When teaching English abroad, the vacation time varies depending on the region. In Asian nations, teachers commonly receive 2-4 weeks of often paid vacation, in addition to 10-15 national holidays annually. Similarly, in the Persian Gulf countries of the Middle East, this pattern is observed. Meanwhile, in Europe and Latin America, teachers can expect between 4-12 weeks of vacation, complemented by national and religious holidays.
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How much time off do ESL teachers get?
Middle East and Islamic Nations
How much time off do ESL teachers get?
When considering a career as an ESL teacher abroad, it should be noted that vacation allowances differ based on the region and the nature of employment. Generally, full-time monthly salaried positions often come with paid vacation days, whereas hourly-paid roles might not offer the same benefit. While some teaching assignments might provide generous time off, it is essential to verify during the interview whether these are paid or unpaid. This distinction can be crucial for teachers with travel aspirations or those managing a tight budget.
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
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