Job Discussion Forums

[BlueBlood]

I'm actually asking mainly for FT's at colleges and universities, but would be curious to hear from everyone.

FWIW, my friend at a private college in Guangzhou can basically wear whatever he wants; shorts, T-shirts, hoodies, jeans, what have you. Of course it's very warm there most of the year, so that plays a part I'm sure.

What's it like at your school?

[Denim-Maniac]

[chinatimes]

Depends on your pay. Anything under 10,000 is not enough in my book to get certain clothes. If you are teaching math or science with a 15,000+ salary and housing, then it might be in your best interest to look more professional.

If the school doesn't like what I wear, pay me more. Simple solution.

[mandu]

stones or ac/dc t.shirt,shorts,chuck taylors

[teachingld2004]

In my university we can wear what ever we want. I have seen some of the teachers look like they just got out of bed.

My attitude is to be neat and clean. One time I went to work wearing a double layer of sweat clothes because it was freezing and I was sick.

One friend has to wear business casual. She works in an "international school". (I still have no idea why it is called that because the only international people are the teachers)

Just be prepared to be neat and clean and not to wear clothes tat have been laying on the floor and not washed for 3 days.

[roadwalker]

I can't recall a dress code clause in the contract or referred to in the contract for the different universities I have worked for in China. Where I am would prefer business casual, I'm sure, but will accept less (more casual). I wear business casual (button shirt/polo with slacks/trousers and leather shoes) by choice, so I've never had a conversation or complaint from the school about my attire.

[Banner41]

I would say don't stink and wash your clothes would be a good start for many teachers I have seen over the years.

[Toast]

Jeans and polo t-shirt, or jeans and sweater here. Pretty much the same as what the Chinese teachers wear (unless it's inspection day). I don't like wearing shorts to teach - just one of those lines in the sand I've drawn for myself. Would rather wear long pants and crank the aircon.
I've known some teachers who wear singlet tank tops, flip flops, unshaven, messed up hair and reek like ball sweat. No one seems to say anything (not directly to them at least).
Big problem for me about dressing up is the omnipresent chalk dust in my classrooms....seriously gets on and into everything. Sucks to show up in cummerbund and top hat only to get it covered in white dust.

[Denim-Maniac]

And I should add that even if a dress code is not required and you do wear exactly what you want ... the students (and the other staff) do notice. Students have told me before that they dont like XXXX teacher because his clothes are dirty and that Miss XXX sometimes wears clothes that smell.

I always think you dont need to be the best dressed member of the faculty, but you certainly dont want to be the worst. Unfortunately many foreign teachers seem to be engaged in a race to the bottom .. so being the best dressed isnt hard in most places.

[wangdaning]

It is up to you toast to tell people of their reeking ball sweat.

Here there is a code of collared shirts and dress pants. The fact that I have seen managers wearing T-shirts and jeans in a little, well, discrediting to the code.

[choudoufu]

no dress code.

my standard uniform?
clean, unstained, unholy jeans.
jungle boots (spit-shined)
short-sleeve dress shirt.

last year's other ft? (former hippie)
saggy dirty jeans
stretched out sweaty t-shirts
tennis shoes.

last year's other other ft? (bid'nessman)
slacks with leather shoes or khaki shorts with sandals
polo shirts or short-sleeve dress shirts.

[johntpartee]

Zoot suit and saddle shoes.

Joking of course; button shirt, slacks, dress shoes, necktie optional (but most of the time).

Most foreign teachers I've seen dress like street people; never made a difference. I feel better if I'm dressed like I'm going to do something; attitude is important.

[wangdaning]

[doogsville]

I wear knee length golf shorts, which are a bit like cut down dress trousers, navy blue or black, with a short sleeved shirt and a black t shirt underneath. I wear the shirt open so I don't die in the heat, with the t shirt to absorb the sweat that would otherwise leave the shirt looking like a wet rag. I wear sandals in the hot weather and black leather dress shoes in the cooler weather. I also wear long sleeve shirts and jeans or black trousers in the cooler weather. I could not survive in long trousers in the Guangdong heat. I'm always clean and tidy.

[choudoufu]