Carol Tan, Luxent Wong and their son Atlas have travelled to 23 countries since the start of 2024.
Courtesy of Luxent Wong
Simply put, “World School” means having the world as your classroom.
Sometimes parents embark on a “family gap year”, taking their children out of their local schools to introduce them to different parts of the world and help them learn through immersive experiences that satisfy their innate curiosity.
Some families take a more structured approach by enrolling their children in schools abroad or creating their own curriculum as a homeschooler, while others take a more flexible approach.
Tan and Wong travelled across Southeast Asia by motorbike.
Courtesy of Luxent Wong
After meeting in 2011, Tan and Wong fell in love and soon discovered a shared passion for travel.
“Before we had Atlas, our travel style was a bit more 'off the beaten path,'” Wong told CNBC's Make It. The couple loved adventurous travel, taking a camper van to Iceland, motorbike tours through Southeast Asia, sleeping in the Egyptian desert, and exploring a safari in Sri Lanka.
“We realized [that] “We always gained something from each trip. We experienced some kind of growth and change, both as individuals and as a couple,” Wong said.
If I send my child to kindergarten from morning till night, I will miss out on some of the most wonderful moments of his development. As a father, I want to be there and witness his firsts.
Luxent Wong
Tang and Wong decided not only to continue their journey, but to take Atlas with them. [knew] “Traveling will be very beneficial for him, especially during his developmental years before he starts primary school,” Wong said.
“As a parent, I feel that if I send my child to kindergarten from morning till night, I miss out on the best part of my child's life because [where] “They're learning a lot of things for the first time,” Wong said. “As a father, I want to be there and see his firsts.”
The couple decided the best time to travel was when their children were between four and six years old — old enough to absorb the world, but still too young to start formal primary school, which is compulsory in Singapore.
Four-year-old Atlas is on a world study adventure with his parents.
Courtesy of Luxent Wong
After five years of saving and investing, Tan and Wong had saved up enough money to take the plunge.
“There's a perception that Singaporeans are rich and affluent, but that's not the case,” said Tan. “This is really just our hard-earned savings,” said Wong. The couple often ask themselves, “How much do we have saved?” [can we] How can you survive a month comfortably without starving?
By January 2024, Tan and Wong had begun a sabbatical from work, pulled Atlas out of school, and the family left for their first destination, Greece. They didn't want to tell anyone what their jobs were.
We believe the foundation of learning should be built on curiosity.
Luxent Wong
The family travels to a new destination almost every week, and in between their explorations they teach Atlas using three basic principles.
- Stimulate curiosity
- Encourage problem solving
- Socialization through immersion
“We believe that the foundation of learning should be built on curiosity,” Wong said, “and the second part is a willingness to really find a solution.”
“Equally important, the third [learning how] “Being social is important because you can learn a lot by yourself, but you can get so much more done together,” Wong says.
Throughout his journey, Atlas learns to make friends with the local children.
Courtesy of Luxent Wong
Much of Atlas' curriculum is play-centered, and Tan and Wong create plenty of opportunities for their son to experience and absorb a diverse environment.
Atlas often spends his time playing with children who speak different languages in Montenegro and learning how to share with new friends at the local playground. You will meet children from many different backgrounds and cultures.
The couple also teach Atlas by imitating actions: According to Wong, they imitate a “learning spirit” by asking each other questions when they don't understand something, and how to resolve conflicts along the way. Tan and Wong learn alongside Atlas on their journey.
One of the main changes the couple has seen in Atlas since embarking on the journey in early 2024 is that he has become more open to new experiences.
The child has gone from being a picky eater to eating a variety of foods. “I think at first he was eating to survive,” Wong said. “Now he eats with pleasure. I think he enjoys eating more than we do.”
Atlas is becoming more curious about the world and is learning how to ask more specific questions.
“At first, he just asked, 'What is a cable car?'” Tan says, “And now he asks things like, 'How does a cable car work? Does it generate electricity?'”
“He's eager to learn,” Wong said. “Instead of having information pushed down on him, he wants to learn more.”
Now the family is considering extending their break for a second year. “We think the world is so big,” says the 41-year-old. [don’t have enough] If it is only for a year, why not extend it up to two years,” Tan said.
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