Maximise Your Holiday: Tips for International Teachers
Being an international teacher comes with a unique set of perks and challenges. The summer holidays are undeniably one of the best perks, even for those who genuinely love teaching. After putting in tremendous effort throughout the school term, teachers deserve this extended break. A chance to unwind, recharge, and prepare to return in September with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to travel. However, the reality often involves juggling between travelling back home to see family and friends and wanting to explore the new region you’re living in. So, how can you truly maximise this precious time for rest, relaxation, and reflection? Here are some tips on how to strike a balance and get the most out of your holidays.
1. Plan and Prioritise
Set Your Priorities
Before the holiday season begins, take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Do you want to spend quality time with your family and friends back home? Or do you want to explore a new country? Make a list of your priorities and plan your time accordingly.
Create a Realistic Itinerary
If you decide to travel home, create a realistic itinerary. Avoid overloading your schedule with too many visits and activities. This may lead to you feeling like you need a holiday to recover from your holiday! Instead, focus on spending quality time with a few close people. Furthermore, let them know about your visit in advance. Set up dates to avoid any last-minute stress.
2. Combine Trips
Multi-Destination Travel
Consider combining your trip home with visits to other destinations. If you are from Europe but teaching in Asia, why not stop in a new city on your way back? This way, you can explore a new place without taking too much time away from family.
Family Vacation
Invite your family to join you in your new country or a nearby destination. As a result, you can spend quality time together while exploring a new place. Your loved ones will get to understand and appreciate your new life abroad and experience a different culture.
3. Balance Work and Leisure
Take Short Breaks
Instead of waiting for a long holiday to travel, take advantage of long weekends and short breaks throughout the school year. These shorter trips can be less stressful. Explore your new surroundings at a slower pace. Consequently they can also help to reduce stress build-up across the school year.
Disconnect to Reconnect
When you travel, whether home or to a new destination, disconnect from work as much as possible. Decide when you are going to focus on work-related planning before the holidays. Outside of that time, try not to think about work at all. Permit yourself to immerse in the holiday experience fully.
4. Embrace Slow Travel
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of visiting multiple destinations in one trip, focus on exploring one place in depth. This slow travel approach allows you to experience the culture more authentically and reduces travel fatigue.
Staycations and Local Exploration
Do not underestimate the value of a staycation. Use your holidays to explore your immediate surroundings. Often, we overlook the beauty and attractions right next door. A staycation or visiting a neighbouring country can be as refreshing as a big trip and usually less stressful.
5. Self-Care and Relaxation
Rest
Sleep is important for maintaining your attention span, concentration and memory. All things you’ll rely on heavily during the next school year. Take time during the holidays to prioritise sleep. Catching the right amount of sleep also vastly improves your health, making you less likely to catch illnesses, gain weight, or develop heart problems. Ensure you schedule some real downtime during your holidays just for you. Whether it is a day at the spa, a leisurely walk in the park, or just reading a book by the beach. Make time to relax and recharge.
Set Boundaries
It is ok to say no to some social obligations. Your well-being is crucial, and overcommitting can lead to burnout. Set boundaries and communicate your needs to family and friends. They will likely understand and appreciate your honesty.
6. Reflect and Recharge
Reflect on Your Experiences
Take some time to reflect on your experiences as an international teacher. What have you learned? How have you grown? Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and plan for the future. Identify areas for improvement, consider what you’d like to do more of, and set goals for the upcoming year. Additionally, you could use this period to deepen your subject knowledge. Brainstorm and research creative teaching strategies.
Personal Growth
The summer holidays are an opportunity to revisit what makes you, you. Explore your passions outside of teaching, or get into something you’ve always wanted to try. Having other interests and trying new activities will go a long way towards preventing teacher burnout. Use your holidays as an opportunity for personal growth. Attend a workshop, take a cooking class, or learn a new skill. These activities can be fulfilling and relaxing. Moreover they will contribute to a well-rounded holiday experience.
Being an international teacher offers an incredible opportunity to see the world, but it also requires careful planning of your holidays. By setting clear priorities, combining trips, balancing work and leisure, embracing slow travel, and prioritising self-care, you can enjoy your time off to the fullest. Remember, the key is to find a balance that works for you and allows you to return to your teaching role refreshed and rejuvenated. Safe travels!