70. Irene Genelin Explores The Worldschooling Space

Long before launching a full-time nomadic lifestyle, Irene Genelin and her husband, Andy Cotter, were already seasoned globetrotters, bonded by an uncommon passion: competitive unicycling.

Having met through the Twin Cities Unicycle Club in Minnesota, the pair spent years competing worldwide. In 2019, they traded their farm life for full-time family travel alongside their daughter, Ani!

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player at www.wanderworldschool.com.

Full Time Family Travel

Now 11 years old, Ani has explored 39 countries, participating in intentional worldschooling communities such as the Boundless cohort in Portugal, hubs in Egypt, and several Traveling Villages.

Currently based in Japan with upcoming plans for Austria and Ireland, the family focuses on slow, connection-centered travel that balances community building with downtime.

Irene Genelin and Family

Sustainable pacing and self-directed education are central to the family's daily rhythm. Learning from early travel burnout, they adhere to Ani’s "one thing a day" rule, prioritizing rest and avoiding overscheduled itineraries.

Their approach to schooling has shifted from rigid study blocks to interest-led learning anchored by meaningful daily check-ins.

Irene's Recommendations

To optimize expenses, they utilize pet-sitting exchanges and carefully vet Airbnbs by gauging host communication prior to booking.

For parents aspiring to take a similar path, Irene emphasizes that listening to your children's limits and granting them permission to rest is the ultimate key to making long-term travel joyful and sustainable.

Learn more and listen on Substack!