Working in childcare abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in childcare abroad like?

• In a childcare job, you will work with young children (ages 0–12), often at international daycare centers, preschools, expat childcare, community centers, or in families' homes.
• You will help with daily routines, encourage play and development, create a safe environment, and support children with skills ranging from crafts to brushing teeth and sharing.
• In many countries, you will work in multicultural teams, where English is often the primary language.
• Sometimes you will work in small-scale childcare settings with a lot of personal contact, and sometimes in larger international centers with clear pedagogical methods (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based learning).
• Responsibilities: Typical tasks abroad often include:
  • Supervising activities (play, creative activities, outdoor play, sensory play).
  • Organizing meals and rest periods.
  • Help children with social and language skills, often in a multilingual environment.
  • Maintaining contact with parents from different cultures. Helping with light housekeeping or organizational tasks (depending on the country and type of childcare).
  • Tidying up is also part of the job!
• Working conditions: Working conditions vary considerably by country and type of organization. Salaries vary and depend on the country. Expat childcare often pays more than local childcare. If you work as an au pair, you sometimes only receive room and board.
• Internships are also possible, often including supervision and sometimes accommodation. Volunteer work often includes meals and lodging.
• When you love children, working in childcare can be wonderful work. The tasks are flexible, you can spend a lot of time outdoors in warm countries, and you become familiar with all kinds of cultural parenting styles!
• There are a few things to keep in mind, such as that it is important to check whether the organization is ethically responsible when volunteering, and that a diploma is often required for working in childcare.

What are the reasons for working in childcare abroad?

• To deepen empathy: because young children communicate a lot without words, you quickly learn to read their signals.
• To increase intercultural awareness: because parenting, rhythm, and closeness differ from country to country. You learn to adapt and shift gears without judgment.
• To feel involved: you help children find their way in the world, and are a huge part of their day.
• To develop practical creativity: because you often devise fun and educational activities with limited resources.
• To strengthen communication skills: because you interact daily with children, parents, and colleagues from different backgrounds.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in childcare abroad?

• Solution-oriented: you resolve (small and not so small) situations creatively.
• Planning and organizing: routines make children safe and you will be efficient with good timing and time management.
• Relationship-oriented work: you build trust with both children and parents. This naturally includes good communication and patience.
• Flexibility: because no two days, schedules, or groups are the same.

What are the best countries and locations to work in childcare abroad?

• Plenty of paid work and international childcare: Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi), Australia, New Zealand.
• Daycare in expat or NGO settings: South Africa, Tanzania, Nepal, Costa Rica.
• Kids' clubs and tourist care: Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire), Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Thailand, Sri Lanka.
• Au pair and nanny work: United Kingdom, US, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, France, Australia, Netherlands.

What are the risks of working in childcare abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in childcare abroad?
  • Working with vulnerable children can be emotionally draining. You see sadness, trauma, or difficult home situations, which can lead to burnout.
  • Stress due to responsibility and miscommunication.
  • Miscommunication with parents due to cultural or linguistic problems.
  • Unsafe working environments are common in various countries: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, manners.
  • The workload can be high: long days, crisis interventions, or intensive supervision.
  • Minor accidents can occur: falls, allergic reactions, cuts.
  • Contagious childhood illnesses, such as colds and stomach viruses, and serious local diseases can occur. This can prevent you from working for a while, or even require you to be flown home.
• Are you insured while working in childcare abroad?
  • It is important to be properly insured when you go to work in childcare abroad.
  • Your employer may offer local insurance. However, this is often not the case, or the coverage is insufficient during or outside your working hours.
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.