Mother–daughter duo travel abroad while advancing education through online offerings from ASU
Aanya Sosa, a 12-year-old Khan World School at ASU Prep student, is able to travel abroad while still pursuing her education through the program. Photo courtesy Khan World School at ASU Prep
Getting an education while seeing the world with your loved ones? Sounds like a dream come true.
For 12-year-old Aanya Sosa and her mother, Beth, it’s a reality, thanks to online educational offerings from Arizona State University. Together, they’re learning, discovering and exploring the world while running parallel paths to achieve their education goals.
In Aanya’s case, this is made possible through Khan World School at ASU Prep, while Beth is enrolled in a degree program through ASU Online.
“It’s a cool experience. We keep each other accountable,” Beth said.
For students interested in a similar reality, the deadline for enrollment in Khan World School at ASU Prep is July 26. And, while there are preferred application deadlines for fall, spring and summer for ASU Online, interested students can apply whenever they are ready (which is what Beth did after discovering an ASU Online program that fit her needs in an email from Aanya’s school).
U.S. natives, the Sosas now reside in Gibraltar, Spain, where Brandon Sosa, Aanya’s father and Beth’s husband, is based for work. The Plaza de los Flores in Estepona, just a short drive across the border from their home in Gibraltar, is one of the Sosas’ favorite spots to study together. They delight in the square’s bustling activity, gurgling fountain and spades of colorful flowers. It’s a delightful backdrop as they settle into a table outside a cozy café and open their laptops to get down to business — Aanya working her way through sixth grade with Khan World School at ASU Prep, and Beth answering the demands of a bachelor's degree that she put on hold some 20 years ago.
“I’m somebody who likes to see things through all the way, and it always bothered me that I didn’t get my degree,” said Beth.
A lifelong homeschool student until enrolling in Khan World School a year ago, Aanya now enjoys collaborative experiences with her peers while her mom maintains a direct role in her education. Aanya also enjoys a great deal of flexibility with the unique Socratic academic model that promotes mastery over memorization.
“It’s this great place where we can be engaged but also give her the independence to explore her learning,” Beth said. “Khan World School gives such a great space for (students) to explore and encourages them to form higher-level thoughts.”
On a recent visit to the British History Museum in London, Aanya gained a whole new perspective as she got an up-close look at the artifacts that she’d seen in photos during a class unit on Mesopotamia.
Creating immersive experiences has been a priority for this adventurous family from the start. Looking ahead, Aanya is on track to graduate early and take advantage of a family gap year filled with more travel and exploration. But first, sixth grade.
It may be unconventional, but it’s also a highly effective method of preparing for a remarkable future.
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