The chance to get away from the classroom and all its distractions, with the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world, is a key benefit of online learning. For some, their home is where they’re most comfortable. But for others, attending classes online and taking their schooling with them on the move is just what they need to explore the world.
Whether you’re on the beach or up a mountain, travelling across your own country or visiting others, online learning means you can study from anywhere in the world. Here are three good reasons to give learning on the road (or sea, or sky) a go!
Gain a global perspective
Many universities value an international mindset or want learners to have studied a language at GCSE or A Level. What better way to immerse yourself in a new language and culture by going somewhere new and putting your skills into practice?
One parent of an online student remembers taking their child to Catalonia, Spain, where Spanish and French are widely spoken. Speaking English makes things difficult. “If my child didn’t speak the local language, they wouldn’t get what they want,” the parent says. The experience of using another language supported their child’s online learning, where they use interactive technology to practise their speaking and listening.
Learning as part of an online school often means that you are joining classmates from all over the world and exposed to new opportunities. IBDP student María enjoys working collaboratively on projects with other students, and also uses the flexibility of online learning to travel and take part in projects. She’s part of the New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy (travelling to New York) and ‘1,000 Girls, 1,000 Futures’. Both initiatives are about helping humankind. “You’ll work with others to find new approaches to solving problems, and present what you’ve worked on,” she explains.
Learn from anywhere
Ever tried learning on a yacht? Up a mountain? Or at a beach resort? Online learning makes all of this possible. As long as you have access to the internet, you can attend class or catch up with lesson recordings wherever you are.
You can go out and see the world, without compromising your education. We spoke to some pupils who ventured out on a yacht into the ocean, bringing their laptops with them. “Not many people can claim to have studied on a yacht, but we can!” one of them told us. Although it’s a little choppy, there are no interruption to lessons in the ocean.
One parent took their child up a mountain, and they had a lesson there. Later, they stayed by a hotel near the sea. At night, they could look up at the stars and listen to the sounds of the waves. “It was absolutely beautiful,” they recall. “We got to experience a different way of life whilst learning!”
Social opportunities
When you’re learning online, most of the friends you make will be online too. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have opportunities to meet them in person. Many schools put on in-person meet-ups that allow students to socialise with each other.
If you can’t wait until then, you can always organise your own trips. One parent of an online learner had one of their friends visiting them over a summer, and they even went on holiday together. “It’s great that the families trust each other enough for this to happen,” they said.
The learner agrees. “Making friends online is easy, and everything falls into place when you meet them in person. You get to know them even better.”
Learn Anywhere with King’s InterHigh
As an online school, learners at King’s InterHigh, are encouraged to have lessons wherever they feel most comfortable. All you need is an internet connection, and you can attend lessons live or catch-up with recordings from anywhere in the world. This makes us ideal for families who travel often for leisure or other commitments.
