Hi! I’m Mary Middlebrook, founder of Worldologists.
I’ve always believed that the best education doesn’t stop in a classroom. It comes from experiencing the world firsthand.
I’m a lifelong educator, world traveler, and degreed marine biologist who has spent decades helping people better understand the incredible planet we call home. Over the years, I’ve traveled to 35 countries, much of it as a solo female traveler, and spent four years living abroad in Panama. Every destination has reinforced the same lesson: the more you understand a place before you visit it, the more meaningful the experience becomes.
After spending over 20 years in the marine aquarium industry, I began teaching science and history to homeschool students in 2011. In 2016, I founded Next Level Homeschool, an online school dedicated to academically rigorous, in-depth courses that encourage students to truly understand the subjects they’re studying…not just memorize facts.
In 2020, my husband and I moved to Bocas del Toro, Panama, where a Caribbean coral reef and wildlife-filled rainforest became our backyard. On our 13-acre property, we created OJO BIO (Organization of Jungle and Ocean Biodiversity) as a place where learning could move beyond textbooks and into the real world.
In 2022, I welcomed my first group of students to Panama for hands-on marine science field studies. What started as a small educational experience quickly grew into an annual tradition. Soon we expanded beyond marine science to include rainforest ecology, Panamanian history, culture, conservation, and wildlife, welcoming more than 80 participants in a single month of 5 day workshops.
Watching people experience these places through the lens of education completely changed the way I thought about travel.
I realized that too many people visit extraordinary destinations without ever understanding what makes them extraordinary. They see the reef but don’t know how it functions. They hike through the rainforest without recognizing the incredible adaptations happening all around them. They visit historic sites without understanding the stories that shaped them.
That’s why I created Worldologists.
Worldologists combines expert-led online learning with immersive, real-world travel experiences. Before each expedition, participants complete a short 4-6 week online course that prepares them to truly understand the destination they’ll be exploring. Then, when they arrive, every trail, reef, museum, archaeological site, and conversation becomes richer because they already have the knowledge to connect the pieces.
While Worldologists grew out of my work with homeschool families, its mission is much bigger.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family, you’re never too old to learn something new or discover the world in a deeper way. Our expeditions are designed for curious people who believe travel should do more than fill a passport…it should expand your understanding of the world.
Because the best souvenirs aren’t things you bring home.
They’re the things you’ll never see the same way again.
FAQs
How does Worldologists work?
- Pick your expedition.
Browse our destination lineup and snag the trip that sparks your family’s curiosity.
2. Gear up online.
You’ll unlock a bite‑sized prep course. 4–6 lessons, 1–2 hours each. So everyone arrives with solid background knowledge before the fieldwork starts.
3. Touch down & dive in.
-Fly in on your own timeline, settle into the lodging you chose, then let us take the wheel.
- Each day we shuttle you to/from hands‑on activities, guide the science and exploration, and serve a lunch to keep energy high.
4. Evenings = free roaming.
Want to hunt for the best street food, chill by the pool, or journal under the stars? The nights are yours.
5. Fly home with stories.
Leave with new friends, cameras full of discoveries, and bragging rights for months.
That’s it! Simple, flexible, and packed with learning‑through‑adventure every step of the way. Ready to get started?
Can we still travel if we don’t take the online class?
Yes, but I guarantee you’ll have a better experience if you Know Before You Go!
Is Worldologists a secular or religious program?
While we respect the beliefs of all people, our experiences are secular. So in our science lessons you’ll hear about evolution, a 4.6‑billion‑year‑old Earth, and the evidence behind them. Our history sessions aim for the clearest picture possible. No glossing over uncomfortable truths.
We also know great travel buddies can come from all perspectives, so we ask everyone to keep “hot‑button” topics (politics, religion, vaccines, etc.) out of group conversations. Respectful curiosity is always welcome; debates that might shut someone down are not. In short: evidence‑based learning, open minds, and zero drama. Let’s keep the focus on discovery and making new friends who love exploring the world as much as you do!
Is Worldologists inclusive?
Absolutely! Worldologists is built for every kind of person that loves to explore.
We’ve happily hosted LGBTQ+ travelers, adventurers with mobility or sensory challenges, multi‑generational crews…the works. The only non‑negotiable is basic respectful behavior, because everyone’s safety and fun come first.
If you’re wondering whether a specific need can be accommodated, just reach out. Let’s chat and make sure you can join the adventure comfortably and confidently.
I’m a solo female (with or without kids). Is it safe?
You’re in good company! Our trips naturally create a tight‑knit “travel village,” and solo travelers often tell us they feel safer than on any regular vacation. Why?
- Built‑in community. From day one, you’re surrounded by like‑minded travelers who watch out for each other and lend a hand when needed.
- Organized daytime schedule. We handle transport, activities, and lunch, so you’re not navigating unfamiliar places solo.
- On‑site guides and staff. Our team is there to answer questions, solve hiccups, and keep the group moving smoothly.
