We are so glad you asked! In a world of fashion, trends and different cultural norms, you’ll see so many different kinds of dress in Phuket. This is one reason why what you wear during JSEM and your time in South East Asia is so important. We appreciate the many of you who have reached out to ensure their style is appropriate. Here are some helpful tips for what to wear and not wear during JSEM!
In the Ministry Center common areas, please mind that you are living in close quarters with both guys and girls. Since this is where you are sleeping, doing life, etc., casual wear is inevitable, but the risk is when people dress too casually. For example: shorts that are too short, leggings/yoga pants that are a couple sizes too small, going braless during the day, low-riding pants, tank tops that dip really low on the sides, etc.
While you live in the Ministry Centre, you also go to school here, and this is the work space for all FFI staff. Therefore dress throughout common areas/office space/classrooms should be semi-professional. This means always showing up to lectures clean and well-dressed, not in pyjamas or sweatpants. That being said, we want you to be comfortable, we’re not asking you to show up in a suit and tie.
When you’re out in Phuket consider the following: you are representing FFI, therefore you want to dress in a way that represents us well! In Thailand, the local people dress quite modestly. We don’t expect you to dress exactly like locals, but hope that you might consider them and the importance of modesty in Thai culture when dressing, out of respect.
At the Beach: Two pieces are fine for girls. That being said, we would appreciate the avoidance of string bikinis, strapless bathing suits, and thong bathing suits when at the beach. Board shorts are best for boys, no tiny speedos please!