Job Discussion Forums

BuGil · Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

Hi everyone. I'm a British TEFL teacher with one year's experience with EF in Balikpapan, and I can't wait to get back to Indonesia to teach again. I'd like to live in a bigger city this time so I've applied for EF Central Jakarta, and was wondering if any of you knew anything about this franchise and what it's like to work for.

I'm of course aware of the horror stories associated with EF, but I had a good experience in Balikpapan so remain optimistic about the possibility of there being other good EFs out there!

The salary isn't an issue for me because I doubt I could save much if I was on about 12 million anyway and EF's 7 or 8 is more than enough to have a great time in Indonesia anyway. I'm more concerned with how professional they are with regard to visas etc, whether it will be a place that makes me a better teacher, and whether or not they will take the piss with things like overtime.

Any advice is very welcome. Thanks!

scuba066 · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 34

What does "take the piss" mean? It does not sound pleasant.

Atoms for Peace · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: NKRI

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

You don't think working in central Jakarta for 7/8 mill a month is 'taking the piss?'

BuGil · Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

It means will they be unreasonable with things like how many overtime hours I have to do. Some new British slang for your vocabulary!

The EF salary isn't exactly great when compared to other private language schools in Indonesia no. But it's enough for me. like I said, I'm more concerned about what the school will be like to teach at.

scuba066 · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 34

Very crude, I think I will pass on that bit of British slang. And, if we are lucky, maybe it will die there in Britain.

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

You're just taking the piss scuba. It's long been used in other English speaking countries too.

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

What I don't understand is-if you are aware that A] EF has a generally dodgy rep-some good franchises, some bad-taking a chance with them B] there are other better paying/more professional Language school employers-why not look elsewhere? Think anybody would struggle to have a 'good time' on EF's pay in Jakarta! Must be the lowest paying language school gig in South East Asia!

BuGil · Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

I wouldn't just blindly 'take a chance' with them, that's why I'm here asking for helpful, constructive, preferably friendly advice. I've applied for schools in Indonesia with a better reputation who are currently recruiting, such as The British Institute and KELT, but so far they haven't got back to me. If someone here gives me a positive, independent oppinion of EF Central Jakarta then why not go for it?

Madame J · Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 10:18 pm Post subject:

EF Surabaya pay more (8 mill plus housing, which is plenty to have a good time) and are one of the better employers. However, it depends if you want to live in a proper big city or merely a big city with a provincial town feel.

BuGil · Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

OK thanks I'll bear it in mind. What makes you say it's one of the better schools?

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

i think she meant better employers as far as EF groups go, not necessarily schools in general. and she is right, they are probably one of the best EF groups. i have known several people that have worked for Central Jakarta group and most have enjoyed it. having said that, most have also moved on afte their first year for greener pastures. i think it depends alot on who the DOS is at a particular school at the time as to which school in their francaise is the better one to work for.

scuba.... seriously? what about north american saying pissed off? hopefully u were pissed (drunk) and just taking the piss

BuGil · Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

That's good to know, thanks.

Does anyone know if there are any schools in Indonesia other than EF who aren't abiding by these ridiculous new regulations requiring TEFLers to have an English/Education degree? And how does this affect EF's ability to aquire a visa for thier teachers without one? If they just slip in a bit of baksheesh to make the visa application run smoothly then that's fine by me, I just don't want to be hiding under a desk when immigration decide to pay a visit!

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

Back in the old days [5+ years ago..] EF used to be able to aquire working visa's for teachers of all nationalities/educational backgrounds-there was a climate of 'flexibility' and palms could be greased as it were. Not any more! If you aren't qualified to work here then you won't be hired to work here legally and yes, should immigrasi pay a visit to your branch of EF you most definitely will be told to make yourself scarce......3 years ago in the Pamulang district of Jakarta two guys were arrested and deported by immigrasi 2 days before they went to Singapore on their 'visa run' as it were....the EF owner was based in Batam and in no position to deal with the bribery payments required to keep those guys safe....be very careful if you don't fulfill the criteria of these 'ridiculous requirements'!

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

yeah its pretty funny to watch ef BSD's teachers (swara group) go running for the mall. some on business visas, some just arrived, others working illegally on visa allottted for bogor ect. years ago, they used to have their teachers run around in pluit mega mall til immigrations went away. its definatly not a way to live or experience a country.

couple of years ago, there was a brit and american that got deported from some school in bogor. forgot the name of it.

@ tom, what is ridiculous about wanting people to be educated and somewhat qualified before allowing them to be teachers? but i am beating a dead horse.