Job Discussion Forums

[ask_murderer]

Hi all,
I have a few questions that I'll get to toward the end of this post, but would first like to give some background. I've been reading up on teaching possibilities overseas lately (even sent a few PMs here and there), and from what I've gathered, Indonesia looks like my best bet. I've taught abroad once before (S. Korea) and decided to return to the US to get a Master's, but money prevented that from happening, so I'm thinking about going overseas again since I really enjoyed it the first time around.

The catch? I'm married now (going on one year already ), and my wife doesn't have a degree. She has experience working with kids as a nanny, and an extensive knowledge of English. It has been suggested to me that EF would be a good place to start our search b/c they would be happy to hire a teaching couple and might even be willing to hire a teacher w/out a degree. I recently saw a post for EF in Surabaya, and have considered sending our info to them. I'm hesitant only b/c I've heard several mixed reviews regarding EF, and I had some rather negative experiences with my school in Korea that have made a great deal more cautious in my job search.

Obviously, I would like to find a situation wherein both my wife and I can find work so we would have the benefit of dual income. However, if I were able to find a position that paid enough (possibly at a national plus school?) I was thinking I could support the both of us until she were able to find something for herself (p/t on a dependent visa, perhaps). Not really sure what all the in's and out's of that would involve (since I didn't have to worry about that last time), but I suppose it could be an option.

Anyways, my questions are as follows:
1. Would EF be a good option for us to pursue?
-If so, does anyone have any info on the one in East Java?
-If not, who/where else would you recommend?
2. How difficult would it be for my wife to find work w/out a degree?
3. Is airfare usually provided up-front?
4. If housing is provided, what are the chances we'd have our own place?

That's all I've got for now. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to reading your responses.
Thanks for your help,
Mike & Mandy

[Winmarr]

1. Would EF be a good option for us to pursue?
-If so, does anyone have any info on the one in East Java?
-If not, who/where else would you recommend?

In your situation EF would be a good option, if you can check out that the ones you look at are decent. I'm not sure about East Java. EF Bandung's good though.

2. How difficult would it be for my wife to find work w/out a degree?

It's definitely available. There were teachers without degrees at EF, but they at least had the CELTA or equivalent. There's another conversational school in Bandung that definitely employes people without qualifications.

3. Is airfare usually provided up-front?

I think it often is, but not always. You'd want to check that with the school.

4. If housing is provided, what are the chances we'd have our own place?

I think you're pretty likely to have your own, but I've never done it myself...