Job Discussion Forums

kparise · Joined: 06 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Hello all! So I've read through a lot of the posts regarding EF and it has gotten me pretty worried (rightfully so). I just had a phone interview with a representative from EF Jakarta and the jobs sounds really exciting and the team of teachers sound really cool and laid back. I'm worried that living in Jakarta is not quite what I'm looking for and seems extremely overwhelming to me. Does anyone have any advice of other language schools that might have a better reputation? I've heard that TBI is really good, but I do not have a TEFL (would do the online TEFL for EF) yet and I'm not sure if I want to spend the money. I have my B.A. and will have my M.A. in May. I want to travel in September 2009. If TBI is definitely my best bet, what is the best deal for a TEFL course? Please help, I'm stuck!!! Smile

Thanks

Lauren

ljb · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 41

Hi

I think you need to think carefully about your future in ESL and how far an internet qualification will take you. Do you plan to only teach in Indonesia or do you want to teach and travel? If you want to travel, it may be an idea to research other countries and see what their requirements are before you make a decision on what to spend your time and money on. I know a couple of teachers with an internet qualification and degree who are finding it very hard to get employment in another country, the reason for rejection being cited is their ESL qualification.

If, however you want to be in Indonesia only, then I suggest you think about where you want to be working in a few years time. If the jobs you want are at the higher end of the market then it would be worth ensuring your qualification is the least that is required, it may be that working in a National Plus school requires the full ESL course and they don't recognise the on line cert.

I would also not disregard EF. Yes there has been plenty of negativity surrounding EF schools but they are also a great place to get your foot in the door and work on your teaching skills whilst you work out your next move. I know plenty of people who are happy in their positions at EF and have moved on to other jobs within Jakarta based on their experience at EF.

Good luck

Chancellor

ljb · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 41

Hi Lauren

I am inclined to agree with the Chancellor.

We have just had a new teacher arrive and she has completed online modules but she also attended a 20 hour weekend intensive training course. She has had teaching practice, albeit less than the usual month long intensive course, she still has a good base to develop from.

Our school offers training and development, including the allocation of a mentor to new teachers so she will soon be able to start putting her theory into pratice with full support. It's a win win situation.

For the right person, who is able to be self motivated and put theory into practice I feel on line courses are a positive step forward, not to mention those with children or work commitments where giving up work and studying for a month is not an option.

Vertumnus · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 142 Location: Indonesia

Good advice from the others, especially if you eventually want to work in another country. Indonesia's very flexible (ie: corrupt), so you can get a job with absolutely no relevant experience or education as long as you don't show up to the interviews/trials drunk, high or dead, and perform passably. Wink

If you are interested in living in the Metro Jakarta area, you could try Fasih Berbahasa Inggris (FBI) in Kemang Pratama housing complex, Bekasi. You can get into Jakarta from near there by taking a regular-sized bus for Rp 5000 or so.

If you can tell us where else you might want to work, we can give other suggestions.

-D

raven_sable · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

The posts about EF are all coming from people with personal issues (read they got fired and have an axe to grind.) EF is a large company ran under various franchises and I am not getting into the ins and outs of each one.
If you find a school that works for you then its all good.

Jakarta isnt that bad, and it is a good base from which to travel around Indonesia. As long as you have a degree you can find employment. If you want to travel then come to indonesia, do the job for 12 months and enjoy it. If you have decided that you want to go into teaching full time then you can get certified then. You will find the TESL course a lot easier with experience, and you'll know that you want to do the job.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject:

Vertumnus · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 142 Location: Indonesia

Vertumnus · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 142 Location: Indonesia

raven_sable · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Generalization possibly. There are however a small number of people on here being negative for the sake of a cheap pop at the company that got rid of them.

I can't speak for all of the EF's but as far as in it for the money goes, it is an international business. Take any large school (Wall street, London institute, etc), the main objective is to make money. Individuals in the schools can, and in most cases will care for the students, especialy the DoS's. There are some aspects of the company that I do not like but these are outweighed by my salary, and the atmosphere in the school.

Also, to talk about EF is general, there are a number of groups within Jakarta. Yes the salaries differ, but even the lowest paid aslary is enough for a very comfortable life.

Vertimus, I wouldn't expect to be given a house at no charge. In the same way I would expect to pay utility bills on that property. Apart from that you do make a good point. A franchised business, however, will always depend on the owner. The materials may be the same but there are a number of different EF's in Jakarta, some better than others, all of which have been discussed in various threads.

Cohiak · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 2

Hey Lauren, I am in exactly the same boat you are in right now, BA and about ready to have an interview with EF early next week, and have heard a few weird things about them, particularly the pay. I wanted to ask you how the interview went and what you thought. I contacted TBI earlier today and am hoping to hear from them soon, that sounds like a much better place to work, and with the CELTA which is required with them, it is better than TEFL or anything other basic certification. anyways i was going to email you but i haven't made 50 posts on this site yet, email me at [email protected] if you aren't too busy and don't mind comparing notes. thanks!
tyler