Job Discussion Forums

[ian l]

Hey everyone,

I have been interested in potentially teaching abroad after college for quite some time now. I have recently begun researching the many online expat teaching resources but have yet to find the answer to one particular question.

What is the general consensus throughout the industry concerning tattoos?

I am graduating in the spring of 2011 and plan on getting a half sleeve tattoo before I graduate. I�m assuming, most employers are ok with tattoos as long as they are not visible, but I would like some first hand confirmation from people who are out there teaching.

Thanks in advanced, much appreciated

Ian

[tomstone]

Edit. You didn't ask my opinion about tattoos, so I erased it.

[MsParker]

Keep your tattoos in places where they aren't visible (back, chest, upper arms) when professionally dressed.

Keep the ones that are visible (wrist, neck) appropriately covered.

Most tattoo artists are quite accommodating and will understand when you say, "I'm a teacher". My wrist tattoo is just slightly further up my arm, so it won't poke out from a cuff. My lower back tattoo is slightly higher than the typical "tramp stamp" so that it won't show, even if I'm writing on the board and stretching up.

On the off chance that a student sees your tattoo, there's not much to worry about. Generally, the kids won't judge you: Younger kids might be curious and want to touch it, while older kids (teens) might find you cooler than the average teacher.

Again, it does depend on which country you are in. While tattoos and piercings might be mainstream in North America and parts of Europe, they carry different (sometimes negative) connotations in Asia and the Middle East.

[tudodude]

I work in Thailand where half the country seems to have a tattoo. If you come here to work, people might be dissapointed if you DON'T have one.
In Saudi they assumed I was just another dirty kuffer and such evil was expected to be part of my life..... I really wouldn't worry about the average Saudi opinion though.
In China they loved them and thought I was cool.
I think half the TEFLers I have met have had tatts.
Get more, one for each country you work in.

[ian l]

Awesome, thanks for the responses! The area of my body (upper arm) I want the tattoo seems to be appropriate enough for most employers.

I was hoping I wouldn�t be put in the position of having to choose a tattoo or a job.

Thanks again for the responses, this relieves a bit of worry.

[Glenski]

You may still have social problems in some countries. Here in Japan, although you wouldn't be considered a member of the tattoo-sporting mafia (yakuza), some hot spring baths would still deny you entry.

And, by "upper arm" are you saying that it would be completely covered with a short-sleeved shirt? Some short sleeves are not short enough.

[steki47]

Some of the schools in Japan address the issue of tattoos in their employee guidelines. Generally, teachers are expected to hide all tattoos. I wear longsleeves even in summer. Bummer, but that was my choice.
Quite a few gyms and bathhouses will still refuse you entry. I'm probably not a member of the Japanese mafia, but I have been asked to leave public baths in the past.
Students and friends usually display one of two responses:tattoos are cool or scary. Of course, Japanese often say that about me even my ink is totally covered.
From personal experience, unless your tattoos are on your face/hands, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[naturegirl321]

[Justin Trullinger]

You'll find that in this industry, there's no general consensus about anything. Too many factors, too many different cultures.

In Latin America, you might be asked if you've been in the army, as it seems to be an army thing in a lot of regions there.

But if your tats are on a part of your body not normally seen at work, then it's simply none of your bosses business, and I wouldn't mention it.


Best,
Justin

[khmerhit]

i think tats are gross--i knew two intelligent middle classs people who got them in cambo in the 90s as the global fad was growing--one of them turned out to be a nutter the other died of a drug overdose at 24 in uk--when i was a kid--im now an old fogey of 46--the only people who got tatoos were bikers and criminals--hey things change--or do they?

[LinguRing]

In my experience here in Japan, any visible tattoos are not going to help you if you're looking for a job but ones that can be covered shouldn't be a problem. Bear in mind that in some countries like Japan the weather means you're going to want to roll your sleeves up in summer!

[scot47]

A visible tatoo will disadvantage you. Rather like wearing a bone through your nose. Why do it ?