Job Discussion Forums

[cartago]

I have a tough choice to make between Indonesia and Vietnam. From what I've read so far Indonesia seems more relaxed and friendly except perhaps for Jakarta. However, I'm wondering about the threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Is it a significant threat to expats? Maybe this seems like a naive question but from everything I've read so far, there seems to be little mention of this.

I'd really like an honest educated opinion on this and not the usual " you're more likely to die in traffic (I already know that), or you're just as bad off in New York or London."

I'm coming from Costa Rica and I've never been to Asia before, although I've been to Nicaragua and Guatemala so I'm accustomed to a lower standard of living than Costa Rica, although not the population density.

I know this really comes down to personal choice but if anyone can think of something that might influence my decision I'm interested. Also, I would be working for EF, I've already examined the contract for a school in Jakarta but if someone has information on EF in Vietnam I'd be especially interested about that.

Thanks

[kasihan deh loh]

[Salam]

Honestly mate I feel safer in Jakarta than I do in Perth, Australia.

Sure you have the posibility that you might get blow up - pretty rare, but what worries me more here is the drunk idiots roaming the streets looking for fights. The young gang-banger-wannabees with their loved expression, "what are YOU looking at?" - which of course is a prelude to more trouble.

I just don't really see morons like that in Jakarta, but then again I don't hang out in Jaksa. I see a few drunk idiots staggering into taxis, but 95% of those are foreigners.

Safest place I've ever felt - - - Meulabo, Aceh. When you're surrounded by dozens of guys with guns (not pointed at you), you tend to feel very very safe. Who cares if there's a civil conflict going on, the town is drenched in military = safe as houses.

[cartago]

Thanks for the responses. Dengue is a risk here in Costa Rica too. Actually my family is more worried about the risks of going to Indonesia than I am. Do you know anything I could say to make them feel better about it?

[Winmarr]

Tell them you're more likely to die in traffic.

Honestly though, I always felt pretty safe in Indonesia, but I didn't spend much time in Jakarta.

[okievmax]

I just returned from holiday in Jakarta, visiting friends and old haunts including Blok M and Jaksa among others...taught there until April 05. Traffic still dreadful, people and cold beer terrific. During teaching gig I wandered a good bit of Java, Lombok, Sulawesi. People are genuinely warm...even when you scratch beneath the surface smiles and discover some lingering resentment (at least to U.S.) they are as nice as any I've met in Latin or North America. Language easy to learn also. As to terrorist threat, the only attack that killed significant numbers was Bali. Traffic and bug or food borne illness much greater risk. If you're a guy you'll love Jakarta women. Actually, from what I gleaned from 3 friends who leaned that way, guys who like guys do well there also. Mixed reactions from white women to Indo men. I think Vietnam would be just as risky vis a vis crime, disease. What about Costa Rica--what were conditions there? Oh, if you're going to EF anyway, check with Glenn Thompson, DOS for EF near Sarinah or his assoc James Hunt at EF Gunung Sahari. They and the owner treat teachers honestly and professionally.

[Chester]

Salam are you in Indonesia and where do you teach?

[TEAM_PAPUA]

[Salam]

Chester: Will be back in about two weeks mate.

You want to come visit me at work? lol.

[Chester]

Salam
I quit indonesia after i was in bali for the last bombings.

I am in australia and dont miss Indonesia at all.
Everyone has their reasons to live and / or work in different places and that makes the world more interesting.

I think its a good thing to"stick it out" in places that you maybe arent that keen on, at least for one year. If you like or love it stay longer.
I had a terrible experinece in Korea and left after 4 months, but had a ball in bangkok and stayed more than a year.

Jakarta..... almost three years, but difficult for me.

Salam, how long did you stay on your last trip?
Tell our noble viewers about your experiences working as a teacher in Indonesia.

Or perhaps a "Mills & Boon" novel would be more factual.
Mate

[Salam]

Mate, I can only be kind to you so many times.

I'm not here for you to poke a stick at because you're bored - get another hobby.

[Joachim]

In terms of safety, I really wouldn't worry. The chances of being involved in any kind of terrorist activity in Indonesia are microscopic, and at the risk of sounding like everybody else, you probably are at greater risk in the west.

I would echo what somebody else said about illness, when I was in Indonesia all my colleagues got sick except me - and I spent a lot of time visiting the hospital, picking up books and DVD for them and stuff. But you can probably avoid that by just not eating "dirty" food and using mosquito repellent.

My main issue with working in Indonesia (at least for a language school) was blatant dishonesty by the management, a complete lack of regard for us (so long as we made it to class) and the ridiculous visa that you get, which means you have to pay to LEAVE the country - insane, and nothing that I've ever encountered anywhere else.

Go to Vietnam, thats next on my list!!

[ls650]

I don't know how Costa Rica compares to Mexico, but if they are at all similar, you may be disappointed working for an EF there. I spent a year working for an EF in Jakarta. In comparison, my job in Mexico is much more relaxed and mellow - though I have to say it's a hell of a lot harder to save up any money in Mexico!