A U.S.-based mother is trending after sharing her experience of relocating her children’s education from the United States to Portugal, describing the move as “the best decision” her family has made in a long time.
In a post shared on Instagram by The Bennett Gang Fam (@thebennettgang), the woman explained how she legally transitioned her children out of the U.S. school system and enrolled them in an international “world schooling” program.
The post, accompanied by a short explainer video, has resonated with parents exploring alternative education models amid growing concerns about schooling options, cost of living, and quality of life.
“Our kids went from schooling in the U.S. ——-> Portugal, and it’s been the best decision we’ve been in a long time,” the family wrote in the caption.
In the video, the mother outlined a step-by-step approach she said allowed the transition to happen smoothly while remaining compliant with U.S. education laws.
She explained that the first step involved filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) in the state of California, a legal mechanism that allows parents to homeschool their children independently. She noted that requirements vary by state and encouraged parents to research their local regulations.
The second step, she said, was selecting a world schooling model, ultimately choosing a programme called Balance Life, which offers structured academic support alongside relocation assistance for families.
According to her account, the program supports not only students but parents as well, reducing the uncertainty often associated with moving abroad.
The family then selected a cohort and destination, opting for Portugal after reviewing several available locations, including Bali, Italy, and Greece. She said the cohort-based system allowed families to experience a country for a defined period without making a long-term commitment.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, the family was met by programme staff and taken to a fully arranged three-bedroom apartment. Within the first week, they met teachers, toured the school, and connected with other international families. After nearly two weeks, the mother said the experience felt transformative.
“Honestly, it feels like I found the ultimate cheat code to life and schooling,” she said.
The story reflects a broader global trend of families exploring international education, homeschooling, and alternative schooling models, particularly as remote work and global mobility become more accessible. While such options remain out of reach for many due to cost and visa requirements, the post has fueled debate about flexibility in education and the benefits of cross-cultural learning.
Education experts caution that while world schooling can offer rich cultural exposure, families must carefully assess curriculum standards, accreditation, and long-term academic pathways, especially for children who may later re-enter traditional school systems or universities.
