Job Discussion Forums

ashanmari · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 22

Hello all,
I appreciate these forums a great deal and have been reading and filling my brain as much as possible as I am about to embark on my first teaching contract in Indonesia--
I have been talking with the EF Swara group, they seem to have a new HR person, no? I was in contact with them last year and it has been a different person I was speaking to this time around. Hopefully that means good changes and a better rep??
I keep reading awful things about them, but I am a new teacher and an open individual so it can't be too bad.

First of all, I had a few questions as to

a) sending passport information via email--
this always concerns me, is it really the only way to get an offer ??

b) Anyone taught at BSD Tangerang? This is where I am potentially going, I DO NOT want to be in the middle of Jakarta and am hoping its a little less hustle and bustle...

c) Anyone surfed Indo? Ive heard good things about Padang, nothing about anywhere else.

d) I've been to foreign countries, I know the culture shock experience, though I've never gone solo-- How easy did you find it to relate to people? I am scared of feeling overwhelmingly alone at first-- I suppose everyone is though--

e) Is it easy/cheap to purchase a phone/sim in Indonesia? I know in Thailand it was ridiculously cheap and easy--

f) How much money would you recommend having for start up costs etc?
I don't have much, I'll have enough for a one-way to Indo, roundtrip to Singapore for my VISA and probably enough to eat for a month.
In Thailand I could make my money stretch and only had about $200 with me for a month's worth of costs-- I don't know if Indonesia is at all comparable.

g) Things I am used to buying: Organic products, unrefined Coconut Oil (I use as sunscreen and moisturizer), Apple Cider Vinegar?? I can't live without these things honestly, I'd rather just come with as little as possible and stock up in Indo as opposed to possibly having a disaster in my suitcase.

h) how about activities like yoga classes and massage schools? (I am a massage therapist in the states)

i) Any training given prior to throwing you into a classroom??

j) Finally, are they as strict on appearances as they are in certain parts of the states? I have a double-nose piercing and dreads, here in the US that can be kind of demeaning sometimes in certain situations.

I appreciate any advice or information anyone would care to give-- and if anyone is taking a contract for next year, I'd love to hear from you too!

Cheers!

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

Welcome to Indonesia. I think you will find it an amazing country. I hope I can help with some of your questions.
In regards to sending details via email, yes that is the normal thing. It is the usual procedure. You are only sending a scanned copy thats all. If you had to post information it will take weeks to get to Indonesia depending on which method you choose. Your employer needs to know how long is left on your passport.
BSD is a nice city outside Jakarta to the south. It is about 50 mins aways from the centre of the city. The DoS there is very experienced and manages a large school.
Sim and mobiles phones are in abundance like every other country in Asia so you have no worries there. Current craze is the BlackBerry. Cider Vinegar is a little harder to find I would imagine but as coconuts fall off trees and you can buy them off the side of the road you should be ok! There are supermarkets thats sell western goods so it should be possible to find a lot of what you need.
Start up cash is up to you and your lifestyle, I would double your first amount to be sure and if you can afford it.
Indonesian people are a little over whelming to start with but if you are familiar with Thai people then you have some idea what to expect but overall they are friendly and welcoming.
I work for EF SWARA and we make sure that all new teachers receive training in all the levels new teachers will teach and they are reviewed through the year and also invited to workshops each month.
If you want to PM me with more specific details and questions then I will be happy to answer them.
Your new Director of Studies will be contacting you closer to your arrival date and will also answer any questions and if you want put you in contact with teachers he or she has working for them.

I hope this helps Smile

ashanmari · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 22

Those are some very comforting and inspiring words father Mckenzie! I appreciate them. I look forward more and more to Indonesia everyday! Thank you.

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

I was also offered a post with EF Swara today; I appreciate you posting these questions and answers! I have a couple questions as well, if you do not mind, Mackenzie.

