Job Discussion Forums

[eik]

How long is the trial period of the one year contract, normally ?

[wannaBguru]

although it is illegal to have probationary clauses in contracts for foreigners, most schools usually write in 3 month probations.

[eik]

So within these 3 months you can leave at any (suitable) time, or is this "not done" ?

[rayman]

With the less desirable jobs, I think you'll find the 3 month probation only applies one way. That is, to the favour of the employer.

[laughing_magpie06]

I can only say eik that if you have any doubts don't do it. In my case I went there for personal reasons rather than for work but I still needed to pay the bills.

As the other guys mentioned, in the lesser schools things will be stacked against you and there are even stories of teachers not getting paid on time or at all. Do your homework and grow a thick skin cos Indonesians can chew you up and spit you out if you are not streetwise and know your rights-what little you will have.

[eik]

[laughing_magpie06]

Provided you haven't got your KITAS (work permit) there should be no problems. With the KITAS you would need to obtain an exit permit from your employer which might be hard if they don't trust you not to leave. In the case of EF the job is probably so bad they couldn't count on that. It usually takes one month for them to finalise your KITAS as you will probably work on your tourist visa (illegally) for the first month.

[rayman]

Yup, it will be fine if you don't yet have your KITAS.

You'll find at many of the language schools, the employer will withhold your first month's salary until you return from your visa trip to Singapore. Alternatively, they'll send you a few days before payday, so as to add confidence you'll return. The latter, you can't do anything about. If they try the former, you could put up a complaint. I remember at an EF (my first gig in Jakarta), they tried this on me. With some diplomatic reasoning about my lack of funds and the unjustness of it all, I managed to get half my salary before leaving and half on return.

[herzog]

As far as anyone knows, if you're hired by a language school in Indonesia, they systematically expect that it shall be for a full year? What if you can do it for only half a year, say?

Thanx

[TEAM_PAPUA]

[malu]

[Ghost_Rider]

The sad thing is the Indonesian government doesn't crack down on these Chinese Indonesians who think they can do anything to anyone at anytime. They can really try to make your life a living nightmare and force you to take all the risk. For instance if you work for any EF like Swara Group which is probably the worst company to work for as far English Centers goes. They will try to make you work illegally but tell you is legal because of the probation period. Actually there is no such thing and you can get deported and arrested for it! Don't let such people have some much control of you and walk away if you feel this is the not the best place to work for. I know everyone has bills to pay but at the same time don't put your life in danger for working with such low quality people. Swara group will try will lie every way they can and will not cancel your paperwork even if you pay the fine. Just whatever you do in Jakarta be warned a lot of the companies will try to use you because you mean money to them but they really don't care about you as a person. Your just an investment and they don't care about what is going in your life. If you wife is ill or someone passes away in your family and you want time to grieve forget about it. If you don't show up for work even if your extremely sick oh well. Its Indonesia for you! I really suggest growing a thick skin because the environment here is absolutely ruthless!

[eddie honda]

SOME companies are like this, others not....

you buys your ticket, you takes your chance (unless you do some research and find out BEFORE you join them... but, most people can't be arsed to do this, or look or one of the many, many, many better than ef jobs out there....)