What's the work-life balance like when teaching English abroad?

20 August 2025 • Tips

A great work-life balance is a major reason why many people choose to teach English abroad. Unlike a traditional 9-5, your schedule is often structured to give you plenty of free time to travel, explore, and enjoy yourself in a new culture. However, the reality of work-life balance as an ESL teacher varies greatly depending on the country, school type, and your personal approach to teaching.

What's a Typical Work Week Like? 

Most full-time teaching positions, especially in public schools, have a schedule of 20-25 "contact hours" per week. These are the hours you spend directly in the classroom. This is often far fewer than a typical 40-hour office job. However, it's crucial to remember that this doesn't account for all your duties. You'll also spend time on:

• Lesson planning- Creating engaging and effective lessons.
• Grading- Marking student work and providing feedback.
• Meetings & Admin- Attending staff meetings and handling paperwork.

These additional tasks mean your total work week is likely closer to 30-40 hours. Your evenings and weekends are generally free, which is perfect for exploring your new country.

How It Varies by Country 

The work-life balance can feel very different depending on where you teach.

• Teaching in Spain- Known for its relaxed culture and emphasis on a laid-back lifestyle. Teachers often have a long midday break, and the work week is generally less demanding, allowing for plenty of time to socialize, travel, and enjoy the local cuisine.
• Teaching in Thailand- A popular destination due to its low cost of living and vibrant culture. The work hours are typically a standard 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. school day, leaving evenings and weekends open for adventure.
• Teaching in Japan- While Japanese work culture has a reputation for being demanding, many ESL teaching positions offer a good work-life balance. Public school teachers might have a structured 9-to-5 schedule, with lots of long holidays for travel. However, private language schools (eikaiwas) may have evening and weekend classes, which can make a consistent routine harder to maintain.

The Importance of Setting Boundaries

A good work-life balance isn't just about your schedule; it's also about setting boundaries. It's easy to fall into the habit of over-planning or checking emails late at night. To prevent teacher burnout, make a conscious effort to:

1. Leave work at work. Avoid bringing grading or lesson plans home with you if possible.
2. Schedule personal time. Block out time in your calendar for hobbies, exercise, and social activities.
3. Say no. It's okay to decline extra responsibilities if they will overload you.

Save Time with Our Lesson Plan Pack

One of the biggest time-sinks for any teacher is lesson planning. It's tempting to spend hours creating the perfect lesson from scratch, but this can quickly eat into your free time.

Our Lesson Plan Pack is the perfect solution. It’s packed with 100 ready-to-use lesson plans for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You'll save hours of planning time, giving you more freedom to explore your new home, learn the language, or just relax.

Don't let planning get in the way of your adventure. Get your pack today for just £4.99!