Job Discussion Forums

[eeliza13]

Can anyone be specific about what female teacher wear to school?

I know that I will wear an abaya in public, but I would like details about daily attire. Can I wear long sleeve t-shirts, tank tops with a cardigan, cotton long-sleeve dresses?

I believe pants are prohibited.

How about shoes? Can I wear nice sandals to school?

And I know this might sound silly, but will I need boots for winter?

Thanks!

[nomad soul]

Dress codes can vary depending on the university; however, the following is typical:

- No pants
- Skirts and dresses should be ankle length
- Tops should cover the elbows
- Bring sweaters or cardigans---air conditioning in the classrooms can be downright chilly
- Nothing tight/fitted
- Sandals are fine---flip flops are not
- Don't need boots for the winter; just shoes that will cover your toes to keep them warm.

Pack basics that can be mixed and matched. But if you're heading to Riyadh, you'll find plenty of discount clothing stores if you need to purchase additional items.

[eeliza13]

Thank you for your reply.

Yep. I'm headed to Riyadh. PNU.

Are button down cotton shirts okay?

And what about long black cotton dresses?

[nomad soul]

Casual business attire should do, including long, cotton dresses. Just use common sense when choosing what to pack.

[sofaspud]

Hi eeliza123,

I'm also planning on what to take with me to Riyadh PNU.
I also wouldn't recommend anything too heavy, light cardigans are cool.
I've brought a lot of cotton and jersey knee length dresses to wear over leggings with cardigans and just ballerina shoes or heels.

I have a few abayas that I'm going to bring but I'm sure I'll find hundreds of styles there

[c_dange]

Hey Gals!

I was told during the interview for PNU that long skirts (ankle length) and "loose fitting" pants were acceptable. And "modest" blouses past the elbow can be worn, but nothing "sleeveless". These were the interviewers words, not mine, so they may require some interpretation. Closed-toe shoes are also necessary, although he said flats or heels are permitted.

You can take off your abaya once inside the grounds of the school, as no men are allowed in. But this dress code seems even more complicated than just throwing on an abaya.

Quite honestly, I haven't been able to find anything fitting this description in Toronto. Loose and modest aren't really the style here. So I'll probably buy the majority of my clothes once I get there.

[veiledsentiments]

I was fortunate that during my days in the Gulf, long gauzy skirts were available all over. That said, many catalogs have them, and I'd suggest searching online. One tried and true company that has been around forever that has lots of cool and conservative cotton is a small company that used to be on a commune in Virginia and is now in the prairies and local farm women sew all the clothing:

http://www.devalifewear.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

I'm surprised that they say no sandals. I only wore sandals for all my many years in the Middle East and this is the first employer I have ever heard of who said they were not accepted. Ridiculous!!

VS

[nomad soul]

VS, since that interviewer was male, perhaps he was thinking of men's feet in sandals.

Anyway, I purchased most of my long skirts via the Internet (search for maxi long skirt) but also found quite a few of my other clothing buys in my local thrift and second-hand stores. No need to break the bank.

[veiledsentiments]

Could be... But, in Gulf countries other than Saudi, the men only wear sandals. I would find it odd that all of the students are in sandals, but the teacher is not allowed to wear them. Not surprising perhaps, but odd.

VS

[eeliza13]

I was told by the recruiter that sandals and open toe shoes are okay for teachers. Hmmm?

Are there any female teachers in KSA who might be able to give a definitive answer?

[nomad soul]

As I previously mentioned, sandals are typically okay but not flip-flops. Most of my teaching colleagues, the school administrators, and many of my students wear sandals. But if you're unsure, just pack both types of shoes like I did.

[lynnknows]

[veiledsentiments]

How about sandals for women teachers, Lynnknows...

VS

[c_dange]

It was mentioned to me that the rule around sandals was a matter of professionalism and not one of modesty. This was during the interview with Adwaa on behalf of SBC. The man I was interviewed by was in Saudi and he introduced himself as the head manager for ESL hiring. Although I'm not surprised that we've received conflicting information from different people. Which is why, in order to avoid all this ambiguity, I'll probably just pack a few long skirts and buy the rest of my wardrobe once I'm there and the dress code has been clarified.

As for pants, I'm just repeating the information that was volunteered to me, which is that loose-fitting pants are permitted. Mind you, I doubt that any style of pants I'd find here are loose enough to be considered loose-fitting in Saudi. So personally, the only pants I'll be packing will be for wearing on the compound.

With regards to the "PNU dress code", I'm sure all those who've been hired to teach the Preparatory Year Program are aware that we'll be nowhere near PNU campus, so it's questionable as to whether the same dress code will be enforced.

[lynnknows]

VS, I will check about the sandals. I will get back with you today inshaallah.The ADWAA guy is in Saudi, but no one has seen him yet. Its been almost 3 months. Once you are in Saudi you will work with the SBC office only. The Adwaa guy IMO, does not know much. He told me many thing that were not true. Not to say he lied, but I think its just a lot he does not know.


BUT I wanted you all to know just in case you didnt the compound is only for single women meaning they can have kids but no husbands or boys over 9, I THINK its 9 maybe 10, and it is 4 to a house. Even if you have a child with you..........

I know I would HATE to be stuck with 3 other people and to top it off kids too. THis is with SBC...SO if you are married take proof, or you will be stuck in a compound.