How much time off will I get teaching English abroad?

How much time off do ESL Teachers get?

Vacation allowances for ESL teachers abroad varies based on location and employment type. Full-time salaried positions usually include paid vacation days, while hourly positions may not. It's important to clarify whether the time off is paid or unpaid during the interview process, especially if you plan to travel or are working within a budget.

Europe.

In Europe, many TEFL jobs are paid by the hour, often without extensive holiday pay. Confirm the details with potential employers during recruitment. Typical holidays include:

Christmas and New Year: 2-3 weeks (usually ending around January 6)
Easter: 1-2 weeks
Summer holiday: 4-6 weeks (typically in July and August)
National holidays: Roughly 10-15 days annually

Latin America.

Hourly paid positions are also prevalent in Latin America, which might limit holiday pay. Ensure to verify this with employers before finalizing contracts. Common holidays include:

Christmas and New Year: 2-3 weeks (usually ending around January 6)
Easter: 1-2 weeks
Summer holiday: 6-8 weeks (typically in Dec/Jan/Feb)
Winter break: 1-2 weeks (usually in July/August)
National holidays: Approximately 10-15 days annually
Carnival: Celebrated in many countries, with the extent of holidays varying by location

Asia

In Asia, a higher percentage of ESL teaching jobs are salaried monthly rather than hourly, leading to more opportunities for paid holidays. Common holidays include:

Lunar (Chinese) New Year: 1-2 weeks (typically in late January or early February)
National holidays: 10-15 days annually, varying by country
Western holidays: While American holidays may not be recognized, major international holidays like Christmas and New Year might be observed in schools and centers with international ties

Middle East and Islamic Nations.

In the Middle East, ESL jobs are frequently salaried monthly, offering substantial paid time off. Many holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar and shift dates each year. Standard holidays include:

Islamic holidays: 10-14 days (depending on the country)
National holidays: 10-15 days (depending on the country)
Summer holidays: Often 1-2 months off
Western holidays: American holidays are generally not observed, but major international holidays like Christmas and New Year may be celebrated in Western-owned schools and centers

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