Job Discussion Forums

[adventuramust]

I've read collared shirts (I gather like a man's or the Chinese style). Do they need to be tucked in if they are straight cut on the bottom? I am frequently cold. is a pullover over the collared shirt acceptable? Are boots acceptable (as sandals and tennis are no-nos)

I am asking now because I'm trying to figure out what to take. Do most people take much luggage for a year contract or do some mad shopping days before you start.

As a side note flowers and candy are common gifts for hosts. What's best in China?

Thank you for the possibly ridiculous questions.

[been_there]

I'd say not to worry about it too much. you will find clothing in China that is cheaper than most other places. Unless you are over 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, like me, fit shouldn't be a problem.

As far as style goes, I've seen pretty much everything in a classroom, and the general trend seems to be that price and having a big-namd label (be it real or not) is more important than tucking. Don't buy a buch of stuff beforehand; travel light, and see what things are like when you get there. Even if you buy a bunch of knock-off Channel in China that falls apart after a year, you can dump it before you leave.

Candy and flowers work just fine. If there is a man about the house, liquor has never gone wrong for me.

[hesterprynne]

I wear a size 43 European shoe - almost impossible to find shoes here. A size M in US in shirts is XXXL here. You can find clothes but are limited on style. When I got here I was 5'8" and not fat- not skinnny either! Bras are tough to find because they are not designed for our bodies- bring some of your favorites.

[Babala]

OP,
It would be helpful to know where in China you will be living. As the others said shoes (if you wear larger than size and bras are always a must. Also where will you be teaching? Dressing for teaching young children will be different than if you are teaching businessmen.

[spidey]

[adventuramust]

Not that it matters, but the position is at a middle school. The website that says no visable tatoos, very short hair on a woman, collared shirts and no sandals or tennis pretty much applies everywhere. I know it appears nitpicking but as I said I get cold easily. Therefore I wondered if pullovers (over a collared shirt) and boots were acceptable. I figured if there were teachers out there that were given guidelines they might be able to expand on the requirements.

What are those black pants I saw the locals wearing? Are they cotton, elastic waist...? I would like to put together an acceptable work wardrobe proir to going. I know I can find clothes for everyday wear as I prefer loose fitting clothing.

My own undergarments is probably a good idea. For that matter tennis as I have wide feet. I even figured make up as nothing in a market is in English. (Snacks were always fun to buy, going by picture alone) Things like aspirin perhaps?

[cujobytes]

[Babala]

It does make a difference where you work, here's why. Alot of public and private schools don't have air-conditioning/heating. I am in Jiangsu and when I used to teach at private school, I had to teach in my heavy coat and gloves in the winter. Things like skirts would not be practical. If you aren't down south I also suggest several pairs of thick underwear, a must here in the winter. I'm not sure what black trousers you are referring to. Trousers and boots will be acceptable. I find more and more that the female Chinese teachers are dressing much more casual. That requirement about short hair is strange. I have never heard that before. I know some schools have rules like that for the kids because of lice. There's something else you want to buy, that lice shampoo. A teacher at my school got it and had to send home for the treatment as they don't sell it here. You can also go to tailor very easily and have clothes made for you.

[Zero Hero]

[hesterprynne]

spidey and cujobytes- you are silly--- OP, there is a lot of counterfeit makeup here, so be careful.
I know some of the middle schools make the children cut their hair- disgusting to see all these girls who look like boys- no expression of individuality

[adventuramust]

[Zero Hero]

Of course you did; of course you did. How strange it is then, that it did not occur to you to ask who � or what � 'kia' is.

[Babala]