‘Invest in work clothes’ for teaching English abroad

Posted 28 May 2010

Before moving to teach English abroad it is important to invest in suitable attire for the classroom, it has been suggested.

PDixon said in a post on the i-to-i Chalkboard that smart business clothes should be worn during working hours, which usually last from 08:00 to 17:00.

He teaches English in Japan and said that appropriate dress is very important there, meaning those beginning TEFL jobs in the country may want to pick up some new attire before starting.

"I would advise not buying any dry clean-only stuff … [because] it means you can’t wash [it] yourself if they get covered in chalk dust. Have comfy shoes," the writer added.

He also suggested that those moving abroad to teach English pack light and only bring with them items which they consider to be absolutely essential.

Ted Tucker, a retired EFL teacher, wrote on his TEFLnewbie.com blog that medication, basic clothing, photographs of family and friends and two teaching reference books are the most important things to pack when moving abroad.

Category: Teaching and Learning