While most kids go on school field trips to the zoo or aquarium, Trish Icban, a homeschooling mom of 3 living in Germany, takes learning to the next level.
Her children have explored historical sites in Europe, from the bunkers of Normandy, France where German soldiers hid during D-Day, to Anne Frank’s home in Amsterdam. They’ve even experienced hands-on lessons by milking cows on local farms.
For Trish, homeschooling in Germany means turning every trip into a meaningful adventure and this is as much of an educational experience for her kids as it is for her.
“I was never interested in history growing up but we are able to visit these places I had only read a little about in my public school days. I’ve grown fond of this subject and am learning more myself. The best part of homeschooling is the outsourcing we get to experience,” says Trish.
In the fall of 2020, with school closures due to the pandemic, Trish and her husband, Marc, had to make important decisions regarding the education of their 5 year old son, Zion, who was about to start kindergarten.
They decided to homeschool him and 5 years later, Zion is now 9 years old and they’ve added their 6 year old son, Oliver, and 3 year old daughter, Phoebe, to their homeschool program.
“After much trial and error and countless research of books and other homeschool families, we decided that structured learning with a room dedicated to our school is best for us. We do not have a set time for school, just nothing longer 3-4 hours tops, especially as my eldest is in higher grades, the lessons are lengthier. It’s like a learning buffet, wherein we decide which resources are best for what we need. There are times when we have had to change curriculum because it did not suit their learning styles, and so we were able to adjust and find a better one.”
For this homeschooling mom, Trish says the most common question and concern that people ask her when they find out her kids are homeschooled, is their social skills. But Trish says her kids are actually more social than ever.
“My kids are with me during errands and appointments, so they too, interact with the people they meet at the grocery stores or doctor’s offices. My children are used to speaking with people of any age and cultures at this point.”
With her husband being in the military and stationed in Germany, it opened up even more historical learning outside of their home classroom.
“The best part of homeschooling is the outsourcing we get to experience. For example, we just completed the lesson about the end of World War II and read books about D-day, we planned a family trip to Normandy, France in the summer of 2024 leading up to the 80th anniversary of the invasion. There we walked on Omaha Beach and observed the memorials spread across the beaches. We also found the bunkers that the Germans were using to hide and take aim at the soldiers coming in from the waters. We also visited many American Cemeteries that hold many soldiers that fought on that day and the years after. We have visited many countries thus far in our travels, but Normandy, France will always have a special place in our memories.”
Their family adventures and explorations now wouldn’t be complete without their BUNSO bag collection—yes, Trish proudly owns the entire line! These stylish and functional bags have become essential companions on their homeschooling journeys across Europe.
Trish uses the BUNSO Neoprene Backpack, the BUNSO Sling Bag, and most recently added the BUNSO Duffle Tote Bag to her collection. Each one is thoughtfully designed, making them the perfect travel bags for homeschooling moms and dads on the go.
“In Germany there is a saying, ‘Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, nur schlechte Kleidung’ — ‘There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.’ You must be prepared for any type of weather albeit cold or scorching hot. So in the summer time, my Bunso backpack has held many things for all 3 kids including hats (rain and sun) and most importantly, travel fans. Also, in Europe, shopping bags are not free and we have forgotten to bring extra bags during travel, so my Bunso has held many items including frozen sausages from the grocery. Overall, my Bunso backpack has allowed us to carry many things and look stylish at the same time.”
Plus, her BUNSO backpack is husband approved! “He always wants to carry the BUNSO backpack and push the pram. He never wanted to carry my other ones since they were a little too girly for him! LOL!”
And her BUNSO Sling bag is something that is perfect for her coins..yes, coins.
“The small size allows me to reach my coins easily to pay for the restrooms 
[Taking a solo mom trip to a castle (Cochem, Germany) while my husband is away. She (Bunso sling) may be little, but she is like my second parent right now.]
As Trish explores castles and historical sites across Europe with her little ones by her side, her Bunso bags are always in tow—carrying snacks, notebooks, and all the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Through each historical adventure, she’s not just teaching her kids about the past; she’s creating memories that will last a lifetime. And for every step of that journey, Bunso is honored to be right there with her—faithfully supporting the love, learning, and laughter that define her days.
