Job Discussion Forums

[soph1787]

Hi everyone,

I am considering taking up an offer of work with EF Swara group starting at the end of June this year. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice about what to expect etc, or if there's anyone else here who will also be starting around the same time. I would be travelling there from the UK.

I have heard some negative information, but I'm hoping that you'll be able to reassure me! [I've been caught up in a job scam in the past, and I'm now extra cautious about accepting anything without knowing all necessary info].

I'm not sure which school I would be teaching at yet, but I'm pretty sure it would be fairly close to Jakarta itself. I did email them asking about this, and also other questions about the accommodation however I have not yet had a reply. Could anyone give me some information about what the accommodation is like e.g. internet access. I was also told during the phone interview that there would be a week's training at the start which I think is really great. However in the contract there doesn't really appear to be anything stating that. Has anyone else had training once they have arrived?

Many thanks, hope to hear from you soon!

[father Mackenzie]

Hi soph1787

I have sent you a PM answering your questions.

[jhemmila]

Hello,

I started out at EF, it was a great place to work, pay was crap, but enough to have fun. I've heard a lot about Swara group, mostly negative, but I don't have any first-hand experience. Try doing a forum search, should answer most questions.

[Ozindo]

EF Swara - like most workplaces - has, I'm sure, positives and negatives.
A bit of advice: Remember that some who slam schools on this forum may have an axe to grind. The grievance may well be about an issue beyond the control of the school and/or might be something to which the teacher may have contributed.
I'm not saying that there are not bad schools, but that sometimes teachers who depart a school under less-than-favourable circumstances are then determined to "get even" for perceived injustices, when maybe what they need to do is have a good look at how they themselves behaved.
Do your research, talk to teachers already working in Swara schools, check out the contract they offer. Come with an open mind and a willingness to work and you could have a positive working experience with the group.
If you'd like to PM me, perhaps I can put you in touch with current Swara teachers. I'd also be happy to try and answer any questions you might have.

[markustm]

I have never worked for EF, and so I guess this qualifies me as not having an axe to grind.

However, they do tend to offer the lowest pay and worse contracts in the Indonesian ESL Industry, and to many expatriates 'ruined' a once lucrative teaching market- simply by hiring the cheapest available teachers, thus undercutting the cost of local English training.

EF do offer a "year off" experience or a start in Indonesia. And EF do dominate the ESL market, so chances are most new teachers here, do start off with EF.

One thing about EF that may bug people is that despite the company "success," most professionals see them as a third rate outfit. And this often (unfairly?) rubs off on EF teachers too.

This could affect a teaching career, as most employers in Indonesia take former EF teachers less seriously than teachers who have worked for other schools.

Despite this, I have personally met some very good, and effective former EF Teachers, but this was only in more upmarket schools. Try them, if you want to "travel 'n' teach," but look elsewhere if you want something more long-term in Indonesia.

[Oreally]

�Axe Grinding� sounds like some unjustified need for revenge. soph1787, you should PM Ozindo about more background on these detractors and their claims. I certainly will. The truth is, Swara Group is known for committing serious professional, ethical and moral violations against its teachers. If, as the EF Swara supporters claim, they have changed, then some of the credit must go to the people who report their experience on this and other sites. Indonesia is not the kind of place where a company changes their human resources strategy out of goodness of their heart. I respect Ozindo and Father Mackenzie in their efforts at reform, but calling your detractors axe grinders does not encourage them to give you space to try and rehabilitate the company name. soph1787, look at this and other threads carefully before you make your decision.

[samoht]

yes there are many "teachers" who complain about ef, especially ef swara. Most have somewhat valid complaints, however, they forget that they are not in britain, canada, us etc.

BTW forgive my lack of capitalization, i just dont care to spell right hehehe

ef swara, hmm, I worked there for 3 years

i enjoyed the work

not too much stress

had great experiences in indonesia

got excellent training from my dos

regret leaving

worried about pay, got a better paying job, but miss ef

theres far more to work than pay, and trust me, in indonesia ef is OK...

take the ef job, get ur feet wet in indo, then enjoy the opportunity

[father Mackenzie]

unbelievable......

[aku_tonpa]

I worked for the EF Swara group for one year. What made it bearable was the other teachers and the students: not the school. However, it sounds like things may have changed e.g. one weeks induction (I received no induction and was asked to teach the day after arriving in Indonesia).

But as others have said, EF can be a good place to start out., and that was true for me.

[jef dam]

Please p.m. if you would like some information as I am currently employed by this company and until my contract is up in July I don't think it appropriate to discuss this company in a public forum.

Take care.

[aeh]

I worked for Swara for 2 years, returned home for a break and am considering a return so it can't be that bad!

As has already been said, Indonesia is not Britain or the US or Australia and if you keep that in mind it makes life a lot easier. There are pros and cons with it as there are with most things in life and obviously the boss you have etc makes a big difference.

In my opinion, if you want to have fun, explore a bit and get on the teaching ladder, it's really not a bad place.

Do you know which school you would be at yet?

[jenngalla]

What is the average age of teachers working for EF in Indonesia? I get the impression that teachers tend to be in their early 20's.

[father Mackenzie]

The average age of my teachers is 29. I have mostly late 20's early 30's working with me currently.

[aeh]

My last job...Teachers ages ranged from 20/21 up to 40 something. Quite a few in their late 20s early 30s. Pretty varied there. Don't know about the other schools.

[jhemmila]

I do know that EF Taman Mini is opening up, and I can vouch for them. It's a sister school of EF Depok, where I worked for a year; I know a guy returning there and I know the DOS, she's great.