Job Discussion Forums

[Elvis's Aunt]

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself and get as much information and insight into living and working in Surabaya, Indonesia. Indonesia was/is my first choice of places to teach so I am pretty happy to have been offered a job there. I am starting a teaching position in Surabaya in January 2009, this will be my first full-time contract after finishing my course earlier this month but I have been lucky to score a part time teaching gig here in Australia with the school I completed my TESOL with - teaching one on one with a beginner from Korea.

I look forward to hearning from you all and hopefully meeting up with some of you when I start in Indonesia.

Thanks

[Synergy101]

Fro the Basics I suggest you read a guide book on Indonesia.

Living; Most people are friendly but some are not so don't come expecting everyone to smile at you. Indonesian's generally have a habit when seeing a western male to call out "Mister" and maybe giggle but they are not calling you to talk to you, its just a cat call, don't let it bother you. Acutally try not to let the little cultural/odd/oh my God why are they driving on the wrong side of the road!!! things bug you too much cause then you may find yourself miserable the whole time you are here. Relax, enjoy the fact that you are experiencing a new country.

Working: Well it depends who you are working for but generally schools deliver what is on the contract. I haven't heard any systematic cases (meaning happens most of the time) of teachers getting screwed around by their employers. If you stick to the Top four KELT, TBI, IALF, and EF yes EF Surabaya is run much better than EF Swara Group (I don't work for EF) then you should be fine.

Hope this helps

[Elvis's Aunt]

Thanks Synergy 101 for your reply. FYI I do have my Lonley Planet Guide To Indonesia and have been reading up on this - was just wanting some insight from people actually on the front line. As for driving on th wrong side of the road - in Indonesia they actually drive on the same side as me, so this wont be a problem! I originally had a job offer from EF Swara Group......but heard so many bad things that I turned this down. The company I am starting with seem good (no bad stories....so far) and have been most helpful answering most queries that I have. Thanks again for the reply

[bje]

[Michael_Indonesia]

[Tommybhoy]

Good decision, Swara Group do have a very bad reputation, to be sure! I hope you have a great time. Surubaya is better than Jakarta!

[Elvis's Aunt]

bje - one was not literally refering to "going into a war zone" one was just wanting first hand information from people ACTUALLY working in this area....gee people on this forum need to lighten up - is everybody really so synical!!!!!

Tommybhoy - thanks for your post. I did my reseach on EF Swara Group, thankgod!

[bje]

[BlackKnight]

Hey Elvis' Aunt now that you have been in Surabaya for several months, what are your experiences like? I may be heading over soon and would like an idea

[ellecbee]

I am interviewing with EF Surabaya and am hoping to head over in October, I too would like some current info if someone has it.