Job Discussion Forums

mechanized · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 30

Would a polo shirt with a pair of slacks be considered proper attire for a teacher? Or does it have to be dress shirts and slacks?

Margot73 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 145 Location: New York City

Where I teach the men are supposed to wear dress shirts with ties. No jeans, sneakers, sandals etc. At least at first, I would wear dress shirts and then if you see everyone else is wearing more casual things, you could dress down a bit.

MamaOaxaca · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 201 Location: Mixteca, Oaxaca

Where?
In what country? city? context? school?

mechanized · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 30

china/hong kong/taiwan.

I'd say in the larger cities.

So mostly dress shirts and ties?

ilaria · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Sicily

Depends.

In a kindergarten class, bouncing around like a bunny rabbit in a shirt and tie will just look daft.

For business classes, shirt and tie is the bare minimum, and ideally you should wear a suit - unless there's no air conditioning.

If you haven't worn a suit before, for God's sake get one that really fits, otherwise you'll just look like the accused in a courtroom wearing a borrowed suit to impress the jury.

For most general English classes with adults, a shirt, tie, smart trousers and good shoes will make a good impression. Clean, fresh-smelling and ironed.

Chinese students will often wear the same clothes all week, but don't be tempted to follow their example. Westerners sweat more.

mechanized · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 30

I have a suit, but I've gained some weight since college so, I'd say it's a bit ill fitting now. Guess I should commision a suit in Shenzhen?

Ah damn you California..... you're weather has made me complaccent.

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I taught in Taiwan for several years. At most schools, the dress code is casual and you can get away with a Polo shirt and slacks. However, you should dress up for an interview.

For more information about teaching English in Taiwan, go here:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/teachtai.htm

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

"Ah damn you California..... you're weather has made me complaccent."

Really?

As a native Californian (Southern Cal) I find that statement hard to believe. People in CA live at the gym, eat healthy, and are REALLY obsessed about image/looks and weight.

Go out and EXERCISE enjoy the nice weather- Lucky guy. You'll be back in that 'ol suit in no time.

mechanized · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 30

yes it's true, alot of people are weight, image concious etc........ but also we dont' really dress up either. I'm always in flip flops and shorts....

Dragonlady · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:28 am Post subject:

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out of date

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

ilaria · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Sicily

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

billybuzz · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 219 Location: turkey

I think as long as noone can mistake you for a student then you are on the right path .At my place I usually think most of my peers are impossible to distinguish from the kids they teach .It is a uni so I reckon almost anything goes . No wonder a lot of them complain the students don't listen to them or take them seriously, İf I was a student in some of their classes I seriously doubt if I would too .
A wise man once said " you never get a second chance to make a first impression " . In turkey at least image is important .

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

In a place of business wouldn't you feel uncomfortable not wearing a suit.