From House Hunters to Worldschoolers: Glenn’s Family Adventure

Meet Glenn and his family. They’ve made the north coast of the Dominican Republic their home so they can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle that lines up with their values. Even though they’ve settled down in this beautiful spot, they’re still exploring the world with their daughter, blending adventure with a sense of home.

Fun fact: Glenn and his family were actually featured on House Hunters International when they moved to St. Lucia back in 2012-so if you want to see their story on screen, check out the link at the end of the interview.

Ready to hear more about why they chose the Dominican Republic, what worldschooling looks like for them, and how they make it all work? Let’s dive in!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?

Glenn: my wife and I met in Cairo, Egypt in 2003. and after keeping our Vancouver/Calgary relationship going, solidified our relationship with a one-year 66,000 km motorcycle trip from Vancouver to South America (and back!). We relocated to the Caribbean in 2011, raising our daughter for 7 years in St. Lucia then 7 years in Dominican Republic. We bought and renovated a Cabarete condo as a base, but keep things fresh with periodic family travel.

Do you work online? do you have online business? How do you fund your worldschooling lifestyle?

Glenn: I worked for a small Canadian software company for 25 years. The last 9 years were online, with a customer visit to the US about every 6 weeks. The funding of the lifestyle was from a (partially) lucky 30 years of investing in equities and real estate, but more than anything, finding the right partner and living beneath your means. We value travel, fitness and education...and mostly avoid the bling.

What made you begin your world school journey? What does world schooling mean to you and your children?

Glenn: In 2011, we moved to St. Lucia for a 2-year software project, and fell in love with the Caribbean lifestyle, kitesurfing, and online work.

So we decided to not move back to Vancouver. Worldschooling allows you to take more ownership of your kids' educational choices, and get them out of their comfort zone with better relationships and travel experiences.

Have you tried any education hubs, homeschooling groups, online schools or any alternative/government schools whilst on your travels?

Glenn: in 2023, my daughter did 1/2-year of Grade 9 with Keystone Online school, with the positive support of her Dominican private school. They helped choose the courses, and gave full transcript credit after her return. After completing Grade 10 back at the private school, my daughter has decided to resume Gr 11 & 12 online. Assuming the student has the discipline, online schooling is cheaper, more flexible experience, and typically has much better curriculum. It's just more efficient.

What does a typical day look like for your family?

Glenn: my daughter enjoys the flexibility of owning her online schooling experience, along with her passion for aerial circus arts, and hanging with friends. Meanwhile, as early risers, my wife looks after domestics and I handle most admin. We all enjoy at least an hour of fitness each day (kiting, surfing, gym, pickleball), and go to bed early.

What struggles have you encountered in your relocation or travels?

Glenn: in Grade 2, we realized how bad the schooling options were in St. Lucia and decided to move to Dominican Republic's north coast, one of the best decisions we ever made. Also universal nomadic challenge is that most (adult) expat relationships are superficial in nature, since most people are quite transient. And so it takes work to build long-term friendships with other expat families with common values and long-term interests. We also work hard at maintaining our bonds with friends & family back in Canada with our annual summer travel through BC & Alberta, and by hosting many winter visitors.

What have your children learnt or experienced from their relocation or travels that you don't think they would have if your family hadn't moved abroad?

Glenn: early on, my daughter was good at making friends with kids outside the normal grade-based structure found in Canada. As a toddler in St. Lucia, she played with boys and girls of all ages and backgrounds, which contributed to her pleasant and kind personality as a teenager, as well as her lifelong love of travel. Early variety is key.

Which has been your favorite place so far?

Glenn: my daughter is obsessed with SE Asia and Japan. My wife favours Thailand, while I loved the madness and uniqueness of Sri Lanka.

Is there something that would make your or your childrens worldschooling experience better?

Glenn: I can't think of any.

Do you wish us to post your Instagram or Tik Tok for viewers to follow? If yes please add handle

Glenn: no, as we feel the best way to fully enjoy the Worldschooling experience is to live your overseas life a bit discreetly, and not fall victim to the self-promoting pitfalls of social media.

But you can watch Glenn and his family on House Hunters in St Lucia on Youtube.

https://youtu.be/ITXS1_9Q_D0?si=Kag-0orwq471ohgw