Job Discussion Forums

moonshine · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 60

Hi,

what are the dress requirements for female teachers? are they different from school to school?

are jeans ever acceptable? athletic shoes (I have really bad feet ever since I was a kid - these are the most comfortable for me to wear but it's hard to explain to people sometimes.)

are short pants allowed in hot weather? I don't wear really short, but maybe just above the knees.

I traveled around Egypt and Jordan dressed as above no problem but of course was a tourist. I know a lot of women wear these clothes under their long dresses (sorry don't know the proper term).

some enlightenment please!

Thanks.

veralynn · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 113 Location: Abu Dhabi

From my experience I would say no to both jeans and athletic shoes I'm afraid. Also no to anything above the knee. If you cover to just past your knees and to your elbows you should be ok.
Here the local women cover with the long, black cloak-type dresses which are called abayas.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Every dependable employer in the Gulf requires professional dress from the women. And, one needs to remember local sensibilities. I am the type who lives in jeans and athletic shoes in the US... but would NEVER have worn them in the Gulf. First off, it is much too hot.

The most comfortable and culturally acceptable clothing are nice long skirts... mine tended to get nearer the floor the longer I was there... sleeves to the elbow for the shortest... nothing figure hugging. I never taught in pants/trousers/slacks of any length.

For bad feet... I lived in sandals all year. Got nice comfortable SAS brand or similar... which are both sensible and more professional that something like a Birkenstock.

There is variance by employer, so final check would be with other teachers where you are hired.

VS

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

My employer will not allow short pants (e.g. Capris), even those which cover the knee. Pants must be full-length, and smart.

At my place of work, the two criteria are professionalism and modesty (for women - no shoulders, knees or cleavage). Sandals - definitely fine, though.

moonshine · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 60

well thanks for answering -

I may very well be screwed then - I can't wear sandals unless it's for short periods and definitely not all day standing a lot -

leather shoes would just be too hot - maybe this is what I needed to know -

thanks I really appreciate the info and am glad I asked.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Is there an athletic shoe available in black/brown rather than the running shoe lookalikes that you could wear? There's also a brand I've seen called Geoxx that says it's breathable through the soles - might be worth looking at.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

So true about the classrooms. No matter where you work it likely be too cold (rather than not cold enough). I'm sure most employers wouldn't bedgrudge you your athletic shoes outside the actual classroom, wouldn't most of you agree?

I occasionally wore close-toed shoes in the "winter" months, but must say that I prefer the sandals. Once you secure employment perhaps you'll want to look into orthopedic shoes? I've got pretty f-ed up feet, myself. High arches, high insteps, plantar faciitis, leaning towards hammer toes and fallen arches...I did ok w/ some great pairs of sandals.

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

I have always found that Hush Puppies is a great brand for very comfortable and supportive sandals. They tend to have good, strong soles.

Also some of the sneaker makes like Nike, Adidas, etc. have athletic "walking sandals" that look nice as well as offering good foot support. I would try Ladies' Athlete's Foot shops similar athletic shops to see if they have something like that.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

Ok, here are a few links to some walking sandals that I just found that look dressier than tevas or flip flops:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11659480/c/3.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/24090005/c/89134.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30667517/c/3.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2037895/c/2157.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/4507884/c/4666.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/28227323/c/89437.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/4516850/c/126.html

Oh my, I really want to do some shopping now!!! Very Happy

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

There are some great shoes in the 773! Some a bit too casual for most uni positions in the Gulf, but others are great. Makes me want to go shopping, too!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I thought all except the "Frieda" were too casual.

VS

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

The "New Balance" and "Bite" and one or two more may be too sporty looking for work, but I think the others would be ok.

lomedamontgomery · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 4

A couple of years ago, I fell off a scaffold and broke my heel in several places. I've always loved shoes, but couldn't get comfortable in anything pretty. I found a funny looking shoe called "MBT" stands for Messiah Barefoot Technology. Changed my life and healed my foot. The sandals have 5 different adjustments for the proper fit. I wear them every day even in cooler weather (I live in Texas); I just wear black socks and my tootsies are warm and I can now wear stilettos on the weekends if I want to. Just Google MBT.