Job Discussion Forums

[Bette]

Hi, I am about to leave for Indo soon (probably in 3 weeks) and I am wondering what it's like to make friends and socialize there. I realize this probably sounds lame but I spent a year in China and found it kinda difficult with the locals. However, some of the expats I taught with where great. I'm not sure how many expats are in Indo and if socializing is something people get into. I'm not in my 20's so hanging out in the bar scene isn't for me.
I'm also not looking for a relationship with the opposite sex.
I guess I am wondering if there are clubs or things that people do together.
Any ideas would be great.

[reddrake]

Hi Bette,

I understand what you mean, i was in China to. If it wasn;t bcause of my fiance i'd gone crazy there.

As for the socila scene in Indonesia, if bars are not your scene, do you have some other interest, art, music, book, culture? If you do, ask around for any interest or hooby club, this is a sure way of finding new friends.

As for the Indonesians local, i find them easier to be friend with then Chinese. Most chinese only want to talk to you just to brag their english. But so far here in Indonesia, a lot of my local friends are genuinely interested to be just friend with no string attach, also i found that a lot of Indonesian speak better english than Most Chinese.

[rayman]

Hi, Where in Indonesia do you plan to go? Your socialising opportunities will range markedly between say, Bali and Padang. Let us know where you'd like to base yourself and we can give you some more detailed advice.

[pauleslteacher1]

Hi Bette...

I would suggest you join the Hash House Harriers of which I am a member and many of my expat/indo/chinese friends are too. It's a great way to get to know alot of people and see many of the beautiful areas in the place you are going to be living in. Basically what you do is meet, usually on the weekends (but can be other days too) and walk or run through a pre-set path for 1-2 hours.. After that there is a social gathering... There are also lots of parties, trips and activities to join in on. Every city in Indonesia has at least one group...

On On...

Paul

[Bette]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the input.
I will be located in Surabaya. I've been told that all there is to do there is shopping. Don't want to become the shopping queen like when in China for lack of anything else to do.
It is great that the Indos are so cool and easy to make friends with.
Hopefully, I will be able to find the Hash Hound Harriers in Surabaya or something similar.
I think I'm starting to get a little nervous at the idea of leaving Canada for the unknown again. However, part of the reason I decided to choose Indo is because of the friendliness.
Thanks again for your help.
Bette

[reddrake]

u ar welcome.....

just remember prices here is about 2-3x compare than china so be careful when shoppin

[guruengerish]

Hi Bette.

You'll find the written language heaps easier to understand than Chinese!

For a start, the alphabet is based on Dutch, and looks exactly the same as English, just pronounced a little differently.

Another advantage of Indonesian, is that what you see is how you say it! (well, almost).

I'm sure you'll find that your experience of working in another Asian country will make you feel much more at ease in Indonesia. Certainly the Hash House Harriers was a great social high point with our whole family, and Saturday afternoons were strictly reserved for the "on-ons" and "down-downs"

[tanyakenapa]

Im assuming you are female Sorry if I'm wrong !

There are many expat women groups in Indonesia, two of the main ones I know of are AWA Amercian Womens Association (you dont have to be american) and ANZA Australia and New Zealand Assoc. Again you can be from another country The Dutch and German women have a club as well.

They have sports, day trips, social groups, arts n crafts, language lessons, help with orphanges anything and everything. I'm pretty sure they have a group in Surabaya as well.

[guruengerish]

I think these organisations are all in Jakarta, are they not?

I'd like to get in touch with the American Women's Assn., as they have (or used to have) and some excellent publications. Does anyone have their web site or email address?

[malu]

I know exactly what the OP means about China. Indonesia is completely different and most people here are hospitable and welcoming toward foreigners so long as you respect their traditions. In China foreigners are often 3rd class humans to be mocked or treated as free Engish conversation practice opportunities. During my year in China I socialised with other expats and also with Indonesian students who were studying in China. I never once saw the inside of a Chinese colleague's home, and none of them ever came to my place either.

I got to know many of my Indonesian friends through going to the gym/swimming pool, and also previously when I was a member of a motorbike club here. Friendships I've established here tend to last and I still have regular contact with a few people in W Sumatra even though I moved from there years ago.

Learning Indonesian definitely helps but compared to China it is so easy to find your way around here.

[reddrake]

[renzobenzo1]

Indonesian people are a motley lot.
They are annoying bunch of people who will try to muscle foreigners out with their weird body language.
More than not they will make comments to you when you walk past, rape you with their eyes, single you out and after a while this will really affect you mentally and physically.
They are really Island people with a bit of added Muslim religion for a good cause to give them some dignity.
Sure some are nice yes when they take down their barriers and get to know you, then they might let you get to know them.
The women will want a western man for money or fame/respect.

Think twice about the people you will want to socialise with. Then again you like me might just get sick of them and want to get away from them altogther.

[malu]

[Llamalicious]

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