Job Discussion Forums

[Fishy]

[ljb]

I just want to commend you on your positive attitude Samantha, I really believe that experiences are what you make them and the more positive you are the more likely your experience will be fabulous, for you!

I also want to add that orientation, an induction including observations are part of our commitment to you for working with EF Swara and it is my experience that most teachers comment on how much they enjoyed the process and felt the benefit of this at the start of their ESL career.

I personally believe that some language schools have come a long way over the last few years and I certainly know that EF is constantly looking for ways to support new teachers and ensure their experiences are positive and professional.

:D

[benbobaggins]

Hi there,

Sorry, but I didn't say that it was a negative experience at all. Just a 'heads up' about the way things can go sometimes.

If you look at my previous posts, I had a thoroughly great experience at EF and have recommended it to many people since.

Personally, being thrown into the deep end was great for me and I learnt a great deal from the school I was in. I stayed for 2 years, was a senior teacher and acting DOS for a while, and eventually left to bigger and better things - all due to my experience at EF.

An induction week sounds great and very beneficial.

Best of luck.

[SamanthaB]

Thanks, guys, and I apologize if I misinterpreted your response, 'Benbo'. You are correct that it's good to be prepared for all possibilities, including the possibility of not getting a proper orientation.

We received our placement information today-- we'll be at EF Cengkareng. We arrive on the afternoon of July 24th and we're incredibly excited. Anyone have any information about the school or neighborhood that they'd like to share?

Thanks!
Samantha

[benbobaggins]

Hey, no problem.

The EF you are going to is quite a long way from the city, near the airport. Probably 30-60 minutes by taxi (?help me someone?) although I'm not sure, never really been out there.

It was ran by an ex TBI (the British Institute)guy for a while I think, but I could be wrong. Sorry, not a lot of help I'm afraid. And, I've been out of the EF 'loop' for a while.

From my experience, employers seem to start off with the best intentions, but get disillusioned by some teachers who arrive here and show little professionalism in their work and lifestyle. Yes, private life is private life. But, as a teacher, there are some standards to uphold as well.

As long as you're not partying 24/7, drunk or high in class, flirting outrageously with students, and being completely obstinate in your adaption to a new culture, then I believe it is very easy to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience as a new teacher (EF or otherwise) in Indonesia. Just don't hope to make lots of cash.

After learning the ropes, there are bigger and better schools offering more pay, and good career development. (again, I've been out of EF loop awhile, so things might have changed).

Talking of being prepared - the biggest problem I have - and not just EF -is the way schools claim to have a 'holy' moral outlook, and expect teachers to project this to their students, but then show little regard to contractual details when it comes to teachers. Things like not paying salaries or bonuses at the end of the year, asking teachers to lie on official tax forms etc. Be warned - things you take for granted in the West within a working environment are not really known about here.

Again, best of luck.

PM me if you need any help/advice/someone to scream at.....