The China Teaching Web

I only remember being really embarrassed once during my early days teaching English in China. I had just returned from a month long trip to Thailand, India, Nepal, and Laos. I returned to my school in Central China just in time to participate in the summer camp that they were conducting for two weeks. There was just one small problem; I had let my blond hair grow out to a very healthy albeit long length and I was in need of a very thorough shave. I did not think I looked so bad; I figured most people would appreciate the ‘rugged’ look. Not my boss. As soon as I stepped out of my first class of the morning, he was there waiting for me, dressed in his pristine white suit and white shoes.

“Robert, you don’t look good,” he said somberly. “You need to shave and do something about your hair. It looks sloppy.” I am sure my face turned red and for good reason. I took a quick “peek” behind me. A teacher friend of mine (a girl) was laughing under her breathe at me. She quickly looked away when I made eye contact with her. I quietly promised my boss that I would heed his advice and quickly headed to my next class feeling a little humiliated and self conscious.

Of course, that was a long time ago but I have remembered it often as I have worked in other locations around China. The fact is, most English schools in China are pretty liberal on how foreign teachers are expected dress and appear in general on the job. Many English schools simply forbid their staffs from wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Women are usually encouraged to dress modestly especially when they are working with children. Unless you are working in a business school, it is rare that the administration would ask you to wear formal attire.

Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to appear professional on the job in China. It is important to remember that you are a representative of that school and most likely you will be coming into contact with parents and potential clients. People are far more likely to pay attention to you and what you are wearing than other Chinese staff at the school. Wearing clean clothes that are free from holes and stains is always a good idea.

As I mentioned earlier, there are other aspects of looking professional while on the teaching job. Most Chinese men, especially in the workplace, ’sport’ clean shaven faces. You will more than likely be expected to do the same. Many Chinese bosses will also prefer that your eyes can be seen as you teach. This means that trimming your hair off your forehead may be necessary once in a while.

The best ‘rule of thumb’ is to use common sense. Look at yourself in the mirror and think about what your students are seeing while you teach. You will command more respect from your students (especially children) if you look at least more professional than they do.

It is always good to ask the school what they expect from you so that you do not have to find out the hard way. Ask them what they consider to be appropriate work attire and go from there. Do not forget that you are in China. You can always negotiate!