School in a suitcase

What does ‘school in a suitcase’ mean?

In this article, 16-year-old, eldest son, Sebastian from ‘Our Travelling Family’ talks about ‘School in a Suitcase’ and what it means to him.

Well, it’s exactly as it suggests. A mobile, online school complete with textbooks, assignments, one to one language assessments, Tutors and internationally recognised qualifications. An entire school which conveniently fits into a suitcase and allows you to continue your studies from absolutely anywhere in the world!

Our family of five has been volunteering our way around Europe for close on 18 months and everywhere we go, our school goes too. Our classroom changes from one day to the next and school hours and days vary depending on a number of factors. We have kayaked down the Mondego River in Portugal on a Monday and completed a ‘one to one’ Skype, Spanish assignment with our tutor on a Sunday. Armed with our suitcase full of textbooks, an online platform called Canvas and with our Student Progress Manager and Tutors just an email away, we have everything we need.

Our Travelling Family, the Binedells

Sebastian, Aiden and Ella homeschooled with Wolsey Hall Oxford for 18 months while they travelled around Europe in a caravan volunteering.

Surfing is part of their school in a suitcase experience

School in a suitcase ingredients

What exactly fits into our suitcase

  • A selection of textbooks to cover all our chosen subjects
  • Stationery
  • A tablet or laptop to access Canvas

Other items you will need are:

  • Internet access
  • A printer (or somewhere to print assignments)

Why do we love our school in a suitcase?

Studying through Wolsey Hall Oxford has given us the opportunity to travel Europe, to make new friends, to explore unknown places, learn new languages and skills, all the while, still keeping up with our studies.

We have gained confidence in our own abilities, have learnt how to motivate ourselves (a tricky one to master) and have grown as independent learners.

Watch our ‘school in a suitcase video’