Will I Get Vacation Time When I Teach English Abroad?

Curious about vacation days for English teachers working overseas? Let's delve into the common practice and benefits surrounding vacation time in this profession.

Do English Teachers Working Overseas Receive Vacation Days?

Yes, English teachers working overseas typically receive vacation days. However, it's important to note that the policies regarding vacations may differ depending on the specific English teaching positions available worldwide.

Vacations while teaching English abroad not only provide a break from the daily rigors of a typical work-week, but they also provide invaluable opportunities to travel and to experience the culture in which you live.

Whether it's Christmas in Salzburg, Lunar New Year in Shanghai, or Ramadan in Cairo, holidays also present unique chances to experience a nation's most venerated cultural traditions, including cuisine and music.

In addition, while you may not even get the day off for your own national holidays, you'll find that celebrating them abroad is often memorable, loads of fun, and provides a great opportunity to bond with your compatriot overseas. You may not find fresh cranberries in Thailand, but the Thanksgiving you celebrate in Bangkok will likely be one of the most unique and memorable in your life.

Go further: What are the Benefits of Teaching English Abroad?

Vacation Time

Vacation time for English teachers abroad varies from country to country, school to school, contract to contract, and it is important to inquire about vacation time during the hiring process and while you are interviewing for English teaching positions.

• In Asian countries, it is common to receive 2-4 weeks of vacation (often paid) plus national holidays (usually 10-15 a year). This is also the case in the Persian Gulf countries of the Middle East. 
• In Europe and Latin America, it is common to receive  4-12 weeks of vacation time plus national and religious holidays.

It is also worthwhile to find out if your vacation time is paid or unpaid. Typically, if you are paid hourly (this is often the case in Latin America and Europe), your vacation time will be unpaid. If you are paid a set salary, your vacation time will be paid.

Read more: Where Do Schools Provide Free Airfare To English Teachers Abroad?

Here is a general breakdown of vacation by region (note that vacation policies will vary from school to school): 

Vacation Time in Europe

• Christmas & New Year: 2-3 weeks (typically ends after Ephiphany, also known as Three Kings Day on January 6;

• Easter: 1-2 weeks;

• Summer: 4-6 weeks primarily in July/August;

• National holidays: 10-15 annually depending on country & calendar.

Vacation Time in Latin America

• Christmas & New Year: 2-3 weeks (typically ends after Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day on January 6;

• Carnivale: A heck of a party just before Ash Wednesday.

• Easter: 1-2 weeks;

• Summer: Christmas - February (6-8 weeks);

• Winter Break: Public schools in many South American countries take a week or two off in July or August for winter break;

• National holidays: 10-15 annually depending on country & calendar.

Read more: Vacation - All I Ever Wanted - Teaching English in Mexico

Vacation Time in Asia

• Lunar (Chinese) New Year: 1-2 weeks (typically in late January/early February - will vary depending on the lunar cycle);

• National Holidays: 10-15 annually depending on country & calendar;

• Western Holidays: The vast majority of American holidays will not be recognized by schools, but major internationally recognized holidays such as Christmas and New Year's may be celebrated at internationally owned schools and training centers.

Read more: Teaching English in China: Vacation Time & How it Works

Vacation Time in the Middle East & Islamic Nations

• Islamic Holidays: 10-14 days - Islamic holidays will be set by the Islamic lunar calendar, which means dates will vary year-by-year in the Western Calendar and they may vary by country;

• National Holidays: 10-15 annually depending on country & calendar;

• Summer Holidays: many English teachers may receive 1-2 months off;

• Western Holidays: The vast majority of American holidays will not be recognized by schools, but major internationally recognized holidays such as Christmas and New Year's may be celebrated particularly by Western-owned or international schools.

Related Resources:

• How Much Money Can I Earn Teaching English Abroad?
• How Do I Get Health Insurance When I Teach English Abroad?