The UK is culturally diverse,with many further education (FE) colleges serving its communities. This is expected, as the UK participates in a global market. Diversity and ethnicity are linked conceptually and it is argued that in circumstances where teachers and students differ culturally, blocks tocommunication between the two may serve as a starting point for emotional labour and burnout among teachers in FE. This has yet to be researched. Culture is inextricably linked to gender roles. Where emotional rules differ, emotional labour and burnout may have varying occurrences between genders. This paper argues that there is a need to examine the link between emotional labour and burnout among culturally diverse groups as well as differences between gender. The paper also points out that the environment teachers work in may be a source of stress, and not ‘fitting in’ may culminate in stress leading to burnout.