I have been homeschooling the kids the non-traditional way–at home, in the living room (sometimes in the kitchen–or anywhere else, really, where there is a surface big enough to put their book or paper down) with much flexibility, creativity, and often chaos as we continue to live abroad. I grew up going to public school so it was all I knew. So when my husband and I decided that the best option for our kids’ education whilst living overseas was through homeschool, I was nervous, ignorant, and did not know where to even begin to look. Thankfully, before we left the US, I had friends and neighbors who pointed me to the right direction. I just simply trusted their advice. Besides, their kids are turning out great–bright and well-mannered, and knowledgeable of the Bible, the most important wisdom and life book for our family.
Here I am almost 7 years later. Often, I still feel like I don’t know what I am doing. I sometimes panic that my kids are not learning as well as they should. But then I hear them read well–even above their grade level. They’re able to write sentences and form paragraphs–even write stories. They write letters and birthday cards to me and their dad, to each other, and to friends. They’re able to articulate fundamental teachings of Scripture, and do math and solve word problems. They appreciate classical music, and read other books not in their curriculum for fun. I guess I’m not doing so bad.
There comes at times with living overseas much change and transitions. Changing jobs which require the hassle of acquiring new visas, perhaps moving to another neighborhood, or another country. The transitions are often not smooth and timely. However, homeschooling abroad has afforded our family great flexibility as we’re able to adjust and adapt more manageably with the many micro changes over the years. So what could be a 10 on the stress level scale, homeschooling has reduced it down to a 3 or 4 as we’re able to pause and resume when the dust settles.
This benefit is honestly the reason why I continue to homeschool abroad–ok, a close second to the affordability (international schools abroad are almost equivalent to sending your kids to Yale). And I am able to customize the kids curriculum based on their level, their interests, their capacity, etc.
I don’t know for how much longer we will do homeschooling abroad, but for now, it is the best option that serves our family and helps us navigate through the varied challenges–and joys–of living in a foreign country.
