{"id":5851,"date":"2013-03-25T11:30:29","date_gmt":"2013-03-25T18:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelfashiongirl.com\/?p=5851"},"modified":"2023-02-13T03:03:02","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T11:03:02","slug":"what-to-pack-for-international-teaching-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelfashiongirl.com\/what-to-pack-for-international-teaching-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack for International Teaching Jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though it may seem intimidating and overwhelming figuring out what to pack for international teaching jobs, the key is in finding clothes that are multi-functional.<\/p>\n

Beginning to pack for a job\u00a0teaching in a foreign country requires one to completely reevaluate how to pack. It\u2019s sufficient to\u00a0say that crinkly pants and bedraggled flip flops won\u2019t cut it. As a professional, especially coming\u00a0from another country, it is imperative to make a good impression at your new school.\u00a0However,\u00a0as a traveler, it is also of utmost importance to not bring your entire wardrobe, spanning\u00a0multiple suitcases.<\/p>\n

Before taking off for a volunteer teaching position in Chile, I spent weeks pondering what I\u00a0should bring. I ended up shopping for clothes that would pass for what I considered business\u00a0casual: slacks, proper shoes, clean tops, sweaters, and knee-length skirts. My main goal was to\u00a0pack a mini-wardrobe that would be suitable for both work and play.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a list of tips to keep\u00a0in mind while planning what to pack for international teaching jobs:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

How to Pack for\u00a0International Teaching Jobs<\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Laura Anderson<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Pack sturdy and reliable clothing<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

You should be able to easily mix and match clothes.\u00a0What you take along with you is meant to last for your entire time abroad. This said, it is\u00a0also important to <\/span>select clothes that you enjoy wearing<\/a>. Go for quality staple pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choose neutral colors<\/span><\/h3>\n

In my school, many of the female teachers wore dresses and\u00a0outfits with vibrant, but I always felt safer wearing toned down colors as to not\u00a0draw attention to me. This later served me when I participated in school competitions and the native teachers would wear black and white. An added bonus is that with low-key items and solid colors, it is easier to mix and match your clothes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find a good pair of shoes\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This was possibly the most difficult part of packing for me,\u00a0but also the most important. As a teacher, you are on your feet almost all day. This, plus\u00a0a potentially long transit time to school, means your feet will be exhausted by the end of\u00a0the day. Look for a shoe that will match all of your outfits since you will be wearing them\u00a0everyday. Keep the climate in mind, as well. You may need to bring more than one pair\u00a0of work shoes. Check out this post on how to choose the best travel shoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pack versatile tops and skirts<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Although you may not wear slacks outside of work,\u00a0blouses and flowy skirts can be paired with more casual clothing outside of the school\u00a0day. I packed several short sleeve tops that I would wear layers over at work and pair\u00a0with shorts or jeans while out on the town. Each item you pack should be easily matched\u00a0with another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bring a trusty sweater<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mine was a \u00be length thick cotton knit sweater that I wore\u00a0almost every day. It was perfect to lay over tank tops at work, and to wear over long\u00a0sleeves for cooler days. It served me well both in and outside of work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bring a scarf<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is one of the most essential fashion items that functions for almost\u00a0any location. Scarves add warmth, style and classiness to any outfit. They also serve as\u00a0shawls, headscarves, cover-ups, and blankets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do your research<\/span><\/h3>\n

Check out the climate, and culture of where you are going before\u00a0you take off. A country\u2019s frigid climes could require you to bring a parka, while a formal\u00a0culture may require you to pack suits for work. If you do find yourself in a country will\u00a0more limiting dress requirements, place your focus on shirts and blouses. I found button\u00a0up blouses to be perfect at work and I felt comfortable wearing them with jeans and\u00a0sandals to go out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Take layers<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Since teaching positions usually require a long time commitment, you will\u00a0most likely face packing for more than one season. In this case, try short sleeve blouses,\u00a0skirts and nice sandals for warmer days. Go for layering long sleeves under blouses,\u00a0with an added sweater or jacket, slacks, and boots for the chilly winter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Get a work bag<\/span><\/h3>\n

Choose a bag that you feel comfortable carrying when it is packed with\u00a0loads of stuff! I initially brought a brown shoulder bag that I ended up switching out for\u00a0my backpack, which was not the classiest choice, but it held all of my papers for school\u00a0and it was super comfortable. Make sure you find a durable pack or bag that will hold\u00a0heavy books, binder, and lots of papers, or you\u2019ll be rubbing your shoulders, wishing you\u00a0had brought a better bag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Thank you Laura for your helpful tips on what to pack for international teaching jobs! Learn more about Laura on her blog: Laura Through the Lens<\/a>. If you’re looking for more tips on how to mix and match your professional wardrobe, check out my Business Trip Packing List<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What are your tips for what to pack for international teaching jobs?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

For more packing tips, please read:<\/strong><\/p>\n