Navigating Sick Days as an English Teacher Abroad

It’s that time of year again. The seasons are changing, students are sharing germs, and your immune system is waving a white flag. For many English teachers working abroad, this familiar scenario comes with a heavy dose of anxiety.

You’ve used your allotted sick days, but your body hasn’t gotten the memo. The thought of dragging yourself to work feels awful, but the thought of an unpaid day feels worse. It’s a stressful crossroads many educators face.

The Reality of Limited Sick Leave

In many teaching contracts abroad, especially entry-level or assistant positions, the number of paid sick days is fixed and often quite limited. Running out doesn’t mean you stop getting sick—it just means your financial safety net disappears.

This creates a genuine dilemma. Do you prioritize your health and recovery, or your financial stability? It’s a choice no one should have to make.

Is “Powering Through” the Answer?

The temptation to just go in sick is strong. You reason with yourself: It’s just a cold. I can tough it out. But this approach has ripple effects:

• You risk your students’ health, exposing them to your illness.
• Your teaching will be less effective. It’s hard to be engaging and patient when you feel terrible.
• You may prolong your own sickness, leading to more days of subpar performance or, ultimately, a worse illness.

It’s a short-term solution that often creates longer-term problems for everyone.

How Do “Real Teachers” Handle It?

This is a common question. The distinction often lies in the type of contract and the country’s labor laws. In many public school systems or with direct-hire contracts, teachers may indeed have more robust sick leave policies, sometimes even accruing days over time.

However, the core challenge remains universal in education: finding cover for your absence and managing the workload. The pressure to show up, regardless of policy, is a widespread feeling in the teaching profession.

Strategies for Managing the Tightrope

So, what can you do when you’re caught in this bind?

• Know Your Contract Inside Out. Understand exactly what your sick leave and personal day provisions are. Are there any clauses about unpaid leave or special circumstances?
• Communicate Proactively. If you’re feeling unwell, give your employer as much notice as possible. Clear communication is always appreciated.
• Explore All Options. Ask (tactfully) if working from home on a light-duty task is a possibility, or if you can make up hours later. Some schools are flexible.
• Build a Financial Buffer. This is easier said than done, but even a small emergency fund for unpaid sick days can relieve immense mental stress.
• Prioritize Prevention. Double down on healthy habits—sleep, nutrition, hand hygiene—to fortify your defenses during peak germ seasons.

A Call for Health-First Cultures

Ultimately, this situation highlights a need for more supportive structures. Schools benefit when teachers are healthy, rested, and fully present. Fostering an environment where staff feel they can recover properly without financial penalty leads to better education and lower long-term turnover.

Your health is your most important resource, both in and out of the classroom. Navigating these challenges is part of the journey, but by planning ahead and knowing your options, you can find a path that doesn’t force you to choose between well-being and well-paying.