The first few weeks of a TEFL job are usually spent trying to settle into your new surroundings. An important part of this is making sure you 'go native' and respect the local codes and customs. Sometimes that's easier said than done though, as you will see from our list of weird and wonderful laws from some top TEFL destinations. In fact you may be breaking the law without even realising it, so familiarise yourself with all of the below to save yourself from a hefty fine or worse...a stint in a foreign jail!
Italy: Pigeon Feeding
After a study showed that repairing the damage caused by pigeons cost each Venetian taxpayer 275 euros a year, the mayor's office decided to ban feeding them.The feathered fiends were causing chaos in the city's iconic St Mark's Square, mainly by using it as a toilet. The ban enraged grain vendors, who were put out of a job as a result.
Singapore: Chewing Gum
The import, manufacture and sale of chewing gum was banned in Singapore in 1992 as a way of keeping the city's pristine pavements clean. After much lobbying from key industry players, the ban was eventually revised so that medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by dentists and pharmacists. The penalties for smuggling gum are still tough though, a £3,00 fine and a year in the slammer would certainly give you something to chew over.
Dubai: Cohabitation
In 2010 a British couple were arrested and jailed for living together in a hotel room in Dubai. Under Sharia law, which is applied in the UAE, two unmarried and unrelated persons of the opposite sex are prohibited from cohabiting. Ultimately it's up to you to decide which is the better option - marriage or prison. Some would say there's not much to choose between them!
Mexico: One-Footed Cycling
With all its stunning scenery and luscious green countryside, Mexico might sound like the perfect place to plan a cycling trip. Just don't try any funny business. It's forbidden for bikers to lift either foot from the peddles, as it might result in a loss of control.
Greece: Stiletto Heels
In 2009 Greek lawmakers moved to protect the country's key archaeological sites by banning people from visiting them in stiletto shoes. Apparently the pressure they exerted was damaging fragile tourist hot spots, which were getting trampled underfoot. Heralded as a great step in preserving Greece's rich architectural history, it was no doubt a huge blow to fashion conscious females the world over.
Italy: Pigeon Feeding
After a study showed that repairing the damage caused by pigeons cost each Venetian taxpayer 275 euros a year, the mayor's office decided to ban feeding them.The feathered fiends were causing chaos in the city's iconic St Mark's Square, mainly by using it as a toilet. The ban enraged grain vendors, who were put out of a job as a result.
Singapore: Chewing Gum
The import, manufacture and sale of chewing gum was banned in Singapore in 1992 as a way of keeping the city's pristine pavements clean. After much lobbying from key industry players, the ban was eventually revised so that medicinal gum was allowed, provided it was sold by dentists and pharmacists. The penalties for smuggling gum are still tough though, a £3,00 fine and a year in the slammer would certainly give you something to chew over.
Dubai: Cohabitation
In 2010 a British couple were arrested and jailed for living together in a hotel room in Dubai. Under Sharia law, which is applied in the UAE, two unmarried and unrelated persons of the opposite sex are prohibited from cohabiting. Ultimately it's up to you to decide which is the better option - marriage or prison. Some would say there's not much to choose between them!
Mexico: One-Footed Cycling
With all its stunning scenery and luscious green countryside, Mexico might sound like the perfect place to plan a cycling trip. Just don't try any funny business. It's forbidden for bikers to lift either foot from the peddles, as it might result in a loss of control.
Greece: Stiletto Heels
In 2009 Greek lawmakers moved to protect the country's key archaeological sites by banning people from visiting them in stiletto shoes. Apparently the pressure they exerted was damaging fragile tourist hot spots, which were getting trampled underfoot. Heralded as a great step in preserving Greece's rich architectural history, it was no doubt a huge blow to fashion conscious females the world over.
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