I second this!! In March of this year I spent a month in Ghana. I got called fat all the time, it was like everyone felt no problem with pointing out to me that I'm a fat girl (duhhh). On the other hand, I got hit on and proposed to ALL the time as well, often by the same guys that would point out that I'm fat. It was like they liked it, it was seen not as a problem but as something nice. I was told over and over that I was "fat", but they always "liked my body". Crazy.

I worked as an English Instructor in South Korea and I remember these kinds of comments, too, only my kids never made them to my face. In what types of situations are they happening? Is there any way for you to firmly, but gently, lay down the law?

I feel fortunate to teach in America right now. My 9th graders might talk behind my back, but goodness forbid that they say something to my face.

IMO, you have to set personal boundaries to make yourself feel comfortable in a new culture. You may not be able to stop the comments if that is a cultural norm. But, physically touching you, esp. in the places you've mentioned, is unacceptable. That is pushing YOUR cultural boundaries, not to mention personal space. I would suggest coming up with a system to deal with children who break your personal space (lunch detention, an essay due to you about respect, whatever fits in at your school) and speak with your supervisor about enforcing it.