What I Wear to Teach in Thailand

If you are thinking of making the leap of moving to Thailand to teach, you may be wondering what you should pack for your adventure. Thailand has a warm climate that makes me want to live in a swimsuit. Despite the heat, teachers are expected to dress in  respectful business casual attire at all times. Read below for expected dress codes that can help you with packing!

What Women Wear

My first teaching job in Thailand was at a government school. I taught Prathom 1 – 6 (essentially first through sixth graders). My school was quite large with 4 buildings (a 5th was under construction). At my school, I did not have a uniform. Thai teachers sometimes all wore the same color on a specific day (I was never in the loop) but essentially all the female staff wore skirts or dresses to their knees and shirts that covered their shoulders. When I packed for Thailand, I brought a lot of tank tops in anticipation of the heat. However, at work, I had to wear a light cardigan to cover my shoulders. For shoes, all staff wore flats. Some more fashionable teachers wore wedges, but I couldn't imagine walking up and down stairs all day in those! I just rotated through three flats I brought: black, nude, and red. Click here to read more about my typical day teaching.

What Men Wear

In Thai schools, men wear collared shirts, pants, and a belt. It is pretty basic and simple. Short or long sleeve polo shirts or dress shirts are acceptable. You may only need to wear long sleeves if you have a visible arm tattoo that needs to be covered (like my boyfriend). If all you have are long sleeves, it is alright in most schools to roll up your sleeves during the work day.

International Schools

After a semester at my government school, Thai officials in the city said they could not fund foreign teachers teaching English anymore. I then got a new job at an International School which had it's own uniform. Some of the requirements are the same: neat clothes and no tattoos showing. However, at my new school I am given a uniform shirt I must wear to work everyday. I also have to wear black pants and plain black shoes (no sneakers). A few Thai schools may require you to wear a collared shirt they provide with the school's name and logo. Some just state a color shirt you must wear, and you can buy any collared shirt in that color. It really depends on the school. I can say getting dressed in the morning has never been easier!

The Bottom Line

When packing for a teaching job in Thailand, I would remember the basics:

• Skirts must reach the knee and are preferred in most schools over pants. If you have a position at a school with young children, pants may be preferred (better for movement and the constant kneeling).
• Dark colored skirts are usually preferred over colorful ones (but both are acceptable in my experience)
• Shirts must not show cleavage for women and must cover shoulders. No sleeveless shirts or dresses
• Dresses must also reach the knee and cover the shoulders
• For men: collared shirts (short or long sleeve), slacks and a belt
• Pack enough work clothes for at least a week (a few dresses, one or two skirts and shirts you can mix and match). Doing laundry is very cheap (about $1 per load).
• It is possible to find clothing in Thailand if later you discover you need more options

Do you teach in Thailand? What do you wear to work? Share in the comments below!