What to Pack For Teaching Abroad (TEFL Teachers Packing List)

Teacher’s 1-Year Packing List

Go high quality. Do not shop on Shien. You want to take a capsule collection of pieces that you can mix-and match over the year! Spend 30% extra…on 30% less stuff. That is the way to do it. I’m going to list clothing that will last you well over a year! And you’ll want it because depending on where you may end up, you might not be able to shop.

Table of Contents

Clothing in the Classroom

Here’s the goal of classroom clothing: You want to be comfortable and cute while being appropriate. This doesn’t mean you have to dress like a nun! You should still feel confident at school. It just means covering your boobies and butt.

In the Classroom

Clothing for Fall ↓

Jeans and pants suitable for cooler weather

I love my Spanx pants because they are work-appropriate with stretch!

Get the The Perfect Pant, Slim Straight here ➙


spanx are perfect to pack for teaching abroad

And I love my Summersalt Pants

And JEGGINGS that are comfy for sitting all day


Summersalt pants are prefect for teaching abroad
Get it here ➙

What to pack for teaching abroad: Jeggings
Get it here ➙

TOPS

Tie-Top that goes with everything

Basic T


Get it here ➙

Get it here ➙

Comfy T for Leggings

Get it here ➙

A Classic Flannel Shirt

Get it here ➙

Comfy Sweatshirt for Leggings

Get it here ➙

Classy Sweatshirt

Get it here ➙

Scarves and shawls

I love this scarf with a hidden zipper.

Get it here ➙


Get an infinity scarf when teaching abroad


What to pack for teaching abroad: teacher overalls

Teacher Overalls

Every teacher needs overalls.

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JACKETS

Waterproof Rain Jacket

Drape Front Jacket


Waterproof jacket for rainy days when teaching abroad
Get it here ➙

Perfect for teaching abroad
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Wrap sweater

A Classy Day-to-Night Sweater Jacket

FOOTWEAR


Rain boots

Get it here ➙

Comfortable closed-toed flats

Get it here ➙


Clothing for Winter↓

JACKETS

Warm winter coat or parka
(best if it’s waterproof with a hood)

A Professional Overcoat


Waterproof Parka
Get it here ➙

professional overcoat
Get it here ➙

SWEATERS

Warm Sweaters

Layering sweaters

Casual Crew neck sweatshirt


Get it here ➙

Fluffy sweater
Get it here ➙

Layering sweater
Get it here ➙

TOPS

Cozy pull-over Shawl
(that’s basically a professional snuggie)

Get it here ➙


Long-sleeve bodysuit

Get it here ➙

Thermal tops and leggings

Get it here ➙

FOOTWEAR

Insulated booties

Get it here ➙

Merino Wool socks

Get it here ➙

Clothing for Spring ↓

TOPS

Day to Night Bodysuit

Get it here ➙

A classic fitted shirt 

Get it here ➙

A Sleep T

Get it here ➙

BOTTOMS

Jeans or lightweight jeans with stretch

Get it here ➙

A conservative and warm flowy skirt

Get it here ➙

What to pack for teaching abroad: Warm flowy skirt

FOOTWEAR

Comfy and waterproof shoes

Get it here ➙

Comfortable closed-toe shoes

Get it here ➙

Best classroom shoes to stand on all day

Get it here ➙

JACKET

Light jackets or raincoats

Get it here ➙

JUMPSUIT

A cozy jumpsuit with stretch

Get it here ➙

Clothing for Summer ↓

DRESSES

Wrap Dress

A Flattering Wrap Dress
(size up)

Flowy Dress for the Weekends


Wrap dress is a part of the what to pack for teaching abroad list
Get it here ➙

Get it here ➙

Get it here ➙

BOTTOMS

A Must-Have Wrap skirt

Get it here ➙

TOPS

Lightweight and breathable tops

Get it here ➙

T-shirt cover up to go over spaghetti strap tops or dresses

Get it here ➙

PLAYSUITS

The cutest romper ever

Get it here ➙

24 hour jumpsuit

Get it here ➙

Best Undies & Bras

Spanx shapewear on the what to pack for teaching abroad list

Shapewear to Wear Under a Dress
…so you don’t flash the kids.

