Job Discussion Forums

randyuussell13 · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Pensacola, Fl

I'm thinking of getting my TEFL and making the jump to Indo. This would all be new territory for me, I haven't traveled much and i've never taught. Im looking for a little insight into this world. Does anyone have any input on i-to-i, they say they certify you and guarantee job placement, but im a little scared on the quality of school though. Im not looking to get rich, just be able to survive and get by. Any info on other TEFL companies would also be welcomed.

Also, it seems alot of schools are in or around Jakarta or Bogor. What are my chances of finding a school on the Indian Ocean coast?

papillon · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 91

Sounds like you fancy a bit of surfing mate.

Jak to nearest wave factory on South Coast. 3-4 hours, murderous drive, used to do it every weekend for three years.

Bogor to wave factory - 2-3 hours, murderous drive.

Jak expats crowd out the waves but once you're down there ya won't wanna go back to the city mate.

Bali's your best option tho jobs are hard to find here, PM me for further info

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

Also try Padang in W Sumatera. Within fairly easy reach of Mentawai islands. EF is the only school there that is hiring.

beefer · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 238 Location: java

randyuussell13 · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Pensacola, Fl

Ok, so from reading some of the post on this forum it seems that jobs are fairly demanded at the lower end of the teaching market (where I would probably be starting out). Is this just around Jakarta? What would be my chances of employment if I searched the schools in bali or the coast of sumatra? Any suggested schools (and locations) I could contact from abroad? Remember, im not looking to get rich, just be able to survive and live fairly comfortable.

beefer · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 238 Location: java

the only suggestion i can make is to look on the internet and to apply to as many places that you can find that seem interesting to you. ef for example, has locations all over the place ( and a few more in between). i think you can find all locations on the ef.com website ( don't quote me on that). don't get me wrong, i am by no means trying to promote them ( certainly looks that way, doesn't it) but if you are not concerned at all about money then it may be a good start for you...still, be careful as there are numerous horror stories about certain locations, so get as much info about any place that offers you a job before you accept it...and i'm not just talking about ef franchises.
still, don't shy away from applying to other "higher up on the ladder" schools because some prefer new teachers that they can train "their way".
as mentioned before, jobs in bali are usually slim pickins' but don't let that deter you from applying.
as far as sumatra goes, i know next to nothing about good schools and locations there but i am sure there are others on this forum who could shed some light on it for you...................anyone??

papillon · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 91

Still sounding resoundingly happy Beefer.

Point of reference for your future posts, try having at least a half grain of truth to your personal slander.

Also, the advice given re: Padang, Sumatra is misleading, check how far the ment islands are from the mainland and the cost of getting a vessel out to them and compare that to your EF salary and you'll not be surfing too much.

PM me for details on Bali.

Beefer, grow up buddy.

beefer · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 238 Location: java

papillon · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 91

Beefer, you're an interesting fellow (at the risk of sounding too English).

I extend the pm invitation to you for further corres, why subject the world to any more of your dislocated opinions?

Best.

beefer · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 238 Location: java

nasigoreng · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:

I was travelling in Padang 2 weeks ago and the losmen owner asked me if i was interested in a teaching job... PM me for the guy's contact info.

I was also told that surfing is possible at Air Manis beach near Padang city. i can't imagine how that would be enjoyable considering that the locals use the ocean as their wastebasket...(really, i went snorkelling and saw lots more trash than coral or fish).

I'll say this for Padang: their angkutan are the spiffyest in all of indonesia.

but interestingly, i think Padang food tastes better in Jakarta than in Padang or anywhere else.

randyuussell13 · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Pensacola, Fl

"on another note, randy, when did you think about coming out here?"
- beefer

Im thinking around June or July. I still have to get my TEFL certification.

Of another subject, I know western newbies get sick alot at first. Does anybody know of a good source to find the vaccinations I should get before heading to Indo? And how sick are we talking about here? I have a pretty kickin immune system and rarly ever get sick, although I don't know how much that will help me out there.

Andror · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 34

I remember going to the doctor with a particularly paranoid friend to get various immunisation shots before an Indo holiday (your doctor can help you with this) but its really not necessary. Most expats find that their guts give them problems for some months after arriving due to the unusual food that they encounter here. Only time will help you with this. If its your first trip to Asia you may get the dreaded 'Bali Belly' (stomach cramps, diarrhoea) as we call it in Australia which is pretty bad and can be rectified by pills or a shot at a medical clinic.