Growing Up Global: The Life of Teenage Worldschoolers

𝐀͟𝐛͟𝐨͟𝐮͟𝐭͟ 𝐭͟𝐡͟𝐞͟ 𝐆͟𝐮͟𝐞͟𝐬͟𝐭͟(𝐬):

The Avella Family is a dynamic trio consisting of Valerie Avella and her two daughters, Vivian and Amelie. Valerie, a former FBI analyst and military spouse, has embarked on a globetrotting adventure with her daughters, exchanging traditional schooling for immersive, world-class experiences across continents. Vivian, 14, is passionate about horse riding, reading, piano, politics, and is keenly involved in world history. Amelie, aged 12, shares similar interests, particularly in horse riding, music, and Italian culture. Together, they have embraced worldschooling, integrating their learning experiences from various countries into their unique educational journey.

𝐄͟𝐩͟𝐢͟𝐬͟𝐨͟𝐝͟𝐞͟ 𝐒͟𝐮͟𝐦͟𝐦͟𝐚͟𝐫͟𝐲͟:

Join us in this fascinating episode as we dive into the adventurous lifestyle of the Avella family, who have traded the typical classroom setting for the enriching experiences of traveling and worldschooling. Valerie Avella speaks about her decision to take her daughters, Vivian and Amelie, on a unique educational journey. Broadcasting from Nagasaki, Japan, the family discusses their educational experiences with the virtual school Prisma and the challenges of adapting to various teaching systems, including German and British curricula, before finding a perfect fit in Prisma.

Throughout the episode, Valerie and her daughters share how living in different countries has expanded their perspectives. They delve deep into historical and cultural explorations such as visiting Hiroshima and learning about the Renaissance in Florence. The Avella family highlights various benefits and issues associated with full-time travel, such as social interactions and forming lasting connections with friends. They also discuss the differences in cultural attitudes they have observed across different countries and how traveling has enriched their understanding of global history and culture. This episode is packed with insights into the life of modern-day worldschoolers and how travel has shaped their education beyond textbooks.

𝐊͟𝐞͟𝐲͟ 𝐓͟𝐚͟𝐤͟𝐞͟𝐚͟𝐰͟𝐚͟𝐲͟𝐬͟:

• Educational Flexibility: The Avella family highlights the benefits of their online school, Prisma, which allows for an adaptable and diverse learning experience tailored to individual interests.
• Cultural Immersion: Traveling offers an in-depth look at various cultures and historical events beyond what traditional schooling provides.
• Social Challenges and Rewards: While forming lasting friendships can be difficult on the road, the enriching experiences and personal growth from traveling outweigh the challenges.
• Parental Perspective: Valerie shares her journey from a traditional American upbringing to a lifestyle of continual learning and cultural exploration.
• Global Citizenship: The children articulate how travel has molded their view of the world, enhancing their understanding of different cultures and histories.

𝑵͟𝒐͟𝒕͟𝒂͟𝒃͟𝒍͟𝒆͟ 𝑸͟𝒖͟𝒐͟𝒕͟𝒆͟𝒔͟:

• "In school, I would learn about the French Revolution, but not about Japanese Buddhism. Traveling allows broader historical learning than any one curriculum."
• "We have complete control of our schedule on the road, which allows us to structure our learning and exploration in unique ways."
• "Traveling teaches you that the vast majority of people are good, no matter where you go."
• "It might be lonely at first, but worldschooling offers an unmatched educational advantage that prepares you for a globalized future."
• "I feel like a global citizen, connected to the world, not just one place."

𝐑͟𝐞͟𝐬͟𝐨͟𝐮͟𝐫͟𝐜͟𝐞͟𝐬͟:

• Prisma Learning: Joinprisma

Discover the unique experiences of the Avella family and gain insights on the benefits and challenges of worldschooling by tuning into the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening stories and tips on global learning and family travel in upcoming episodes.