Job Discussion Forums

[papillon]

So, what does it take to be hired by one of the big guns in Jakarta, somewhere like the Jakarta International School or the British International School?

P

[uilleannpiper]

Generally a 4 year teaching degree from a University, and they say at least 5 years' school teaching experience in your own country. But don't let that prevent you from trying as I know of exceptions to the 5 years' experience bit. You're not teaching ESL, but mainstream curriculum to (mainly) western kids based on the US or Bristish curriculum so they like you to have experience in teaching those sorts of things.

Cheers,

UP

[guru]

And they like singles or teaching couples. They do not employ teachers with non teaching spouses.

[gugelhupf]

Not strictly true - if the spouse is Indonesian or has right of abode here by some other means then there should be no problem. What most schools will NOT do is pay to sponsor a non-working spouse. This is because it costs zillions to do so.

[moot point]

I know JIS has an ESOL program. Any idea what quals. these teachers have?

[uilleannpiper]

[papillon]

So if a candidate has three years International ESL experience , a TESOL cert, CELTA and then degree with teaching certification he should be able to land a plum job with BIS/JIS without too much of a struggle?

Just wondering.

[uilleannpiper]

I can't be more than general because I have never taught in an International School but I know teachers who have and as a practicing school teacher I've met others who've been through the selection process.

So...generally speaking,

The ESL qualifications and experience probably won't amount to much as JIS/BIS/AIS are schools for English speaking kids - expats' children. The Bachelor/Diploma of Education and 3-5 years' school teaching experience, whether it be Primary school or high school, will be what they want.

The ESL programs are staffed by qualified teachers as well and a Masters of TESOL is generally what is wanted these days for the cushy jobs.

These schools also generally recruit via recruitment agents in England, US, Australia and the competition is high - lots of highly qualified, experienced primary and high school teachers vying for positions in International Schools. Even more difficult to get into are the smaller International Schools like Semarang and Jogja with a complement of only about 6-7 teachers plus local staff.

Still, if you are already in Jakarta, no harm in sending them your CV, dropping in and introducing yourself (via pre-arranged appointment of course) and seeing what happens. There are always exceptions. I know of at least one teacher who got into one of the smaller, non-Jakarta int'l schools on his teaching diploma but no experience - basically fresh out of University. But he had contacted the boss previously while living in Indo.

Also, these schools have websites and links to 'recruitment' so if you go there and have a squizz, you might find some are willing to deal with you personally, rather than via an agent. Can't remember the URL but just Google 'Jakarta International School', 'British International School Jakarta', 'Australian International School Jakarta' and you'll get there.

Have a go... ya never-never know if ya never-never go.....all the best. Let us know how you get on.

UP

[guru]

[Chancellor]

[uilleannpiper]