Job Discussion Forums

super.djarum · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Jakarta

UPI has quite well paid jobs for Native Speakers, teaching kids in Christian schools. There are one or two problems with the job.
Firstly the hours are very unsociable. Getting up at 5am is routine, but this does mean early finishes. Also there are quite a few unpaid extra curricula activities, such as church services and of course workshops. This again is counterbalanced by also having quite a few classes cancelled.
Classes are huge, 40 kids is not uncommon, going up to 80 in the event of a combined class. You are left pretty much on your own but do get an Indonesian co-teacher to assist. There are no resouces bar a blackboard and chalk - not for the inexperienced.
Travel expenses are quite generous, but still fail to cover the costs for those not willing to risk life and limb driving themselves.
Next is the visa issue. They try and avoid paying the full KITAS by keeping teachers on Business Visas sometimes for nearly the full contract year. This is no good for the teacher in question as it could easily result in arrest and deportation. As for when cover teachers are needed and no regulars are able, they import anyone they can, regardless of the legality!
Another gripe is the two tiered pay system. Newer teachers are now paid less. This doesn't actually effect me but there are quite a few teachers in Jakarta who despite being told differently at the interview are still receiving less cash than their co workers despite in some cases being more qualified. It is this type of managerial decision that leads to low morale among the teachers.
To summarize, if you don't mind early hours, and no social life, then overall UPI is quite a good bet. If you want a life, and resources and a nice working enviroment it could well be worth your while thinking again.
I hope this answers all your qestions. If not feel free to email. I am to be splitting this crazy scene pretty soon in the search for a more pollution free atmosphere than Jakarta.

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

super.djarum · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Jakarta

Twas with some grim amusement I turned around and watched the others tumble to their deaths......... No not particularly religious in any way except of course for that old fashioned Mammon kinda way. [/list]

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

So what is the pay?

Dave Nesbit · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 16

I am employed at UPI and have been here for a little over six months and, while I am not going to discuss anything relating to finance here, I would just like to make some points connected to Djarum�s posts. Djarum seems to have posted a reasonably balanced view on UPI and what he/she thinks of it, and has taken the time to point out some of the advantages as well as the disadvantages. I certainly have no problem with that and my post here is purely intended to add another voice to the discussion.

In the time I have been here I have never heard of anyone being asked to attend a church service nor an unpaid workshop. I may be wrong, but I�ve never heard of it.

I have never heard of classes being combined and having up to 80 students in one class. It may have happened, but the fact that I haven�t heard of it happening would suggest that any occurrences are very rare.

All schools have whiteboards and board markers and not purely blackboard and chalk. As far as I know, they all have other facilities such as audio equipment, etc. There is a syllabus to adhere to and coordinated materials are provided for all teachers. Teachers are not expected to get on with things on their own. On the contrary.

Every teacher has the correct legal paperwork or has their documents in process.

I have never heard of illegal teachers being used to cover teach. If no regular teachers are available then classes are usually not covered.

Teachers are usually allocated to schools near to where they are living. Travel expenses provided ordinarily cover the costs incurred if travelling by taxi. Ordinarily, but not always, granted.

To summarize, as stated by Djarum, teachers finish early. Usually around 2pm. This gives plenty of opportunity for a social life. As stated by me above, there are set syllabuses and coordinated material available.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

myself, i cant concur.
i did a stint at one of the schools and nothing you have said was true there. i had 40 student sper class, a total riot, no syllabus and no support.
also another guy was working in senior high at the same school and he had no KITAS. also another friend did a stint at other high school and he had no syllabus, like us, and he had numerous pay disputes. he alos had a visit to his home by the owner, while he was away, and his wife was threatened because her husband had the audasity to question why his pay was not as promised.

i lasted two days and told UPI to sort it out or i will walk, which they did not, and i did.

voltaire · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:07 am Post subject: Re: UPI or not UPI?

laughing_magpie06 · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 282

I have friends who worked at this school and spoke of a lawsuit by teachers against the management over a number of issues. Has there been any further progress in that case? It was spoken of a long time ago but nobody has been game to speak publicly so really i'm just curious.

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

Shadow · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 1

David Nesbitt - Teacher Coordinator for UPI
Naturally will say anything to defend the organisation.

'In the time I have been here I have never heard of anyone being asked to attend a church service nor an unpaid workshop. I may be wrong, but I�ve never heard of it. "

Yes you are wrong, you have forgotten the teacher's meeting last year where you "directed" teachers to attend the Penabur Easter Service, which was held on a Saturday. No pay of course.....
Your memory is failing. Unpaid workshops, well they were held during working hours so I'll accept that comment.

Regarding the legal action, it is alive and well, I am not part of it but I do know the progress of it. If it ever comes to fruition I imagine it will shake up more than UPI as it will have implications for other institutions employing westerners, not just teachers.

If you like travelling from one side of Jakarta to another because you have more than one school to teach in and your actual day starts at 0400 (first class 0600) and you get home at 1600 then UPI is the job for you !

All of this for Rp15 million per month, depending on your negotiating skills.

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

There are plenty of schools offering better terms and conditions without all that travelling so if you are offered a deal like the one described just don't accept it.

I may be overly optimistic, but I get a sense that at least a minority of natplus and similar schools are starting to get their act together these days. Stick with the winners.