Korean Job Discussion Forums

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

Okay, now that I've read the 'disgusting habits of other foreigners' thread, I'm surprised about the comments about wearing short pants. I've done it for years (hemmed dress pants with belt) in hot weather on campus because, frankly, in August I would not smell very nice otherwise, and to me looking like a wilted leaf would be worse. Opinions? I am very slim so it hopefully does not look as though I should be playing a tuba for Oktoberfest.

Ken:>

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

My comment I guess? It's unpro- you know my vote.

MAYBE I could let it slide in kindy, but elementary and up no way.

proustme · Joined: 13 Jun 2009 Location: Nowon-gu

Has anyone done this at a public school? It wouldn't go well at mine.

Hightop · Joined: 11 Jun 2003

At the start of summer 2008 when my public school co-teacher started wearing summer clothes I asked if it was ok for me to wear shorts to school, she said 'if they are not running shorts its ok'. Since then I have worn board shorts June-October. No one has said anything to me.

knee-highs · Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Location: yes

Any male teacher who wears shorts to work:

1) also thinks that strap-on Bow-Ties are fashionable.

2) owns exactly one suit (blue pin-stripe).

3) wears white tube socks and sneakers to work or else brown socks with black oxfords.

4) thinks 5 year old Polo shirts still "look great"

Gibberish · Joined: 29 Aug 2009

When it comes to teaching for me, the most casual getup I'll sport is slacks, dress shoes, a dress shirt tucked into the pants, with the sleeves rolled up and no tie, with the top button undone. That's all, though.

edit: Or possibly a sweater over a dress shirt and tie with slacks or nice jeans. It depends.

lotto_roaster · Joined: 27 Jul 2009

just dress like other k-teachers

Missihippi · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Location: Gwangmyeong

I teach at a public elementary. I'm the only male teacher at the school. I wear khaki shorts and a polo every day during the summer. I don't see how it's unprofessional. We are teaching kids English, not negotiating bank loans.

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

DIsbell · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

because frankly, on this forum, there's a lot of stuck-up 2 million/month people who think they're big shots.

I can see dressing up a bit for older students (who are also gonna be in a uniform), but for younger children it really doesn't matter. the kids don't give a damn if you're in slacks and a tie or not. If my job permitted, I'd be dressing quite casually, especially in the summer. being uncomfortable is gonna have a greater effect on your teaching than the fantasy of kids being in awe of your itaewon tailored suit.

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

DIsbell · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

their parents and school being overly image-obsessed still doesn't make a damn difference in the classroom with kids. if the kids aren't in a silly uniform, they're in silly looking michiko london tshirts/tank tops (boys) or possibly wearing princess crowns/tiger ears (girls).

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

The question was does it make you seem unprofessional, and in the eyes of your employer and the children's parents, yes it does.

In the eyes of the kids? A clown suit would be considered appropriate. I don't even know why you would consider what the kids think. They don't pay your salary.

ekul · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: [Mod Edit]

I like looking smart at work, yet I'm a total scruff as soon as I get home. Being well dressed distances you from the students in a positive way, garners what little respect we can from our fellow teachers and most importantly of all means not dirtying up your cool clothes. I never wear a tie or suit jacket though, both are too restrictive and uncomfortable.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I think it depends where you work. I said it was unprofessional because I teach high school, and I believe that one must dress professionally. Korea is looks obsessed anyways. When I was teaching in Canada I couldn't believe how "dressed down" many of the teachers were. However, they were never allowed to wear shorts.

At the school I work at now, the art teacher wears shorts for all of our 185 teaching days. At first I thought it was unprofessional, then I saw what he does. Getting art type materials on clothing sucks, and I don't blame the guy for not wanting to ruin dress pants and a dress shirt. Also, he is one of the most talented art teachers I've seen in my life. He brings out the artist in the students.

The comment about sweating too much, I would suggest you use an air conditioner. I don't leave my classroom when it is really hot.