Job Discussion Forums

[Bradt]

I'm considering coming to Indonesia in March 2010, to teach, when my current contract ends. I am 54, have a BA, TESOL Cert. and 3 years experience at both government and International schools in Thailand. I will be 55 when I arrive and I've read that the may, or may not be a problem. I have been looking at a few job ads and there seems to be a 50-55 year cut-off for applying. I applied for one and they said "too old". Is it better to try for jobs thru recruiters, schools or would I be better off to show up with CV in hand?
Cheers

[malu]

The official age limit for a native speaker English teacher is 60.

[spunkmonkey]

55

Anything over that and you may get hired but you, perhaps, won't get medical.

[Bradt]

Thanks guys for the input. If there is no medical I suppose I could get my own, which is what I have to do in Thailand.

[Elkythedogsperson]

Malu and spunkmonkey, you've kinda muddied the waters with conflicting answers. So is 60 is the legal age per immigration for a KITAS, but 55 per most schools which provide insurance?

I hit 50 in December...how many years do I have left legally?

Yah, I know, should just check myself (and i will) but we know how long it can take to get a straight answer over here sometimes.

[ljb]

I think I have mentioned this on a previous thread about a similar issue, our oldest teacher worked here happily for two years before moving to another job in a much smaller city, at aged 75. He had no issues with his KITAS but the medical wouldn't cover him at such an age.

Hope that's encouraging.

[Bradt]

Thanks ljb,
It's good to hear that age is not too much of a hindrance, but what about "first-time" hires? I saw that Taiwan will let you work to 60+, but won't take first-timers at 55. Is that common in Indonesia, too?

[malu]

[stoneytroll]

sorry oot.

@malu: are you still in indonesia? we worked together briefly at SL awhile ago. i am going back to indonesia in about a month, and would love to get in touch with you!

[Imdramayu]

I'd encourage teachers to make their way to the Gulf just before they hit 60. There are a few universities here that will hire someone below 60 and won't bump him off once he hits 60. But they wouldn't hire anyone who has already hit 60.

BTW, what's going on with "Invalid Session. Please resubmit the form."? I've tried to submit this message 5 times so far.

Cheers.

[dismus]

I'm 58 and sent an application to EF in Indonesia and was told that they only take people up to 50 years of age. I wrote back asking if this was the case for Indonesia as a whole and not just EF. The reply confirmed that this was, indeed, the case for Indonesia as a whole. The reply ended with the warning:

"Certain institutions may offer candidates employment over this, but we advise to seriously consider this due to the ramifications and trauma this may result in (detention and or deportation)."

Interesting?

[Elkythedogsperson]

Very interesting Dismus.

I'm 49 and EF is dragging their feet on if I'm to be offered a renewal come January. No reasons have been given to me.

Were your communications with a specific EF school (franchise) or EF Indoensia overall?

I can say that I have met other ex-pat teachers over 50 working at other schools here in Bandung.

[Ozindo]

My understanding is that there is an official age limit, but exceptions are made in certain cases. Each of these cases is treated on an individual basis and a decision is made by the local head in immigration/manpower; sometimes a consultation with Jkt personnel also takes place.
Its the same in other countries. My country of origin has a policy on who is granted visas, but the relevant minsters can grant a visa is exceptional circumstances.

[dismus]

Elkythedogsperson

I believe it was EF Indonesia and not a specific school.