Job Discussion Forums

FreaQ_E · Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Hi all,

I need opinions, advice, guidance or instruction (Any and all will be greatly appreciated).

I recently interviewed for 2 posts and it went very well. The posts are in the countries mentioned in the subject. What i was wondering is: Which country do people believe would be the most interesting to place to teach in?

Next, I know the reputation that some EF's have. Regardless, I�d like some fair unbiased or, at least semi-unbiased, opinion about EF Bekasi.

Thanks in advance�

Amani Renas · Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 72 Location: The 3rd Dimension

Which country do people believe would be the most interesting to place to teach in?

I think that Indonesia and Turkey both have redeeming qualities, however, I think that Indonesia would be more interesting.

Turkey is very close to Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Africa...so I am certain the cultural jumps would be larger and more varied...but I think that there is a great natural beauty in Indonesia. Also, I've heard that the people of Indonesia are some of the nicest, friendliest people on the planet.

Just my two cents.

-A. Twisted Evil

Nabby Adams · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 215

Amani, which of the two countries have you lived in? Which two have you taught in? Can you share your experiences? Very Happy

Amani Renas · Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 72 Location: The 3rd Dimension

laughing_magpie06 · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 282

Well, EF Bekasi must be hell on earth. EF is not that good anywhere. I understand Pondok Indah and Depok are better than most but Bekasi has a bad rap and the area is horrible. 50 km from Jakarta and 50 km from the planet earth is my observation.

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

Bekasi is a dump - marginally more depressing than Chernobyl on a wet Sunday in November. It can also take a very long time to get from there to downtown Jak and, depending on traffic, it can be a very expensive ride to the airport just to escape. It is basically an industrial zone that was set up to house factories once Jak started to expand years ago. They have since added a few gated housing estates and some of the dullest shopping in Indonesia.

FreaQ_E · Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for the replies. I've definitely decided not to go to Bekasi, the Chernobyl analogy did it for me. And when i googled it I read "the largest garbage dump in Indonesia. 1087 hectares of trash arrive every day" To be honest, first i thought that it might be interesting, seeing the "underbelly" of Indonesia. Now I think it might be more interesting to gouge my eyes out with a wooden ladle.

As people have been kind enough to help me out so far, I've got another question. Hypothetically speaking, if there were a South African, who's not considered a native english speaker by Indonesia, and he has a degree, a years experience teaching and a CELTA. How and where could he most likely find a job, that's not at an EF? (EF are currently dominating all job postings for Indonesia.)

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

A better class of language schools is TBI www.tbi.co.id though I've never worked for them myself so can't give guarantees.

It is occasionally possible to persuade the authorities to employ SA nationals - I've worked with a few in Indo.

FreaQ_E · Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks Malu. Could you suggest cities, apart from Jakarta, that would be interesting to live in?

workingnomad · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 106 Location: SE Asia

Wilkor · Joined: 18 May 2008 Posts: 20 Location: Perth