On the Job: At
work
Teaching English Abroad
Some miscellaneous
questions and answers
- and the directory for this section (below)
What should I wear to my new job?
Always assume a shirt and tie and slacks for men - and
something equivalent for women. Ask your employer to be
sure, but even in very hot weather more conservative
cultures tend to dress up a bit.
Dressing "down" is not
usually appropriate - you will be judged by how
you dress. Grooming and appearance are very important
in many cultures.
Should I buy a car or motorcycle?
I
usually do, once I know my job is secure, as it greatly
enhances my ability to get out and see my new country.
If you don't already know how to drive a motorcycle -
overseas may not be the best place to learn.
Rules of
the road in many countries can at best be termed
"flexible." However, many countries have great public
transportation systems and you often won't need your own
wheels.
Public transport is fine, it's just that it is hard to
tell the bus driver to go back and turn left down that
street where you thought you saw a really cool Buddhist
temple.
How
do I know if it is safe where I live?
Ask
your employer and coworkers. If it is not, ask to be
moved. Living overseas is great fun and a real
challenge, but getting mugged or killed shouldn't be
part of the package.
It IS important to ask,
don't assume you know. Cultural and visual/behavioral
cues about crime can differ from our own understanding.
It's good to be sure!
How
do I reduce my initial expenses?
Don't try to buy everything at once and don't try to
solve every problem by throwing money at it (a Western
trait?).
I can't tell you how many times I have bought
paper for the printer, markers for the classroom, even
bottled water for my apartment, only to have it provided
free of charge only a day or two later.
Be patient.
Your needs may be very different in your new situation,
from what they were in your home country.
Take your time with spending until you really know what
is going on.
Part Eight:
On the Job – the Scene in Your New Country
What is “culture shock” and how will it affect me?
Surviving Uncertainty
Cultural differences: Yes = No
Xenophobia
Jingo-ism
What should I wear to my new job?
Should I buy a car or motorcycle?
Can I make extra money on the side
?
Should I socialize with the people where I work?
The Culture Game: Can I really get a raise just by
going to a Karaoke with my boss?
How do I know if it is safe where I live?
Will my job offer medical insurance?
How do I reduce my initial expenses?
