Job Discussion Forums

[cbdmcse]

As a new female teacher, I would truly appreciate some suggestions from veteran female teachers on what to pack for a yearlong assignment. I have never packed for a year. What did you take with you, and what did you take that you really didn't need, and what do you wish you had taken that you really did need to pack?

I am thinking from what I have read, that my first job will more than likely be in Asia somewhere since I lack experience, and the need is greater.

Any advice or help would be truly appreciated.

Thanks for any help offered to a "caught in the headlights" green horn.
CB

[ls650]

I hope you don't mind some advice from a veteran male teacher...
One thing I've always found difficult to find when overseas is music that I like to listen to. With internet downloading, it's not such a problem now, but I recommend you pack along a selection of your favorite music on CDs.

[Justin Trullinger]

Thoughtfully make a list of all the clothes, personal items, etc that you think you will need.

Then make intelligent calculations of the amount of money you will need.


Then pack half the things and twice the money.


Life's fast. Pack light.

Justin

[MO39]

As a veteran female teacher/traveler who's packed and unpacked more times than I like to think about, I would say that no matter how carefully you do it (keeping in mind that Justin's Formula is a good one), in particular in regards to clothing, there will be some things you'll bring with you that you'll use so much they'll wear out, others that you'll never wear, and one or two things that you'll deeply regret not bringing with you. However, I would recommend bringing enough underwear (bras and panties) to last for a year, as sizes of undies can vary quite a bit from continent to continent, though I have a pair of panties that I bought at a street market in Santiago that are still in use.

[Justin Trullinger]

If you can, check with foreigners now on the ground in the places you're thinking of going, and ask what they've had trouble finding. (Ecuadorian women, for example, tend to be well smaller than European or North American women. Makes shopping difficult.)



And pack condoms.


Justin

[Glenski]

For traveling in Japan, you might want to buy the book Being a Broad in Japan, or visit the companion web site.

For females OR males, I'd say consider the electrical requirements of the country you choose to visit, and plan accordingly with whatever electrical devices you might take. Hairdryers, hair curlers, shavers, clocks, etc. Consider the shape of the outlets and plugs, as well as the voltage AND hertz requirements. (In Japan, there are regions, for example, that use 50 Hz and others that use 60Hz, so your stuff will operate differently.)

WhereEVER you go, I'd say ask people in advance who live there, especially about these things, the availability of prescription meds, and about certain clothing sizes. Asian clothing is not designed to fit most western bodies. Shoulder and hip sizes are differently tailored, as are sleeve lengths. Shoes sizes will vary, too, and you might have to pack more than you like because of their inaccessibility there.

And, if possible, pack only for the first 2 seasons. Have someone send your other stuff 4-6 weeks in advance of the other seasons by sea mail.

[hlamb]

Also check into the availability of your favourite entertainment items. Someone mentioned cds. I happen to read a LOT and finding books in English in some countries is tough. I live in an area with almost no other foreigners; I have an informal sharing system with the few who are here.

It's a good idea to learn to be flexible about brands, since many aren't available, or are expensive in other countries. As an example, I worked with a guy who filled half his suitcase with laundry soap, extra shampoo, etc. to last for six months. He couldn't imagine trying another brand. I can think of better ways to use the luggage space!

[grwit]

[cbdmcse]

Thank you all kindly for your replys. As I expeccted, a few things I had not thought about as yet. It truly helps to get your perspective on your experiences too.

Male suggestions are also appreciated. I just felt females have more specific issues we have to conquer in foreign countries.

Thanks to all. I am enjoying reading your helpful thoughts.

[Rin]

If you go to North or South East Asia bring clothes, bras and underwear. East Asian women tend to be slightly more "boyish" in figure than Western women. The largest pants size I could easily find in Korea was 29 or 30, and even than they didn't quite fit right because they are made for women with no hips. T-shirt sizes tend to be very small to. Also style can be a big problem. I found that most Korean women dress like my grandmother is lots of flowery, girly princess wear...looks good on them, makes me look like ridiculous. Japan however is hip, happening and trendy, in other words they have a GAP and the sizes are all the same as North America.

And in these countries you defintely need to bring deodorant, sun block and any facial creams that you like. In all my time in Korea I never once saw a stick of deodorant. And in Asia the facial creams tend to have whiteners in the them. Also bring Western toothpaste if you can, they have toothpaste but the mint they put in it tastes a little like green apples. I swear I sold people tubes of Crest.

I also recommend bringing your favorite potato chips, they just aren't the same in Asia.

If you are coming to the Middle East, crazy as it might sound, pick up long sleeved (but loose and thin) shirts and capris pants. The clothes here are awesome but they are made for wearing under abiyas so they are too revealing for me to wear comfortably in public.

Deodorant is readily available but sunblock is expensive! So is contact lens solution. Bring books here as well, they don't have a wide selection of books.

[Rin]

Oh! and a thing you will never regret taking, tampons! They have them, but you might want to pick up a pack of your favorite brand before you leave.

Birth Control pills ( if you use them) and condoms are also good to have. And make sure you have enough of any prescription meds you need. You can find this stuff, but the chances of them being the same as the ones you use are pretty slim.

[grwit]

If your coming to china then I agree with the others about trying to find the correct size. But I will let you know that the last FT from Aus was a fairly heafty bird and she had trouble in the womens fashion but no trouble in the mens fashion... Boys in China don't mind wearing clothes that I would consider GAY WEAR. Lots of pretty pink shirts with flowers on them and that sort of thing. The shop keepers used to snigger a bit as she was selecting from the boys section in the shop but she was happy enough to find shirts and pants that fit and were feminine enough for her taste.

[denise]

I second the tampons suggestion. They are hard to find and expensive! Either stock up or get a friend back home to mail them to you. (Ditto for toiletries and snacks! Getting care packages will really brighten your day!)

d

[Calories]

In China they sell OB tampons without aplicators. Annoying and I can't find any with aplicators. I don't think they are any more expensive than at home.

Bring birth control pills if you are on them, unless you are taking Desogen (or Marvelon like it's called in CHina and in Canada). I switched to it when I got here though. I can't find any other brands, but I don't really look.

I brought tooth paste and deodarant and shampoo and body wash...all of that you don't need to bring with you...well maybe the tooth paste (green apple really? EW!)

Bring lotion, shaving lotion and razors though.


Oh and about clothes and shoes. I'm 5'11 and a size 7/8. It's easy to find shirts and skirts, but if you are any bigger don't count on it. Haven't bothered to try and find pants. I'm probably too tall! Bought some mens runners though. Size 10 womens is not to be found.

I don't wear bras so can't tell you about that.