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conundrum · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Earth

The question that I pose has been answered in previous threads but the dates and subjects in which it has been answered have varied greatly.

I�m considering teaching English as a second language in Jakarta and was hoping to have some of the opinions expressed within the pages on the forum solidified. I�ve not taught before and realize that the preeminent positions will be offered to those with significant expertise who are currently living in the region. That said however it would appear some operators are truly worth avoiding regardless of one�s experience.

I was hoping that members who have already worked in the city could compile their own lists and opinions of individual schools and particular campuses of certain franchises.

What has become apparent by all accounts is that the EF Swara group should be approached with caution. I�m curious as to what the difference between the custom EF company and the Swara group actually is. Would I be correct in speculating that the Swara group is a set of franchise schools derived from the EF company?

I�m interested in member�s individual attitudes towards the Wall Street institute which seems to have incurred a mixed evaluation. I�m also curious as to whether anyone has an opinion on EF Sunter or EF Pondok Indah.

Obviously this task of judging is complicated by the fact that there is such a quick turn around in teaching and managerial staff. This would suggest that a school which may have been desirable six months may not be now, (and vice versa.)

There also appears to be the problem of DOS�s hijacking posts and spreading misleading propaganda, if that occurs can someone raise the alarm.

Of course assessment will vary greatly and may be tainted by individual circumstance but hopefully at least a ballpark verdict will become apparent.

I�ve found reading the threads and posts so far very insightful but if you could give me a current synopsis on how things are it would be greatly appreciated.
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pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

I personally think that everything has been said on this forum that needs to be said about EF... Why beat a dead horse...? Do some research to find out which EF's are okay and not... If no one is being negative, it's probably okay... not rocket science...

Btw....Why would you consider teaching only in Jakarta? As a new teacher why not go to a smaller city and find out what Indonesia is really like. I've been here for 10 years and have taught in Sumatra and Java...There are some great places to teach that are alot better than Jakarta!

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

Actually, I'd be interested in knowing how things are faring in my old 'haunts'.
Anybody have the latest on these places ? :

1. EEC Slipi (GJ)
2. EEP Blok M
3. ELTI Kebayoran

Having been so long ago,I wouldn't be surprised if one or two have disappeared off the EFL scene.

best
Basil

hairyrambutan · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

I'm more curious about ESL Express.

What are these guys all about? They seem to have branches everywhere, but I've never seen them looking for teachers.

conundrum · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Earth

Well that�s exactly my point exactly, �hairyrambutan� although I have no idea what ESL Express actually is. I thought, �pauleslteacher�s� answer to my question was a little harsh, how is one to gauge the reality of Jakarta teaching life from abroad with the subtle differentials in the names of different schools / campuses / franchises / umbrella groups of franchises etc. in the city.

hairyrambutan · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:14 pm Post subject:

Damned third world Internet connection.

hairyrambutan · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:14 pm Post subject:

Quite the "conundrum", eh?

My "career" started at EF. It was alright.

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

I'm most familiar with the EF 'northern triangle' schools comprised of Sunter, Kelapa Gading and Cempaka Mas. As far as EF's go, they're decent schools whereby you won't be hit with any nasty surprises.

Kelapa Gading seemed to have the happiest staff. It's also easier to develop a better quality of life in Kelapa Gading due to the superior neighbourhood and greater range of facilities compared with Sunter or Cempaka Mas. Although Sunter has more hustle and bustle and is closer to the north Jakarta nightlife if that's your thing.

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

[quote]I thought, �pauleslteacher�s� answer to my question was a little harsh, how is one to gauge the reality of Jakarta teaching life from abroad with the subtle differentials in the names of different schools / campuses / franchises / umbrella groups of franchises etc. in the city.

Harsh?? I was being harsh?? hmmmm.... I said take a look at the EF submissions here... there are alot... and then focus on the schools that haven't been talked about... I'd say that was good advice for EF..
As for other schools, again research is the key to finding good schools... and then asking about them on this forum...

Btw....Why are you so interested in teaching in Jakarta, if you don't mind me asking for the second time...? Confused

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

conundrum · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Earth

Thanks a lot for answering my questions, �hairyrambutan� and �rayman� you�ve given me some much needed solace and some sensible and reassuring answers to a fairly involved and convoluted set of questions. Quite the conundrum as you so eloquently put, �hairyrambutan.�

And to, �pauleslteacher1� maybe I was being a little precious and you weren�t being harsh but who really cares. Anyway, to answer your question I like big cities and Jakarta looks colossal enough to cater to anyone�s taste. I�ve got a few friends there already.

I was wondering �rayman� approximately how would it take during traffic to get from the national monument to the EF 'northern triangle' schools that you speak of on motorbike?

Llamalicious · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:19 am Post subject:

Conundrum: Monas? If you mean Jaksa, just say Jaksa.

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

hairyrambutan · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 10:28 am Post subject:

[quote="rayman"]

rayman · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 427

I agree, Sunter itself is shite for nightlife. My reference was to Sunter's closer proximity to the night scene relative to Cempaka Mas or Kelapa Gading.

Kota is only a short hike during the wee hours. Even the Kuningan/Semanggi/Gatot Subroto bar/nightclub scene is much more accessbile than from the two outer EF branches.