Job Discussion Forums

[hapygirl]

I'd like help with some specific info about clothes for teaching (skirts vs pants, types of shoes etc), having things made and if there are any coffee groups of women there. Will be coming in the middle of the rainy season, end of August, and need help.

I'd also start talking with some of you before I come to get your input and ideas.

Thanks for your help.

[lunita]

Dear Hapygirl,

I just got to Chiang Mai. I see a lot of teachers my age (I'm 26) wearing long skirts (most likely rayon or linen) and short sleeve shirts. There are quite a variety of shirts that you can buy once you get here, but I haven't seen a lot of skirts that I would invest in. However, if you like indigenous clothing, there is a large variety to choose from up in my area. For shoes, anything that isn't "shower sandels" works at my school. I teach at AUA and most all the female teachers wear leather strappy sandels to work, as well as a simple black pair for more formal occasions. Try your hardest not to pack a ton of clothing, the stuff that you'd buy here is so cheap and you'd "fit in" a bit better if you wear a few things bought from Thailand. The jewelry here is awesome as well, so travel light!! You'll be bringing a ton of stuff home!

Smiles, Lunita

[Matt_22]

So are there many twenty-something Western female English teachers that work in Thailand? Sorry for the threadjack, but my curiosity gets the best of me sometimes.

[lunita]

Well, I've only arrived and will begin working shortly, so I'm not sure if my answer would be correct.... but from what I've observed in the past few weeks, there are more young guys working at language schools than girls. There only appears to be about 5 woman working at the AUA that I'm at and around 7+ guys.... However, I met some females who work at one of the international schools and I don't know what the ratio is in the k-12 schools. I want to say there are more guys around...but again, I'm not sure if I've been here long enough to make that judgement.

anyone else have a more concrete idea??

[AnchorMan]

[kerrilee]

I worked in Bangkok for six months until I came to China and worked for a company with 58 foreign teachers, just under half were female. We wore a uniform, blue trousers and red t-shirts so it was simple dress. Although we took our shoes off to enter the classroom, we had to wear proper shoes and socks to arrive at schools, which you cant always buy in Thailand so it is good to check that out before you go. Also, my fellow teachers had problems buying trousers that were long enough.......
Yes, boys, the teachers were mosly 20's and early 30's and western....