Job Discussion Forums

[suntanman]

Hi,

I am thinking about coming to Indonesia in September to teach English. Ideally I would like to teach underprivileged kids and work with the poorer communities, but I understand to get a paid job and in order to survive (I don't have a huge amount of savings) I would need to work for one of the big schools (TBI, EF, Wall Street etc), and therefore teach kids/adults who can afford to pay for classes.

However, I was wondering if there is much opportunity for expat ESL teachers to take part in voluntary programs in there spare time (i.e. mornings and weekends) and if there's anyone already living in Indonesia that knows of any such programs? Also are there any schools in particular that work alongside local community projects? I noticed while looking into teaching in Vietnam that one of the schools offers exactly this.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Dan.

[Tudor]

I'm sure there's plenty of posters on here better informed than me Dan, but, as far as I'm aware, it's illegal to do any work 'on the side', voluntary or otherwise. It was recently reported in the media that some American dentists were deported from Indonesia for carrying out voluntary work without the proper documentation.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/02/18/four-american-dentists-deported.html

I hope someone can offer you more positive information than me!

[suntanman]

Thanks for your reply. Just read that article. Seems very harsh. I wonder if it makes any difference if you have a KITAS though, as they were on tourist visas.

[travelNteach]

technically, your work visa is only good for working at the organization that sponsors u. my school doesnt care what i do in my spare time and i am free to do volunteer work, private lessons, or work at another school. however, i would still be in violation of immigration rules.

despite there being an incredible need, there is very little organized volunteer opportunities. part of the reason is that the govt sponsored ones are big business. a general in the army owns the "orphanage" near my school and makes major money from the govt for running it.

another thing to consider, what good are english skills for children that will only finish elementary school at best? very few would actually remember or use any of the english skills taught to them. i have been toying with the idea of setting up vocational programs to give them job skills, but u wouldnt believe the paperwork and resistance i have encountered just because i want to give back to a community that i have enjoyed living and working in for many years. even just trying to distribute free food and school suppies is a nightmare. maybe u can succeed where i have not, but u will need tons of patience.

good luck

[eddie honda]

there are plenty of independent educational foundations which help kids. some of these are 'normal' schools and others mix practical skills with normal school subjects.

the teachers are volunteers and i am sure many would be more than happy to have some additional help. if you want to do a lot of teaching though you might need to find a few different ones to teach at.

am not quite sure how you find their individual contact details (asking as many Indonesians as possible is probably the best way), but i know of a couple and could probably fish out their details if you are interested.

one final point is that a lot of charity here is done by religious groups, which may or may not be a problem for you/them.

this is a school that helps street children. it is located in Slipi, West jakarta. they are nice people and do a good job. (you can make a donation via their website too people) http://www.nurani-insani.org/

this is a youtube video of the school http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW_uwE20qdA

some possible further links: http://www.urbanpoor.or.id/

http://www.charity-charities.org/Indonesia-charities/Jakarta.html

http://www.expat.or.id/info/givingback.html

[malu]