Job Discussion Forums

PEP808 · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Bandung, West Java

I am soon to start the TEFL course with EF in the UK, after which i shall be given a job placement in Indonesia.
This will be my first ESL job, but i have already spent quite a long time in Indonesia (7 months Medan)and wish to return full time, but trying somewhere different.
Having read a lot of bad posts about EF indonesia, could anyone please give me some assisstance as to which schools to avoid.
The last thing i want is to be stuck in a hell hole for 12 months !!

I am looking at being placed in any of the following:
Jakarta
Bandung
Yogya
Surabaya

Thanks if anyone can help.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

There are something like 17 or 18 EFs in Jakarta. Maybe when you complete the course you can tell us which schools you get offers from.

Remember, too, that at any one school you might have a dozen teachers with a positive experience - but one loud complainer will make far more noise.

okievmax · Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Oklahoma

I intend to accept a job with one of the EF franchises (2 schools/locations as I understand it) in Jakarta--will be there by Nov.1. Based on considerable communication I anticipate a friendly, supportive, professional experience. But I've been fooled before doncha know! Check with me in a month and I'll share first tangible impressions. Maybe we'll soon have a brew together. As LS650 said...different franchises will create different environments AND one noisy complainer can drown the sounds of others--applies to all orgs and groups of humans and most other animals methinks.

Winmar · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 125 Location: Melbourne

Bandung's good; I've heard some in other cities are bad, but I'll leave it to others who've actually worked in them to inform you.

PEP808 · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Bandung, West Java

I am with all intents going into this with an open mind, and hopefully like you say, once a job offer is recieved i can investigate further. i.e contact other teachers at school.
So far over the last few years i have been to Indonesia several times and so far have had great experiences.
Its just with so many peoples negative comments about EF i was starting to get concerned.

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

If the teachers are so happy at these EF franchises, get their email addresses and let them tell you in person. Also, Jakarta aint a lot like Medan, dude. and 6 million rupiah a month salary wont go far.

GuruStip · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47

try this site:

www.geocities.com/efbdg

It's an unofficial EF page I made, has some info on Bandung.

Good luck,
Steve.

ps- say hi to Sharon and Huan if you're in Brighton!

AsiaTraveller · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 12:26 am Post subject:

Nice site, guru! Bet the students like it too...

GuruStip · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47

Thanks!

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

You could try checking Dave's job page too. You will soon see who is advertising for yet another teacher. One school in Jakarta advertises about every two weeks.

You need to check conditions carefully too. Some EF schools provide housing, others don't. Yogya is currently paying about Rp3.5million, which is probably the lowest in the country, and no housing.

Bandung has a good name, and has two schools. Don't know what the pay is like though. EF Kebon Jeruk is a good school and good management, but classrooms too small for any activities other than sitting.

GuruStip · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 47

Bdg's about 6.7 million for a first contract.

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

EF Pondok Indah in Jakarta pays the most, I think. Around 8 million for the first contract. You'll work for your money though as the DOS (AC) is obsessed with detailed lesson plans and giving out essays - lots of them - all of which must be marked by the teacher and checked by the DOS (AC).
He's a nice enough guy, but he is a control freak.
C S Mr. Green

route67 · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:22 pm Post subject:

Whatever happened to PEP808? Did big, bad EF eat him/her, or did he/she do the sensible thing and stay home?
Wink

PEP808 · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 14 Location: Bandung, West Java

No big, bad EF hasn't eaten me up, but they are keeping me very busy with the intensive course !!!!

Yes Steve i am in Brighton and i will say hi to Sharon and Huan for you.
They are very good tutors and all at the training centre are benifitting from their experience.

I've still not decided where i want to go yet, shall wait and see whats available. i will check out that site though, cheers !!!

Rolling Eyes

I hate the phonology lessons !!!!! LOL !!!

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

EF Makassar is offering Rp4.3 and return air fare. More if you buy your own ticket. Some schools provide housing for which rent must be paid. EF Kebon Jeruk also had a maid come around and wash and clean twice a week, plus paid all garbage, security fees etc.