Job Discussion Forums

Dsay · Joined: 30 Sep 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Vietnam

I'm planning to go to either HCM or Hanoi later this year and I'm looking for advice about the type of clothes to bring with me. I have a tattoo on my ankle so I wear pants (or occasionally long skirts) at work. Will this be considered strange there? What is the average dress code for newbie teachers, i.e. casual, business casual, professional?

Anything else I should take into consideration?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

For work, bring casuals like skirts, slacks, etc.

For play, anything goes. It's pretty darn hot in VN so wear something very very skimpy and light.

P.S.: If you're gonna buy nice casuals from where ever you're from, don't. But them here in VN since it's very very cheap here. You'll save lots of money buying them here.

sethness · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hiroshima, Japan

So, male teachers wear long trousers while working? No ties though, and I assume no jackets,and short sleeves?

How do you keep from sweating-up your clothes on the way to work-- do you just keep a spare dry shirt at work, and change after you arrive?

Hongkonghippo · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 64

Dress code depends on where you work. If you are teaching children then most places will allow casual clothes. I wear shorts and t-shirts to work. When I did have to wear a shirt and trousers I would carry them seperately. If you are driving a motorbike it does help to keep the sweat at bay.

mononoaware · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 21 Location: saigon, vietnam

When you get here, find a good tailor. They can make copies of your favorite things from home, and some are good enough that they can do a pretty good rendition of the most expensive-looking pictures you cut out from magazines. For like five dollars. Do your own fabric shopping if you don't trust your tailor.

It IS hot, and a lot of places are so happy to find a foreign teacher, they'll be pretty lenient about dress code. But image is important here just like other places in Asia. Dress well and you may find yourself with better offers. Most of my guy friends here wear ties to work. For the chicas, pressed cotton and linen (tailor-made). Short sleeves are okay. Don't even think about nylons (I had to wear them in Japan.) I wear trousers while on a motorbike, and change into a skirt once I reach work.