Job Discussion Forums

mistermark · Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 21

Hey everyone
I'm planning on moving to Indo from China when my contract expires in the summer, and wonder if you could me some suggestions of good schools. I've been teaching adults, but wouldn't mind a job with younger kids either as opposed to teens). Are there even many adult teaching jobs available? I've searched the site but posts are quite old that I've seen, and I know times change.
Oh, also, everyone seems to say that being a single bule (foreigner?) is heaven in Indo.. But.. Isn't it very Islamic?! Maybe not as strict as other countries I've been to.
And finally, is it true you can only get scooters, or bikes under 250cc? I'd love a 400 at some point.........
Anyway, thanks a lot for any help

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

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

Have just sent you a PM about schools in Medan. Sorry, don't know anything about motorbikes - as have only been on one once in my entire life and that was to travel about half a kilometre! Malu is better qualified to give advice in that area. However, the social scene here in Medan seems to be quite lively at the moment, although, being somewhat antisocial and lazy, I don't participate much myself. This city has certainly changed over the past few years and is definitely a much livelier place than it was. That being said, it obviously can't compete with places such as Jakarta.

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

I've never lived there, just visited, but Medan seems quite a liveable kind of place. Years ago it had a reputation as a bit of a dump but that wasn't my experience. I found plenty of good eateries and things to do. Also Penang and KL are a short flight away. Would rather live there than urban Jakarta.

I used to live in Padang and I have a lot of love for W Sumatra but I found I needed my Bahasa Indonesia there as few people can speak English.

mistermark · Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 21

ok guys thanks a lot. medan hey? But none of you live in Sumatra? (Phis?)yeah it sounds pretty cool, and probably less polluted than jakarta? but was also thinking somewhere maybe an hour or two from jakarta, so i can go in when i want to.. Bandung? Cilacap? Sorry it's off-topic... and thanks Phis for the PM (will read it now)
and thanks for the bike info.. <250 sounds ok yeah

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

I live in Sumatera- Bengkulu to be exact. Not sure what the situation is for getting hired, as I am on a government sponsored program, but they LOVE native speakers! You might could land a job at a uni fairly easily...there are also a few conversation schools in town where you could perhaps have the opportunity to teach both adults and kids.

I'm sort of in the middle of nowhere and one of very few bules in town, but there's an airport here and it only takes about an hour to get to Jakarta (as long as the flights are on time! Laughing

). As for dating, hasn't happened for me- I'm taking the year off and not by choice!

mistermark · Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 21

I'd not thought of Uni teaching over there.. Anyone know if they are as badly paid as in many countries for ESL teachers?
Maybe a medium-sized city would suit me if there are a few bules around and the locals are friendly.. and not too farfrom a decent beach or two. Waiting for the LP!

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

I asked someone at my uni about hiring native speakers. I was told they wouldn't really bother with it unless that teacher was willing to work for about the same wages as a local...which would NEVER happen because I think they only make around 12 million a year, if even.

The beaches here are really nice though and the locals are friendly. I've met a few other bules who are starting a school here and they told me there are others- I just live on the opposite side of town from them all, so that's why I never see them! There's also decent shopping and some good restaurants- all local, but still very good food.

You would probably be better off try try one of the more "urban" areas of Sumatera like Palembang or Medan if you want more of a bule scene and better money. I think Medan is the nicer of the two.

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

Sorry, I was a bit unclear re location in my response. Medan is in North Sumatera. It's a 55 minute flight to Kuala Lumpur, and a little more to Singapore (for holiday purposes). You can also fly to Jakarta in approx. 2 hours. Lots of other interesting places on the doorstep too. Lake Toba, Bukit Lawang and Brestagi, to name just three.

I'm afraid I don't know much about other areas of Sumatera Island for work purposes, but other people will be able to fill you in.

mistermark · Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 21

one things is for sure - you seem like a friendly bunch of bules on this forum!
Begkulu sounds interesting too... But Medan seems to be getting the most votes on Sumatera. Actually I'm not that sure whether I need a big bule scene- in China I spend most of my time with Chinese people... But it can be good to have the option I suppose.
Is it super hot? I lived in south Thailand for 6 months and just about got used to it!
Thanks to all of you