Get it here ➙

My other favorite best undies for under-dresses

Get it here ➙

Spanx Reversible Tights for Dresses

Get it here ➙

The Only Thong Underwear I Will Wear

Get it here ➙

Comfy Bralette

Get it here ➙

Lace Bralette

Get it here ➙
Outside the Classroom

Adventure Outfits

Work out leggings

Get it here ➙

What to pack for teaching abroad - workout leggings

My favorite swimsuits

Get it here ➙

A Swimsuit you can LIVE in

Get it here ➙

Quiclity Swim bottoms 

Get it here ➙

Active shorts

Get it here ➙

Jean shorts

Get it here ➙

Work out top

Get it here ➙

Plush sweatshirt

Get it here ➙

Sandals or flip-flops for after-work

Get it here ➙

Sarong 

Get it here ➙

Kimono 

Get it here ➙

Items to Use Inside the Classroom

The key to enjoying your class is to have control…without headaches. How do you control a classroom? With humor and games! Trust me. After 5 years of teaching around the world, these are the MUST HAVE classroom games and gadgets. You’ll thank me later.

👉 Slap Game – https://amzn.to/3YFfZGJ

👉 Stress balls for kids with energy issues – https://amzn.to/3qCKi4b

👉 Suction balls, the ultimate “throw at the board” learning tool – https://amzn.to/45zifBr

👉 Squeaky hammer – https://amzn.to/3QN2WBk

👉 Stickers are your secret weapon – https://amzn.to/3EnM9gN

👉 Mini speaker – https://amzn.to/3E566IX

👉 Hydration packets (for you): https://shopstyle.it/l/b0c0B

👉 Cliff bars (for you): https://shopstyle.it/l/b0c1J

Safety Items

1. Personal alarm or whistle: https://www.shesbirdie.com/?variant=42203727331503

2. Travel insurance: If your school doesn’t provide you with insurance, please get your own travel insurance!

👉 Go with WorldNomads if you’re a super-adventurer (like you’re going to be living off-the-grid in a tiny village.

👉 or Go with SafetyWing if you play it safer (living in a city).

3. Copies of important documents

4. Portable door lock or wedge – https://amzn.to/3P1kaIn

5. Local emergency numbers saved in your phone

6. Scarf with hidden pocket – https://amzn.to/3YFfZGJ

7. Hidden bra pouch – https://amzn.to/3QMwhMb 

8. The best mini wallet with RFID blocking technology – https://amzn.to/3KMqGBD

9. Money belt – https://amzn.to/3OH5rlJ 

BAGS

Teacher’s tote
(that I take with me all over the world and that will last a decade)

Get it here ➙


What to pack for teaching abroad? A tote bag!

Rolling Jewelry Organizer

Best laptop bag with zippers

Walk-around backpack

Get it here ➙
Get it here ➙
Get it here ➙

Things You’d never think of

👉 Ranch packets: https://amzn.to/3QNDT0P

👉 Hot Cocoa: https://amzn.to/47EoMg2

👉 Pistachios: https://amzn.to/3OLg7zO 

👉 Cliff Minis: https://amzn.to/3QMBfZl 

Remember to consider the local culture and dress codes when packing your clothing items. Prioritize comfort, functionality, and respect for the local norms. Enjoy your teaching experience in Asia!

And hey, if you found this article helpful, please share this on Pinterest for other teachers to find!


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In 2011, I left Seattle with just $200 in my pocket to travel the world solo. Today, I'm the founder and creator of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide, the #1 travel guide book series for women - and the author of The One-Way Ticket Plan. 

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