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.

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 organizing all kinds of practical matters around the activity.

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 other surroundings 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.

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 and your own physical condition and your students can have an influence.

A short list of popular outdoor destinations

When you become a sports instructor, special rules apply and there are also specific insurance policies that consider the risks you can run into.
It is not uncommon to encounter unsafe working conditions: infrastructure issues, health risks, avalanches, extreme cold or heat, UV radiation, terrain hazards, political instability, and cultural differences.
Accidents with serious consequences occur regularly: broken bones, head injuries, and sprains; injuries from falls and collisions; property damage (such as broken equipment); and accidents involving participants or costly rescue operations.
It is common for the physical strain to be high: back and knee problems, slipping on unpredictable terrain, hypothermia or frostbite, seasickness, and altitude sickness.
It is not uncommon for people in coastal areas, mountain villages, or remote villages to have difficulty accessing medical care.
It is not uncommon for the workload to be high, due to long hours, staff shortages, or the need for intensive care.

There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
Local employers generally offer no, or only limited, supplemental insurance coverage.
There is a risk of accidents, for example, because you may be doing work in which you have little experience.
While working, doing an internship, or volunteering abroad—even if you receive compensation or a salary—your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse.
Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Read more: Verzekeren van activiteiten als sportinstructeur in het buitenland (NL)

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