Job Discussion Forums

Cole · Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 31

Hello,

I have been hired by Interac to teach JHS and forgot to inquire as to the dress code for teaching during the interview. I emailed the office later and haven't received a reply. I would appreciate any information concerning this regardless of the school district you worked in.

Thanks!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Not a good start. The info is easily accessed on the Interac FAQ.

http://www.interac.co.jp/recruit/faq.htm
JAPAN IS A VERY CONSERVATIVE COUNTRY!!

Interac ALTs and LCs must wear business attire while undertaking training, on all teaching assignments, or when visiting the office. Clothing standards in Japan are conservative and professional. For men, a dress shirt, tie, and business style pants are required. Long hair and/or facial hair are not recommended. For women, smart professional attire, inclusive of skirts below the knees or business style suits are required on all Interac Co., Ltd. related business. If you have tattoos, please be sure to wear clothing that covers them at all times!!

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

Just dont be upset when you are burning up in a suit and the other teachers are wearing sports suits.....
one good thing about working for a sucky school doing ALT is no dress code! haha

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Interesting that they require that. I've worked in eight JHSs and most of those had fifty plus teachers. There would be one or two in suits the majority wore dodgy tracksuits or nasty blazers. I always were a shirt (in the summer untucked!) and beige slacks which is pretty OTT considering most of my fellow direct hire ALTs wear shorts or t-shirts. No one minds at all as long as you wear a tie on graduation day.

Its always interesting at the ALT meetings though when the JETs turn up in suits and everyone else is there in shorts and t-shirts. I think the companies definitely care more than the schools.

Yet again I'm reminded why I never want to work for a dispatch company.

degolasse · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 21

Officially yes, you have to wear business attire at all times and it's probably good to do so for the first little while to make a good impression. But you will quickly notice that you will be the best dressed person in your school. As mentioned above, most teachers in my schools (JHS) wear old track suits, shorts and a t-shirt, or at best, kakhis and a polo shirt. In my schools, the smaller and more rural the school, the less formal they dress. So I started out wearing a shirt, tie, and dress pants everyday. After a few months I ditched the tie and rolled up my sleeves, and eventually just went to kakhis and a polo shirt. I also have long hair and no one cares.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

gonzarelli · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:41 am Post subject:

There was this one teacher who wouldn't even comb his hair and show up looking like carp. Another guy at the same school dressed yakuza style. I saw too many teachers looking like total slobs yet give their students heck for not buttoning up their shirts. Nice example. Rolling Eyes

Don't bother with a tie except for the first day and for grad. Don't even think of showing up for grad in anything less than a full on suit.