provided a great community for all the families who participated–both visiting families and local families. Building community is one of the best strengths of WWB.

What have you discovered about your family by being on the road together?

I loved traveling with my son, Jace, and this experience reaffirmed my belief that he is an incredible human being. I am constantly amazed and impressed with who he is becoming. His willingness to try new things is delightful. It is not easy to go to a totally new country without friends, cousins, or siblings. His trust in me and my decisions for this trip humbled me. He took all the new experiences in stride and fully participated in all the opportunities and adventures the program provided him. He even handled being the only boy of the visiting families without complaint.

What’s your favorite story to share about this experience?

On the last day of school, the local teachers and students held a gratitude ceremony that was heartfelt and beautiful. The students, both local and visiting, all went around a circle and shared words of gratitude. At the end of the ceremony, my son was surrounded by a large group of kids chanting his name and giving him hugs. He was loved. He had made his mark. This is exactly what I had hoped would happen for him.

What are you excited about seeing/doing/learning next? 

I would love to go on another trip next summer with Jace. If we cannot afford another extensive trip abroad so soon after Peru, then I am hoping we can visit a National Park or two this coming year.

From the Wonder Year team: We so appreciate Jamie telling us about her family’ travel experiences, including the time she and Jace spent attending a Working Without Borders program. If you are interested in learning more about WWB for your family, you can start with the blog post here.

One of the many dishes the kids made in cooking class.

The post Fernweh Families: the Neilans appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

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/

The post Community Connectors: Sam Keller, Working Without Borders appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.