Job Discussion Forums

grumbles · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 5

Im interested in working and living in Indonesia as an English teacher, though I don't have any experience yet, I only have a bachelors degree so far. Is Indonesia a good starting place for someone new to TEFL? Also, I am only 22, is this possibly a problem in Indonesia, I'm sure I've read that employers there tend to prefer teachers that are at least 25 or so as younger teachers aren't taken so seriously.

Im considering doing a residential CELTA course to get my feet wet so to speak. Can anyone recommend a legitimate CELTA training programme in Indonesia? I've tried googling but im not sure about the sites I found. If I can't find a suitable course in Indonesia, is it just as worthwhile to do a 4 week course in say, Vietnam, then look for a job in Indonesia? Or do these courses tend to be more specific to the country they are offered in?

Cheers if you can offer any advice,
andrew

Gajah Oling · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Jawa

I think you could easily find a job in Indonesia. I think the most important thing is to make sure you want to come to Indonesia. Some people love it, some people hate it. Same goes for all countries. I first taught in Poland at a great school and HATED it. I couldn't get out of Poland fast enough. Depressing and miserable place with what I thought were awful students... And awful food. So then I went to Indonesia and worked at a terrible school, run by scoundrels and LOVED it. I loved all the teachers I worked with and pretty near loved all my students. And I love the gritty, dirty, noisy, hot, nonsensicalness of Indonesia. If you've been to Indonesia, and/or are pretty darn sure you'd like to live there (know what to expect as much as you can before you come) you'll probably do fine.

tanyakenapa · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Batavia

I started working here with no qualifications whatsoever. I've been here for 4 years now. And finally going home to Australia in July.

However I wouldn't recommend anyone work, where I work now. The management is just getting worse. I think I'm getting out at the right time.

Surprised

)

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

From what I've seen, people most often recommend you do these certifications in your own country, rather than in your destination. It's not that there aren't good programs - there are. It seems as if certs from native speaking countries (especially) are more "credible".

As for you coming to work here, give it a go. Your age and lack of credentials won't really stop you.

-D