Job Discussion Forums

IceMan1976 · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 4 Location: Mexico

I'm looking for a teaching job in KSA and trying to plan ahead as far as clothes that I'll need to wear to work. What's the expected dress code for a male American teacher? Is there a particular website you'd recommend for information like this (I've actually found it hard to find!)?

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

might help if you tell us what job it is you are going to take up...

generally it's smart casual. You can leave the ties at home. Some teachers wear a jacket because the AC can be vicious all year round. I believe the norm would be polo or collared shirts. No jeans.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Tie was de rigeur at the Training Center at the Airline. Not at KFUPM. No shorts. Sandals are infra dig but may be ok with the more "hip" places like KFUPM. The military jobs are run by gangs of deranged authoritarians so God knows.

IceMan1976 · Joined: 04 Aug 2015 Posts: 4 Location: Mexico

Thanks.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Don't wear white dress shirts all the time. Makes you look like an engineer designing Apache helicopters.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You can get a tailor in KSA to make shirts for you. One of the best buys there. And they will fit you - unlike some of these mass-produced things you buy off the peg.

One of the things that I miss about that country. Where I am now only merchant bankers and affluent aristocrats get the tailor to do this.

In the heat of the moment · Joined: 22 May 2015 Posts: 393 Location: Italy

You can't go wrong with a suit and tie although just trousers, dress shoes and an 'office' shirt should be sufficient.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Too hot for a suit. I do not recollect any of my colleagues in 4 different workplaces wearing a suit to work.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

cyclistlongdistancerunner · Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 31

I totally agree with Scot, that if you want to get some nice suits, blazers and shirts made ... then the Middle East and Levant is the bomb. Ditto for South Korea. I had several suits made in both the KSA and Afghanistan. Ditto for Korea. I have custom made shoes - about 6 pairs - and 3 pairs of custom made English riding boots - all made in Korea. I could never afford this is Canada or London.

I usually keep one blazer on the rack in my office, wherever I am teaching in the Middle East. If the U. Head or some other high ranking official is going to be around, on it goes (moi). Also a suit or nice blazer (and good manners) really helps, in my opinion, when meeting the parents wherever you are. We are representing our culture out here ... and being well dressed and possessing good manners never hurts I think. Edwardian?? You betcha!!

In the heat of the moment · Joined: 22 May 2015 Posts: 393 Location: Italy

How long are you going to be outside? A suit is okay with great a/c and you'll likely be in the heat for only a minute or three.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Generally the first thing that people in the Middle East look at is how you dress. Are you clean, clothes clean and in good shape etc.. You have to have dress shoes, dress pants, dress shirt preferably long sleeves, and a tie. If you wear a dress jacket of some type you can forego the tie. That is pretty standard. Also it is best to vary the color of your shirts from day to day.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Students and admin will take you more seriously if you dress well. Do not overdo it or you may upset the hippies, deadbeats, drop-outs and weirdos in the staffroom.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Tattoos are a no-no. Cover 'em.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Ear rings and bits of metal sticking out are frowned on. Men should not wear gold jewellery, although you might away with a wedding ring. No bangles or necklaces !