Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nicwr2002]

I know it seems really unfair when you see the female teachers coming in with hot pants, tank top, and sandals. Then there you are in jeans or slacks, with a button up collared shirt and sneakers or dress shoes. I asked if I could wear sandals at least and that was a no go too.

[jvalmer]

Depends how old you are. If you're young, then it's a no go. I knew of a guy in his late 50's that wore shorts in the summer. However, it will not look good if you want to be renewed, things like wearing shorts will be used as an excuse if they want to chop you. BTW, he didn't get renewed. Not sure if age, or the shorts thing was more of an issue, either way the shorts were used as an example of how unprofessional he was.

Hopefully one of these days a really old principal, in a random school, will get pissed at no a/c that he'll show up in shorts one day and encourage all the teachers to wear shorts.

[Weigookin74]

I had worn shorts to a small country school years ago. It was just as the recession was taking hold though. So, still in the desperate mentality and maybe tolerated it more. Principal stared down at them though. Never said anything. Kids liked me well though and in 2 or 3 more weeks it was getting cool into late Spetember. So, long term was never an issue.

In my bigger city, I've never dared. I figured they'd be more by the book. Had a buddy from New Zealand try at the start of a second semester and the principal complained about it and he was never allowed again. He had a lot of waiting for the bus and the heat was really absurd.

[I'm With You]

Just do it and see what happens. If you're told off, you can later claim you thought it was best due to the uncomfortable heat.

I see teachers both male and female wearing open toed sandals without sox and one guy was even wearing Thai style fisherman's pants that were loose and breezy.

When I worked in Taiwan that was the order of the day - T-shirt, shorts and flip flops. They wanted to learn English and didn't care how we dressed. But the Chinese dress like that anyways - flip flops are their national footwear!

[Nolos]

[WadRUG'naDoo]

I've always worn shorts in the summer teaching EFL. Even when I had business classes. Doesn't matter.

[newb]

[Weigookin74]

[Weigookin74]

[Kiwigoddess]

wow, i really feel for u guys in this heat. im in a rural area and am thankful to be able to wear a knee length skirt and sleeves to the elbows. i cant wear anything shorter or even put my hair up because i have tattoos. most of the kids have seen the tat on my neck anyway. i work in airconditioning so cant complain.

[sofaking]

The Seoul Metro Government is encouraging you to wear shorts and sandals.

[andrewchon]

Fire Island muscle shirt and nut-hugging Speedo shorts: would that fit the 'Cool Biz' look?

[young_clinton]

Don't go to far with the shorts and clothing. You don't want it coming up when other employers contact your present Korean employer. If you can just deal with the heat.

[Waygeek]