Whatever job we are doing and wherever we are doing it we all need some time off to recharge our batteries and to enjoy the country and culture in which we are living. Traveling around our host country during the holidays is a great way to get to know the people and to experience the local way of life in a way that most tourists can never do. Whether it is Diwali in Mumbai, Songkran in Bangkok, Ramadan in Dubai, or Christmas in Berlin, major holidays provide the perfect opportunity to really experience the local culture up close and personal. There is typically no better time to explore the music, dance, and cuisine of your new home than during one of the country’s most important cultural or religious festivals.
In contrast to local holidays, you might find you have to work during your own national celebrations. However, your first Thanksgiving in Argentina might well be the most memorable one you have ever spent. Yes, you might miss your family or your Grandma’s pumpkin pie, but celebrating with other expats on the other side of the world can often be the best time you will have all year!
Also read: How will I make friends while teaching English abroad?
How much time off do ESL teachers get?
As mentioned, the amount of time off you can expect while teaching English overseas will vary greatly from one situation to another. The most important thing is to find out all the details for each individual job during the interview process, including whether your holiday allowance is paid or not. Some jobs will include plenty of time off, but if it is unpaid it might not be suitable for those on a tight budget or those who have a strong desire to travel during the holidays. Typically, if your new job pays a monthly salary you should receive paid holidays, while jobs that pay by the hour generally do not.
Also read: What questions should I ask a TEFL employer?
Europe
A large percentage of ESL jobs in Europe are paid on an hourly basis, so many do not pay much in the way of holiday pay. Check the details with each potential employer during the recruitment process. Typical holidays include:
- Christmas and New Year: Two to three weeks (usually ends around January 6)
- Easter: One to two weeks
- Summer holiday: Four to six weeks (usually in July and August)
- National holidays: Around 10 to 15 days on average
Latin America
Hourly paid jobs are also common in Latin America which could mean you receive little in the way of holiday pay. Remember to check the details with each potential employer before signing a contract. Typical holidays include:
- Christmas and New Year: Two to three weeks (usually ends around January 6)
- Easter: One to two weeks
- Summer holiday: Six to eight weeks (usually in Dec/Jan/Feb)
- Winter break: One or two weeks (usually in July/August)
- National holidays: Around 10 to 15 days on average
- Carnival: A major celebration in many Latin American countries, although the extent of holidays varies from country to country
Asia
There are a much higher percentage of jobs paid monthly rather than an hourly rate in Asia than you will find in many other parts of the world, which means more teachers receive paid holidays here than anywhere else.
- Lunar (Chinese) New Year: One to two weeks (usually in late January or early February)
- National holidays: 10 to 15 days annually (depending on country)
- Western holidays: American holidays will not normally be recognized, but major international holidays such as Christmas and New Year may be celebrated at internationally owned schools and training centers
Middle East and Islamic Nations
Most ESL jobs are paid monthly in the Middle East so teachers should receive a good amount of paid time off. Many holidays are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar so fall on different dates each year.
- Islamic holidays: 10 to 14 days (depending on the country)
- National holidays: 10 to 15 days (depending on the country)
- Summer holidays: Varies, but many teacher receive one to two months off
- Western holidays: American holidays will not normally be recognized, but major international holidays such as Christmas and New Year may be celebrated by western-owned training centers and international schools
Also read: How long do TEFL contracts last?
