Job Discussion Forums

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Am planning to be in Taiwan in August and currently buying clothes. The clothing I saw for sale on my last visit didn't impress me quality-wise and my body size (big shoulders and long arms) is probably not available. Right or wrong?

I could use some help on what to buy and have some specific questions:

1. If you teach businessmen, what level of dress is expected?

2. What about strictly working in a bushiban? How "low" can you go and not offend your bosses and students?

3. Are shorts ever OK in a classroom setting? What about wearing shorts in the city?

4. Has anyone had any experience with the new "wicking" fabrics? DuPont makes some and they are super expensive but claim to move moisture away from your skin. Has anyone worn clothes made with these fabrics and do they work?

5. In general, what types of clothing work best in hot and humid weather?

What you call "winter" is laughable so I am not worried about clothing for this time of the year. Rode a scooter around all day in a T shirt. This during January and in the mountains. Gad, what fantastic weather that was!!!!!!

6. Would really like to do some backpacking in the mountains if time and budget allow but do not want to bring over tons of my specialized camping clothing. Are there stores where I can buy such specialized clothing if I need it and are sizes suitable for Westerners available?

7. What about shoes? Should I buy what I need over here or are there reasonably priced and well-made shoes over there? I have really expensive hiking boots--will they last in such a climate?

8. Should I buy high-tech (breathable) rain gear?

Thanks in advance for any info you can give me.

Frankie Knuckles · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 36

What to "wear"

phil82 · Joined: 25 Apr 2003 Posts: 37 Location: Taoyuan

Generally I'd say for teaching kindergarten / bushiban classes shorts and t-shirt will be fine.

As for teaching adults, if it is an informal private lesson then dress as you like, but if it is a corporate class they will probably want shirt and shoes.

sbettinson · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Taichung

It depends on your school and what policy they have in place for dress code. I work for a large chain school and I can't wear shorts or tshirts with cut off sleeves for example. You also can't wear torn jeans etc. Generally, just don't look overly scruffy. In the hotter months wearing a tshirt and thin chino style trousers that are light coloured will help. Most classrooms are airconditioned though.

As for hiking gear you can get it all here no problem. Plenty of outdoor stores. If you have a favourable pair of hiking shoes/boots and you have large feet you may have a limited range available to you here. I am a UK 10 1/2 and finding shoes can be a little tough. I don't have a lot of trouble finding clothes to fit but if you are on the overweight side carrying a 40+ inch waist and need an XXL size tshirt you are going to find it harder to get clothes to fit here.

Your location in Taiwan will also determine how available things are to you. If you live in a larger city then it will be easier to find what you need.

Hope this helps.

Shaun

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

This is really good info. It sounds like dress standards are more casual than I had figured. I was planning to bring a suit with me but now I wonder if I will ever have a need for it. Maybe a couple of dress shirts and some ties would be enough?????

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

When I worked in Taiwan the only dress standards that were enforced were no shorts and no sandals. Otherwise it was pretty casual. I think if you work in a kindergarten wearing shorts is OK.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Certainly the type of job you choose will dictate the dress code. Most children's cram schools and kindies allow you to dress normally. Adult schools will vary. Some want shirt and tie, others maybe not. I think a full- on suit is not required virtually anywhere. I'd think twice before taking any job that wanted me to dress that formally. The salary had better justify the cost of the wardrobe and the drycleaning. Although, bringing one suit might not be a bad idea. Once you get to know some people, you'll get invited to weddings etc just as you would back home.

twinkletoes · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 76

What about the dress code for women? Is is roughly the same?

Fortigurn · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 390