Job Discussion Forums

[blubarsk]

Hey everybody I just have a few questions about packing. I am coming to Thailand at the end of August to look for a teaching job. What are the essentials that I need to pack that I may not be thinking of. How easy is it to buy clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.. in Thailand. Also as a teacher what kind of clothing should I bring. What to teachers typically wear? Should I bring a suit and tie? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[pt2323]

It's easier to buy the things you mentioned in Thailand than it is back home. Don't bring a suit, nobody wears them because it's too hot, but a collar and tie impresses most employers.

[ESL Hobo]

It depends on your size.
It's hard to find big and tall clothes off the rack, but finding an inexpensive Tailor is easy. At least bring one or two ties to start out with but save room in your suitcase by buying ties in Thailand, they are inexpensive and plentiful. Shoes over size 11 are not easy to find.

A typical teachers outfit consists of black shoes, black pants, any solid color of shirt with collar and a tie. Yellow shirt=the kings color, Blue shirt = the Prince's color, White or beige is OK too. But if you are not wearing BLACK SHINNY SHOES, forget about it, so find some real comfy ones before you get on the airplane, Rockports would be my choice, with thin black socks.

A lot depends on where you live. In a big city you can find most of what you may be accustomed to, as far as the things you mentioned. But if you are going to a small town you need to be better prepared, at least until you can make a trip into a big city.

It might be a good idea to buy a big bottle of generic multivitamins, which may be cheaper, wherever you are and sun screen. One thing I wish I had packed were white hankerchiefs or small white wash clothes, because when you are outdoors waiting for the bus, train or taxi YOU WILL BE SWEATING A LOT. Thai people are used to the heat and don't sweat much so you will get a lot of looks if you are sweating like a pig. I lived in BBK and could not find white hankies or wash clothes(don't use ones with color because they are not good for your skin) so I ended up cutting one of my towels into small pieces.

Anyway, best of luck

[dharma86]

You can get a suit for cheap over there! (if you really needed one)