Job Discussion Forums

[ghost]

Folks:

I will be visiting Indonesia for 3 weeks from February 4-24, and landing in Denpasar (Bali) plan to travel overland (and boat) to Java, and take in Surabaya and, hopefully, Bandung and Yogyakarta, and maybe even Jakarta before finishing off for a few days of r + r in Bali.

Are there any schools or towns which you recommend for a visit with regard to maybe touching base with a few schools/interviews?

My contract in Korea ends April 1, 2008. Originally I was hoping to move to Japan, but few jobs there at that time. I am interested in Indonesia, but travelling there and seeing the places, I think, will be a good opener. I remember landing in Taiwan, and finding out, within a few days, that I didn't think the country (Taiwan) suited me.

I am looking forward to seeing the diversity of cultures in Indonesia, and comparing the type of Islam that is practiced there, compared with some other majority Muslim countries - will be interesting.

Thanks for your input on suggested itinerary for the 3 weeks. I don't mind travelling up to 4-5 hours a day on buses or trains, and then staying in a new town for a night or day, before moving on.

Ghost in Korea (www.gifle.go.kr)

[guruengerish]

Well, there are English schools in many major towns, but it will take you some hours to reach each city. You're not about to get onto a super highway and zip around the country.

There is EF in Bali which many try to teach at, but maybe give it a go. There are a few schools in Surabaya, an overnight bus trip from Bali. I think three EFs and the Indonesian Australian ....... Then there would be EF Malang, EF Solo, EF Yogya, EF Semarang, and at least one private school, run by expats, in Yogya.

Bandung has quite a few schools, and worth a couple of days at least, exploring possibitlities. Climate-wise, Bandung is the best IMHO, but still a warmish, crowded city, and worse on weekends.

Then there is the big Durian, aka Jakarta. Dozens of schools, which EF office could no doubt put you in touch with, plus private schools. But nothing is done in a hurry - anywhere.

[ghost]

Thanks for the effort - guru english recovering teacher - much appreciated.

As I am a certified teacher with B.Ed. credentials from Ontario and Quebec (certified to teach ESL in Quebec and French in Ontario) - I will also target some 'International schools' in Indonesia and Bali, but have low hopes of securing employment there, because they do the bulk of their hiring at International job fairs throughout the world including places like Dubai.

If there are any openings at particular schools that someone can let me know about before my arrival in Indonesia (February 4th) that would be much appreciated.

Last question: Does anyone know the periods when National Plus schools do their hiring in Indonesia?


Coming to Indonesia will give me a better chance to see if, at least, the environment and living are attractive to me. This visit is long overdue. I have been planning this for years. Now is the time, as I may not have this opportunity if I move somewhere else.

Thank you.

Ghost in Korea (www.gifle.go.kr)

[java_gila]

National Plus School recruitment already started before Christmas.

Hurry up!

[ghost]

Thanks for the info.

I don't think I will get into the International schools in Indonesia, because the positions are highly competitive, well paid, with most of the recruitment taking place at International Job Fairs overseas. I am qualified with a B.A., B.Ed., M.A., and two year University T.E.S.L. but they will go for the younger crowd with fresh qualifications for International school positions.

With that in mind, I will have to set my sights on National Plus schools, and was wondering if you could tell me what the usual benefits are for those positions, including basic salary, housing and annual vacation leave?

Thank you.

Ghost in Korea (www.gifle.go.kr)

[TEAM_PAPUA]

[eddie honda]

[ghost]

I have had to cancel my trip to Indonesia, for the time being, as I am giving Korea one more shot, with University interviews in the next few days. Apologies for those waiting for me. But I will be back. The penalty fee was 50,000 won to Singapore Airlines, for the cancellation. I was persuaded to stay on in Korea by my recruiter, who is looking for Uni placement for me.

Indonesia will have to wait. Regrets. When I saw that Australia centre in Medan was only paying 6.5 million or a bit more, that took out a lot of the enthusiasm. I would only consider a place which offered at least around $1500 u.s + accommodation. Sorry if that sounds greedy, but I make close to $3000 u.s. per month in Korea, with free apartment.

Ghost in Korea

[pauleslteacher1]

Ghost.... Why do you keep telling "us" all about your salary... I mean it sounds like you are full of it... Indonesia is better off without you...

[ghost]

[wailing_imam]

Yawn....getting old all this isn't it?

Life is what happens when you're not planning, sunshine.

You are not going to get rich teaching in Indonesia. You will have a fascinating time. If you earn over 1000US in Indonesia you will be fine. Now, get on with it, and book a flight. If you dislike Korea, don't give it another chance.

By the way, why not try Cebu Pacific via Manila next time.

[ghost]

[wailing_imam]

Don't envy me pal, I am in the People's Republic.

You can save a FAR greater amount of money here than you will ever be able to do so in Indonesia. Unfortunately, it's China....

I am back to swaying palms soon though...

[ghost]

[wailing_imam]

Most of the jobs you see advertised on this site are for language centres and govt schools in China, and pay next to nothing. Now, foreign companies have cottoned on to the fact that there are LOTS of rich Chinese people who would like an international education without having to leave China. Therefore there are many good jobs working for foreign outfits. US2500 is much easier to find in China, where the private education scene is spiralling out of control, to the Indonesian scene, where it's fairly static and no great changes are happening.