Job Discussion Forums

[burngirl]

I'm not sure about visa or entry requirements just yet, but here is what I'd ideally like to do. Can you tell me whether it's feasible, or offer advice on what might be a better course of action?

I'd like to teach in Indonesia. However it's really important to me to make sure that 1) I work in a school with a decent environment, and 2) where I live must be pleasant as well. Entirely subjective. But I'm thinking that the big cities won't work for me, and I might be better to explore some smaller, less crowded/polluted areas.

So I'm thinking of coming to Indonesia and traveling around the country a bit, doing some job interviews, and then seeing if anything fits.

Is it better to be hired out of the country? (i.e. should I then leave Indonesia, and arrange to start at the school a month or two later?)

While I've got your attention, could you also tell me your 5 best recommendations for cities to live and work in? Keeping in mind that I'm not a big fan of concrete jungles

Thanks so much!

[burngirl]

By the way, here are my qualifications: a 4-year degree from a Canadian university (B.A. English), a 100 hour certificate in TESOL with about 30 hours of observed teaching, and a year of experience teaching elementary and middle school aged kids.

[Vertumnus]

Based on your qualifications, you can qualify for lots of jobs.

If you don't like concrete jungles, you're best off avoiding metro Jakarta (Bogor, Tanggerang, Bekasi, Depok), Surabaya (although the mayor has been renovating it with lots of gardens and parks), Bandung (although some of it is quite green), Kuta/Denpasar, Medan, Jogjakarta (although outlying areas are quite nice, and there are lots of touristy things/places), and Semarang (although some of it is quite green)

I guess it depends on how much concrete you can tolerate. Some of the above places are not too bad!

Also, Makassar, Padang, Palembang, Lampung, Jambi, Pontianak, Jayapura, Batam, Banjarmasiin, Manado, and most of the other capitol cities. It may vary from capitol to capitol, and it was suggested by a local co-worker, so you might find some acceptable. If you want to be out of the way, try E. Java, Aceh, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Lombok, East Nusa Tenggara, the Moluccas, some parts of Papua and some parts of Sumatra.

The whole idea of doing the tourist thing and simultaneously searching for work is fine, although I suggest you research first on job websites like here before you come. Then you can get an idea, for each area, of what you're worth and what the big schools are offering. Thus, you'll be less likely of being ripped off.

Also, check out www.expat.or.id for info. You'll be able to ask for lots of info on their forums, too, and they have lists of national plus and international schools (although incomplete and, supposedly, only by recommendation of parents - parents are a questionable resource).

Once you come here, get a visa on arrival (30 days) or a tourist visa (get it in advance from the Indonesian embassy). Make it clear that you do not live here and that, if they want you, they'll have to bring you into the country after you finish your vacation. Expats who live here tend to get a different deal than those from overseas, and those who have become citizens tend to get the worst deals.

Please clearly state your expectations for salary, benefits and job description.

I hope that helps.

-D

[raven_sable]

I should give you a quick warning. A friend has done this - came on a tourist visa, traveled and got interviews, then went out and back in to start work. Immigration at Jakarta stopped her and gave her a lot of awkward questions (basically looking for a bribe). Just don't give immigration any idea your coming back when you leave Indonesia on a tourist visa.