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24 | Eight Easy Steps To Great Teaching Job In Vietnam Step five: looking sharp | 25

WHAT TO WEAR students; you chose a lifestyle that isn’t ‘carefree’ - and therefore, keeping
on top of your personal hygiene is essential.
“How will I know what to buy?” I hear you ask. Firstly, get a feel for what
folks working in the same environment, a Vietnamese school in a tropical
climate - wear to work. Pay special attention to how far people go with
covering their body, mixing garments, buttoning up shirts, colour choices CULTURAL NUANCES
and accessories - a necktie, earrings, and suchlike. Secondly, track down It’s unrealistic to think that you’ll grasp every cultural nuance in Vietnam that
a ‘Dress Code’ policy for a school in the area where you want to work and has a ‘Looking sharp’ dimension. Local people don’t expect perfection, but
make sure you’re aware of what’s expected. The friendly staff at AVSE- they’ll certainly be appreciative if you make an effort. Here are ten cultural
TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi will be able to help you with a typical nuances related to personal presentation in a workplace that I’ve come
Dress Code policy if you’re unable to find one yourself. across during my time in Vietnam:

1. Tattoos: make sure they’re covered
SHOES

Shoes (and socks) warrant special attention, in my opinion. You might be 2. Body piercings: remove those that are visible
surprised to learn that choosing the right shoes for teaching work in Vietnam
is central to job satisfaction and, ultimately, longevity in the profession. 3. Makeup: keep it to a minimum
Standing for long hours, concrete floors, uneven surfaces, stairwells,
wading through floodwater, ‘wear and tear’ when starting, slowing down, 4. Clothing: dress conservatively, ironed/pressed
and stopping a motorbike (the most common form of transport) - and a
harsh climate, are all excellent reasons to be thorough when choosing 5. Facial hair: must be well-kept (trimmed)
your teaching shoes. They’re also good reasons to keep a spare pair of
shoes in your teaching bag. 6. Belt: trousers should have a belt

Almost certainly, the nearest street market to where you’re staying in 7. Shoes: make sure your shoes are polished, and that you wear socks
Vietnam will be the best (and cheapest) place to buy teaching clothes and
shoes. Of course, you can always go on online and ask for guidance from 8. Helmet: don’t wear a motorbike helmet inside
other expats; you’ll be inundated with suggestions from folks who are keen
to offer a helping hand. 9. Sunglasses: don’t wear sunglasses inside

10. Persona: polite, humble, respectful
PERSONAL HYGIENE

While washing your hair, taking a shower, cleaning your teeth, and similar
are basic personal hygiene tasks that we’re all taught as young children,
it’s not uncommon for some or all these tasks to go by the wayside when
travelling abroad. I think it has something to do with a ‘carefree’ lifestyle.
As a well-paid foreign teacher, you’re a role model for local teachers and