Job Discussion Forums

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Hi Everybody,

I'm new to these boards but have been reading a lot the last couple of days whiles waiting for my login to be authorised.

I recently finished my CELTA and have been making applications here and there and one that has turned out with a job offer is EF in Lampung. Now, I know from reading on here that EF *can* be a bit dodgy, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience of the centre in Lampung or of the area in general? They gave me the email address of someone who has worked there, whom I've emailed but I just thought I'd cast the net wider and see if anyone on here has any experience of this centre or the area.

I have a B.A. in English and French and I'm 26yrs old and female. I enjoy cycling, running, horse riding, climbing, swimming and generally being outdoors. I'm not interested in clubbing etc so night life isn't an issue for me. I got a Pass B in the CELTA. I have sent in an application to the British Institute, as I have had some experience teaching before doing the CELTA (a year in France through the British Council, teaching English to 8-10 year olds) and I have read on here that it is a better gig.

I look forward to your replies Smile

(So please be nice...)

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

The British Institute (TBI) usually recruits teachers that have already spent some time in Indonesia. This applies to a lot of grade-school teaching jobs, too.

I have heard no horror stories from EF Lampung, though their salary is likely to be very low, so unless anyone knows differently I suggest that for a newcomer to Indo it might be a worthwhile first foothold to get a year in country then apply for something more lucrative.

Bandar Lampung is a bit of a backwater and fairly boring though that might not be such a bad thing if you want to learn a bit of the language and get used to the culture. It isn't a particularly convenient place to travel from by air, however.

Synergy101 · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Jatim

Never heard anything about EF Lampung but I'm pretty sure TBI has a better deal. It seems like you sent your application to TBI very recently but haven't gotten a response.... Having worked in TBI your application is sent to the head office where it is background checked (degree, certs, reference/s, major criminal offences) and once it passes muster, normally one or two weeks, it is then sent to all the TBI schools. The Individual schools will then contact you. The whole process can take up to 3 weeks before you are contacted.

Actually TBI does not only look at the experience factor. They do like to hire teachers who have recently completed CELTA/Trinity Certs (Pass B or A is great). For experience it really depends what experience, and where you got this experience. Experience can positive and negative.

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Yes I thought it might be ok for a starting point. I don't mind it being quiet/backwater-esque as I'm not a big city/clubbing sorta person.

RE TBI applications, they replied yesterday (day after I sent it) and said the application was being processed and sent to schools and I would hear direct back from the schools if there was any interest. Had an email this morning (we are 7hrs behind jakarta time here) with interest but I wouldnt be able to get a job offer unless i come to Indonesia first and it wouldnt be guaranteed. Which is fair enough as it's a more quality place as far as I can understand. But doesnt suit me. So maybe working with them is something I can do in year 2! Does that sound like a good idea? Get a foothold in Indonesia with the Lampung place int he first year (have been in touch with someone who used to work there and it sounds like it's an ok franchise rather than a hell on earth one) and then move on to the British Institute next...

Synergy101 · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Jatim

The job market is a bit lean this year (lots of job seekers) but I think if you have a guaranteed job offer it would be better to go for that first. Familiarize yourself with the country and culture and if you like it start contacting other schools 6 months before your contract is up.
PM me if you need any info

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Thanks!

Why 6 months before it's up, specially? It's just good to start prospecting well in advance?

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

Flicka, Synergy101 is correct. You should be applying 6 months out so that you have something lined up otherwise you may find yourself running out of time as other schools have filled their positions. I have had 2 teachers recently who struggled to find work with TBI and also EF on Java as they gave themselves too little time to arrange interviews, sort out moving times etc.
The market here is getting fuller and so it pays to think ahead.

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Thanks both of you for that tip, in that case! Smile

I'll be sure to remember if the time comes.

Tudor · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 339

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

They check the obvious way...contacting the sources such as referees and universities to verify the documents' validity.

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

Going off at a tangent, it never ceases to amaze me how a minority of wasters imagine nobody is going to notice a fake degree from a diploma mill, or check on fictitious referees.

missjo · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Jkt

Hi Flicka

I worked at EF Palembang (south Sumatra) for more than 4 years and got together with the staff at EF Lampung on several occasions. When I visited them they had a good team of local teachers and one expat. They were really keen to develop their students language skills through creative activities and put on 2 shows (singing, dancing, acting) involving more than 100 students. I saw both shows and they were great!

Lampung is a small city, not much excitement, but would be a good place to learn the language and get to know the people and culture. I can recommend the cocktails at the Sheraton, much needed after a 10 hour overnight train trip from Palembang Laughing

.. oh and riding elephants at the Way Kambas National Park.

Flicka · Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 68

Thanks for this! Information is much appreciated Smile

Tudor · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 339

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

Agreed, Tudor. Also (and I never thought the day would pass that I would write this) it is no longer a truism that any TBI is better - as a place to work - than any EF. It used to be a given but it isn't any longer. The quality of TBI branches has become very variable since they went headlong down the franchise route and even the salaries offered can vary significantly. I hope that TBI can stop the slide before it goes too far and its good name is tarnished by a few cheapskate franchisees.