1) I am leaving next week for a month in Spain to do my CELTA observed teaching; therefore, this will be my first ESL job. I am 20, no degree (halfway through my uni studies) and no direct teaching experience. I do, though, have four years experience working with children as an aquatics instructor. Is the EF offer (8.5 first 3mo, 9.2 additional) solid given my qualifications? I do not have any preferred teaching location; the only region I am really familiar with is Brazil/Argentina.

2) The contract notes that the employee can be relocated to any of the Swara branches. Is employee relocation typical during the contract year?

3) Is the arranged housing decent or is it recommended to do an independent search? I have done the whole dorm thing for a year, so assume my standards are pretty low.

4) Like most individuals, I enjoy the occasional night on the town; is the 21 drinking age nation wide? Are bars/clubs/etc 21 to enter regardless or is it not enforced? Of course, this question has very little priority.

ashanmari · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 22

Those are good questions as well!!
Looks like we are in the same boat! I did not catch that transfers were optional during your contract period-- good to know--
Perhaps we'll end up in the same school!
When are you starting?

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

The email said anytime around Jan 11th. I did not catch what school I would be working in though. Were you told that after you accepted the contract?

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

Wow so many questions, so I will keep it brief.

I am not able to comment on what the salary or contractual agreement is between you and your employer as I work for SWARA only and do not have anything to with the contracts. I would say that if it is in the contract and you fufil the requirement for that salary then yes, I would think that is correct.
Relocation is rare. Or in my experience 0. I have found teachers however do enjoy working in different centres if there is an opportunity to.
The teachers houses are all big houses and are comfortable and contain most things you need. All bedrooms have A/C and there is hot water also. You can look to live in a Kost or boarding house. You should discuss this with your DoS.
Ah partying in Jakarta. Thats easy. There are no restrictions for a western person I am aware of to enter bars and clubs with the exception of dress standards. ie no shorts or flip flops in the clubs.

I hope this helps. Again, PM me if you have further questions.

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

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

ashanmari · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 22

you guys are awesome !

benbobaggins · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Jakarta

Hi and welcome,

About the surfing, Bali is good with constant swells - cheap air tickets are available if booked >4 months in advance. I've also surfed Pulau Nias off Sumatra - difficult to get to but a great experience. Many ares off this island with exceptional surf to be found via hired fisherman boat.

Apple cider can be found at Ranch Market & Kem Chicks - western style supermarkets.

Partying - no rules or regulations except for the more upper class hotel bars and clubs - dress appropriately, otherwise; you'll be laughin'!!!

Bringing money - well, yes, it is pretty cheap here so not much needed. However, if I was giving advice - bring a few thousand dollars. You can rent a decent apartment or big house with a 1 year advance deposit. Houses can be as little as Rp. 15 million per year = $1,500 for a good size. Apartments from Rp.18 million to 40 million per year = $1,800 - $4,000.
EF housing is generally ok, IF you are adaptable and don't require everything or utter cleanliness. Yet, you will be sharing with others.

I would have personally liked to have an apartment from the start if I'd known how cheap they are to rent because you get facilities like a pool, gym, mini-mart shops etc etc. on your doorstep.

Anyway, best of luck. It is a culture shock but not the middle of nowhere - you can get by like living in the west but with the odd peculiar sight, report, incident (think earthquake!) to amuse yourselves......

Ben

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

bmoore · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 18

I was thinking about applying with EF. Does anyone know how hard or easy it is to get in with them? Also what are there min. requierments?

LittleLisa1 · Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 5 Location: England

Hi,
I'm starting with EF in January, and am really excited. Although a little nervous! I haven't been told what school I am going to be working in yet, is this normal? Where would people say the best location is? Are there any good beaches on the Island of Java? I know Bali and places like that are nearby, but I love the beach, so want to spend as much time there as possible. I also want to get into scuba diving! Is there anyone else who's starting around the 20th of Jan? And where are people coming from?

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

Hi LittleLisa1 I have PM'd you.

Welcome to Indonesia Smile