Digital nomads: Separating facts from fiction
A digital nomad lives and works without a permanent address, relying on remote, online jobs either as an employee or freelancer. Despite its growing popularity, several myths surround this lifestyle. Not all digital nomads frequently hop across borders; in fact, 40% work and travel within their home country. For those venturing internationally, the number of destinations and length of stays can vary significantly, with the average duration in one country now at about 5.7 weeks, slightly up from 5.4 weeks in the previous survey.
Moreover, this lifestyle doesn't equate to boundless freedom. Often, digital nomads must secure specific visas to legally reside and work in a foreign nation beyond what a tourist visa permits. Currently, around forty countries, including Spain, Mauritius, Thailand, Dubai, and Brazil, offer specialized visas for digital nomads. These visas, generally more difficult to obtain than tourist visas, allow for legal work and typically offer a stay of about one year with renewal options. Importantly, these visas often accommodate family members, providing an advantage over the individual-focused tourist visa.
Navigating digital nomadism with a family
The lifestyle of a digital nomad family involves a blend of travel and remote work, a choice that's becoming more common. Consider Valerie's story: in 2017, she transitioned from childcare to web content writing to explore the world with her three children. Their journey has included stops in Spain, England, Mexico, and Mauritius, typically staying two to three months in one place, though since 2020, they prefer longer stays of at least six months.
Managing housing for a family on the move involves strategic choices. Valerie often uses platforms like Airbnb to find temporary apartments, taking advantage of more favorable monthly rates for longer stays. But what about work and health insurance? As a business owner, Valerie is subject to the tax laws and charges of her company's registered country.
For example, if a business is based in France, you will remain subject to French taxation, though French social security does not cover healthcare globally, necessitating international private health insurance or specific travel insurance policies.
The logistical challenge of organizing a family's daily life around nomadic living is considerable, especially concerning children's education. How does one ensure a stable learning environment amid frequent moves? This aspect of digital nomadism demands careful planning and flexible schooling options.
Combining schooling and digital nomadism
While digital nomadism varies per family, it often allows for lengthy stays in one country, accommodating traditional schooling. However, many nomadic families choose remote schooling through recognized centers. The main requirement is a reliable internet connection for schooling and professional activities.
Alternatively, homeschooling is an option where parents directly manage their children's education. Homeschooling demands substantial preparation and organization, particularly for parents who are also working. It is not a role to take lightly, as parents need a solid understanding of educational principles to choose appropriate learning materials.
Some families explore unschooling, a method where learning is guided by the child's interests and play. This approach may be suitable for younger children, but it can present challenges as children approach more structured academic learning and examination stages. Each educational choice in the nomadic lifestyle requires careful consideration to balance schooling needs with the flexibility of travel.
Socialization for children in nomadic families
Schools typically serve as the primary environment for child socialization. However, for families embracing nomadism, finding alternative social settings becomes crucial when traditional schooling isn't an option. Many parents turn to local extracurricular activities, which allow children to interact with peers and integrate with the local community.
Additionally, "co-living" spaces designed for nomadic families—such as houses, campgrounds, or ranches—offer another viable solution. These spaces host nomadic families together for durations ranging from a week to a month, providing a shared living and learning environment. This arrangement not only fosters a sense of community among families but also allows children to form friendships during their stay.
For educational purposes, some nomadic groups form "traveling micro-schools," where children can participate in group learning experiences that mimic a classroom setting. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining an educational routine while allowing flexibility in location.
Moreover, joining digital nomad communities can be an excellent way for both parents and children to connect with others who lead similar lifestyles. These communities, which can be found both online and in various locations around the world, often have specific groups focused on itinerant homeschooling and other related topics, helping to break the isolation that can sometimes accompany the nomadic life.