In short, you’ll have backup, new friends, and a support network every step of the way, letting you focus on the adventure instead of worrying about logistics or safety.
What ages are best suited for Worldologists trips? Can my child attend without a parent?
We have adult-only trips and family trips. Each trip has a minimum age requirement listed on its detail page, and we don’t allow younger children to join for safety reasons.
If you have older kids (12-17) who are ready for a bit more independence, they’re welcome to attend daily activities without a parent on-site, giving them space to explore and make new friends! Please note that all minors must have a responsible adult present in the general locations during their stay.
For full details on ages and supervision, check the registration form for the specific trip you’re interested in.
How physically demanding are the activities?
Many of our trips include adventures like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and more…often in hot, humid conditions. Each trip’s page will give you a detailed rundown of what to expect so you can prepare.
That said, we’ve had travelers with limited mobility join and enjoy the experience with support from our caring group of travelers and guides. We’re all about making exploration possible for as many adventurers as we can!
If you have specific concerns about physical needs or accessibility, just reach out. We’re happy to chat and help figure out what’s best for your family.
Should we have medical and/or trip insurance?
Absolutely! Get both.
Medical insurance: Covers doctor visits, emergencies, or hospital care abroad. Peace of mind if someone twists an ankle on a jungle trail.
Trip insurance: Protects your investment if flights get scrapped, luggage vanishes, or you have to cancel last‑minute.
Together they turn “Uh‑oh” into “Handled.” Don’t leave home without them.
Do we need vaccinations?
Worldologists does not require any vaccinations for participation. However, you must comply with the entry requirements of the country we’re traveling to, including any vaccine or health-related mandates in place at the time of your trip.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help you sort through the details!
What documents do we need to travel?
You’ll need all the usual paperwork required by your destination country, like a valid passport, visas (if applicable), and any health certificates they require. It’s your responsibility to make sure your documents are up to date and meet the country’s rules for the entire length of your trip. Be sure to double-check well before you travel to avoid last-minute surprises!
What should we pack?
Every trip comes with its own detailed packing list and info sheet. Check the document attached on your trip page for the specifics. It’ll cover essentials like clothing, gear, and any special items you’ll need for the activities planned.
How far in advance should we arrive?
Plan to be at the designated meeting area by the day before the workshop starts. This gives everyone time to settle in and be ready to hit the ground running on day one.
And hey, feel free to come early or stay late! There’s always more to explore on your own before or after the group adventure.
What type of lodging can we expect?
We lock in a discounted block at a comfy local hotel so the whole crew can chill together. Think evening pool hangs, group dinners, and trading field‑trip stories until lights‑out. Those after‑hours bonds are half the magic!
That said, every traveler is different. If you’d rather snag an Airbnb, splurge on a boutique inn, or bunk with relatives nearby, go for it. Just be sure you can reach our designated meeting spot each morning on time. We leave as a group from there daily.
What meals does Worldologists provide?
We keep you powered up with a grab‑and‑go lunch—usually a choice of sandwiches, chips, granola bars, and fruit, or local fare when the destination calls for it. It’s the fuel to get you through reef dives and canopy treks without a midday “hangry” crash.
Breakfast and dinner? Those are your family’s ticket to explore neighborhood cafés, street‑food stalls, or that beach‑side spot locals rave about.
Because of the nature of our daily group lunches, we’re unable to provide special meals or accommodate dietary restrictions on-site. But no worries! You’re welcome to bring your own lunch to make sure everyone stays happy and fueled.
To keep our outdoor spaces as bug-free as possible, we ask that participants save snacks for breaks and only snack during activities if medically necessary. After all, there are already plenty of ants in the jungle. We don’t need to attract more!
Thanks for helping us keep the adventure smooth and pest-free.
What happens if the weather is bad or there are other logistical issues during the trip?
Bad weather? Closed road? No worries! Backup plans are my super‑power.
I’m a mom, teacher, and world-traveler, so I always have a Plan B (and usually C and D). If a downpour cancels snorkeling or a hiccup stalls our transport, we pivot to something equally hands‑on and fun. Nobody’s left twiddling thumbs in a hotel lobby.
That said, we’re explorers, not sugar cubes. A little rain rarely stops the show; we roll on unless safety truly says otherwise. Bottom line: expect a flexible, educational adventure even when the skies get dramatic.
How do refunds work?
- No‑refund rule. Once you reserve your spots, they’re locked in. We only issue refunds if we must cancel the workshop for personal reasons or the trip does not meet the minimum number of travelers.
- Travel insurance = your safety net. We strongly urge every family to buy a policy that covers trip cancellations, medical surprises, and travel curveballs.
- Wait‑list lifeline. Plans change, so if you need to back out, tell us ASAP. We’ll tap our wait‑list and, if another family fills your spaces, we’ll refund you for the spots we resell.
Bottom line: commit with confidence, protect yourself with insurance, and let us know quickly if life throws a curveball so we can try to fill your spots.
Have a question not listed here?
We love curious travelers! Don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact form– we’re always here to help.