Job Discussion Forums

[helenl]

Some people do wear wool cardigans/sweaters because of the AC situation in some colleges. I think it might be pointed more at the fellas wearing sweaters instead of the "preferred" jacket. The sweater being something to wear at home, but not often spotted in a business setting.

[Iamherebecause]

[helenl]

I consider my place of work to be a business setting. However, that's another argument.

Actually, guys in cardigans remind me of my grandfather. All they need are the slippers.

HCT campuses have always had a dress code as such and they are enforced (or not) depending on what management whim of the day is in place.

I don't think this is a discussion about whether the colleges are a place of business but on whether or not management should be wasting time on silly dress codes - but then again, I've seen some of the women wearing some weird get ups - once.

[Asda]

[Iamherebecause]

This has to be the silliest rule given the climate:

[helenl]

HCT "skates" around the male footwear issue by classifying the dishdasha and sandals, abaya and shayla as traditional dress.

[veiledsentiments]

I assume that the female students still take off the abaya once they arrive... and put them in their lockers. And then the fashion show begins...

The male teacher dress code rather reflects the delusions of grandeur of HCT. But, I found the normal dress code of the Middle East to be much more formal than most of us are used to from our home countries. In the Gulf, you have your "casual Fridays" at home since it's the weekend.

VS

[justDeserts]

I don't know if this is really the thread to continue a discussion on clothes, but since we are on the topic, I'll just continue here.

I have been wondering about the clothing question. Anyone who is currently teaching can you give some input:
Is it best to buy professional clothes in my home country? Or shop once I arrive? The standards for attire are very casual where I teach, so most of what I currently wear is probably not appropriate.
The two issues that are most difficult are that:
a) finding skirts past the knee here is impossible
b) finding lightweight (but still professional) clothing is very difficult

I thought that going the cardigan route would solve the jacket issue (since all the ones I find here would be stifling! in UAE heat), but that seems to be possibly out of the question.

JD

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

You come to the ME.

You go down to the Fabric Souk.

You buy the fabric you like.

You find the tailor by hook or crook.

Tailor take your measurements and make your custom clothes cheap, cheap, cheap.

You go to teach lookin' like a million quid...Sid!

NCTBA

[veiledsentiments]

justdeserts,

I agree with NCTBA... there are some great tailors there. I assume that you are female since you asked about skirts. I never wore a jacket while teaching in the UAE, but kept a light sweater (cotton) at my desk because just sitting about in the offices, the AC is cold.

At my first Gulf job in Oman, the only dress rule in writing was that we were to cover our arms to the wrist at Ramadhan (the rest of the time, we normally had sleeves to the elbow though it was an unwritten rule). I went and bought some very lightweight cotton and went to the tailor had him make me up 3 jackets for teaching. (in 3 colors to coordinate with the rest of my wardrobe)

As to shoes, I lived in sandals 365 days a year...

VS

[teechar]

Can women really not wear pants/trousers while teaching?

Thanks,

T

[veiledsentiments]

This would be a rule of each individual employer. Personally I found them too warm for most of the year. Check with any new employer before you go.

VS