Job Discussion Forums

[Durian Tango]

Hi Tudor - Sorry if I misunderstood your post and your point is well taken. It seems we have had different experiences so far in Indonesia in terms of how teachers get jobs, though I've experienced a bit of both. My first job here in Jakarta I got because a friend recommended me. I wouldn't call it nepotism so much though as I probably could have gotten the job without the reference.

My current school just hires teachers from those that apply after answering advertisements, as far as I can see. As has been noticed, the restrictions on who can be hired have really reduced the number of qualified applicants here, so I don't believe that schools can really be so choosy as to only bring in favored applicants that 'know someone'. I wouldn't be surprised if this happened in the past though...

I think one thing to note about those who have their MA, is that many are still fairly young and looking for work experience and the chance to travel and experience life. They won't be rolling in cash here, but they can certainly get by. By all means one doesn't need an MA to teach English, but I should say that I have a number of colleagues with MAs (we work at an ESL school, not a National Plus etc.) and they seem quite content for now.

As you say, different people have different priorties.

[Durian Tango]

Hi Tudor - Sorry if I misunderstood your post and your point is well taken. It seems we have had different experiences so far in Indonesia in terms of how teachers get jobs, though I've experienced a bit of both. My first job here in Jakarta I got because a friend recommended me. I wouldn't call it nepotism so much though as I probably could have gotten the job without the reference.

My current school just hires teachers from those that apply after answering advertisements, as far as I can see. As has been noticed, the restrictions on who can be hired have really reduced the number of qualified applicants here, so I don't believe that schools can really be so choosy as to only bring in favored applicants that 'know someone'. I wouldn't be surprised if this happened in the past though...

I think one thing to note about those who have their MA, is that many are still fairly young and looking for work experience and the chance to travel and experience life. They won't be rolling in cash here, but they can certainly get by. By all means one doesn't need an MA to teach English, but I should say that I have a number of colleagues with MAs (we work at an ESL school, not a National Plus etc.) and they seem quite content for now.

As you say, different people have different priorties.