Job Discussion Forums

hellerson · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Hi Everyone,

I've got a couple of questions and would really appreciate some advice.

First up, would people advise securing a job and visa before arrival, and thus be working legally as soon as you arrive, or just coming over and looking around for jobs so you get an opportunity to shop around, but with the problem of working illegally until your visa is sorted out.

Also re visas. Is any police certificate/ criminal record check from your home country required for most jobs? If so, I have a caution in the UK for drunk and disorderly. I don't think this would disqualify me, what do other posters think?

Finally, to get some idea of where to apply for jobs (Indonesia being so goddam huge) where has been everyone's favourite place to work in Indonesia or where would they work if they could?

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

Hello Hellerson,

Many might argue being Drunk and Disorderly are pre-requisites for the job out here, but dont worry Indonesia is no where near asking for that kind of information.
With your visa, it does depend on the employer as most employers will get you the visa once you arrive.

hellerson · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Many thanks FM. So on that basis should I take it that it's probably best to come over and look for jobs in situ? How is the market at the moment?

hellerson · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Ok Medan, Bandung or Surabaya all sound like good places to me.

EF are advertising in Bandung @ 8.8 mil. Should I be aiming for more than this with 2 degrees (non education related unfortunately) and CELTA? Also, is it standard at EF throughout Indonesia to make you work Saturdays?

Apart from EF, there don't seem to be too many jobs advertised. Is this a bad time of year? Also still interested in the heads up on coming over and knocking on doors, although I guess then you wouldn't get your airfare refunded?

Thanks in advance for replies

Madame J · Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:47 am Post subject:

Try Kelt, TBI or IALF. They offer a pretty similar experience to EF, from what I hear, but they pay a little more.

hellerson · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Thanks for the info Madam J. You're in Surabaya?

Fishy · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 138

Hello hellerson,

Personally I think it is much better to find a job here from the UK rather than come here first. Most schools are used to hiring over the phone so that wouldn't be a problem.

If you get hired from the UK you will in many cases have your flight paid for. Also, many schools will offer better pay and benefits to an overseas hire as the schools will often assume that you have higher costs. This is speaking from personal experience.

If you have a degree and a CELTA you are qualified to have a better job than EF. There are many EF schools with good reputations but the salaries and conditions they offer are very poor and really only for backpackers with no qualifications.

If you have a degree and CELTA you should have no problem finding a better school. TBI are great, good pay for language schools and usually no weekends unless you want to. There are other schools with decent reputations too. Feel free to PM me or post here if you want any more info.

Good luck