Job Discussion Forums

[ezekiel]

In an effort to bring some positive vibes to the board, some news that there is life after EF (Medan, Pekanbaru franchises). Following the July/August 2005 bankrupcy and closure of 2 Medan schools and 1 Pekanbaru school (yayasan owner was the same man, who I'd love to mention here but they'll delete it again!) it's good to see that the majority of staff and teachers have found themselves positions in other, more stable, organisations. The admin and cleaning staff who I've met are all working and seem to be doing well, too.
For our part the 2 Medan schools slowly petered out when the remaining teachers (myself included) still had no KITAS (work visa), were not paid for a month, were told there was no money left (except maybe a cheque ha, ha) and left. The staff did the same a bit later.
I still maintain that companies should be responsible for their franchises and to that end I will always maintain that EF corporation owe me IDR 6 million (plus my car, which I had to sell, and a good deal of stress at the time my baby was born). Other teachers, staff and students are also owed money..for the previously cheated students compensation at the new schools seems to be some free lessons.
My current school, also in Medan, saved my family and I (and others) from the 'bread line' and coming up to the end of my second year contract and going for a third (if they'll have me) I'm loyal to them and happy to be working there. Almost all the staff in the company are the same people who have been there more than 2 years! (shock, horror!) That's one sign of a good school anywhere, I guess, if the local staff are content. It's good to work for a school that actually cares about it's teachers and staff but also takes on board any suggestions or criticism in a professional way. They're doing ELT in Medan proud!

[ezekiel]

To anyone who read my previous post..sorry about the shoddy writing..with the benefit of hindsight I especially like the Indonesian style 'noun + adjective' structure as in 'school good' Doh! hehe..either I'm having a language crisis or I should avoid using the Internet on a school night..anyway I have checked my work for silly mistakes and corrected them, if someone would please mark it for me?!! adios

[pauleslteacher1]

Hi... I read your post with alot of interest as I had started my teaching career at EF Medan in 1998. At that time the school was actually pretty good and had a great bunch of teachers. There were 2 owners, one really nice and then the "pakman".... The housing was quite good and it was fun to work there.

Unfortunately, after about a year the good owner was gone and we were left with "the pakman"... He started off not too bad but it really came down in most things, if he liked you he would help you but if he didn't, well you were left hanging. And some were left "hung out to dry".

Anyways, I spent 3 years there and 1 year in Pekanbaru mostly because the students were so great, the staff nice and Lake Toba, Brastagi and Bukit Lawang were great weekend destinations.

Fortunately I have ended up in a great national plus school where I am really enjoying teaching, with the "pakman experience" being just a distant somewhat bad memory...

I do believe that "what goes around comes around" and "the pakman" will be experiencing alot of that for the things he did...

Btw ezekiel did you end up at the Australian Centre? It was one of the best schools in Medan when I was there...

Cheers!

[ezekiel]

That's the story I hear from anyone who was there during that era..yes he wrecked it all and yes he will get his I'm sure..also I hope the new franchise owner can give the corporation back it's good name in Sumatera!
pauleslteacher1 - I'm not sure but I think we met before once..Tam. branch you seemed a nice fella but you looked sick and tired and I decided not to come on board, frankly, partly because of that (although I did a few months later anyway), think we know a lot of the same people here..maybe not you but I'm glad you are doing well anyway..
Is your 'Nat +' school in Jakarta? ez

P.S. no not Australia centre..keep guessing

[englishgibson]

[pauleslteacher1]

Hi EZ.. I worked in "ef" Medan from 1998 to 2001 (mosly in Pattimura) and then spent a year in Pekanbaru before I finally separated myself from the "pakman" and haven't looked back since.

I must admit though, I did learn alot from teaching there and had some great times.

Yep, a really good school in Jakarta....

Cheers!

[guruengerish]

I had to smile at the comment that at one of the schools, teachers had been there more than two years. Sadly, that is reality with many of the franchise schools, as long term planning is not if the usual Director's vocab.

However, I've recently heard of one non-EF school in West Java, where the teachers have been there so long, that the owner is now trying to move them out to make way for some younger/new blood.

Quite a change.

[ezekiel]