Outdoor and sports instructor abroad: what is it, why do it and where is the best place to go?

What does it mean to be a sports instructor abroad?

• A sports instructor is someone who teaches sports in theory and practice. You teach how to master a certain sport, or learn to practice it better.
• In addition, you are often busy with all kinds of practical matters concerning the requirements for the sport in question.

What does it mean to be an outdoor trainer abroad?

• An outdoor instructor is someone who teaches the theory and practice of an outdoor activity. You teach how to master a certain activity, or learn to master it better.
• With many outdoor activities, you pay extra attention to safety while practicing the activity.
• In addition, you are often busy with arranging and organising all kinds of practical matters around the activity.

Why would you become a sports instructor or outdoor trainer abroad?

• Helpfulness: it is rewarding work that you get a lot in return. You are busy transferring knowledge to others.
• Involvement: it strengthens your sense of connection with people and nature.
• Experience: You gain unique experiences in another country, in another nature and in another culture.
• Sense of freedom: especially when you are working outside in a beautiful environment.
• Self-insight: you learn independence, to trust yourself and how to react in difficult situations.

What do you need, or what skills can you acquire as a sports instructor or outdoor trainer abroad?

• Empathy: feeling for the people you teach or guide.
• Having courage: you should not be too fearful in some sports.
• Being aware of the environment, respect for the flora and fauna and the culture in which you work.
• Being aware of the organization: you must always be able to remain alert, because you are responsible for yourself and your students.
• Flexibility: the weather conditions and seasons, the physical condition of yourself and your students can have an influence.

Where can you become a sports trainer or outdoor trainer abroad?

A short list of popular outdoor destinations

• Australia
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Germany
• Iceland
• Norway
• New Zeeland
• Switzerland
• United States

To what extent are you insured for the risks?

• Are you insured as a sports instructor abroad?
• When you become a sports instructor, special rules apply and there are also specific insurance policies that take into account the risks you can run into
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van activiteiten als sportinstructeur in het buitenland (NL)