Job Discussion Forums

Zoe Schoon · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: London

Hi everybody

I've just accepted my first teaching post ever with English First, Jakarta. Does anybody have any experience of their teacher accommodation they could tell me about? THe guy at the school said it had a tendency to be a bit like STudent halls of residence, which scared me somewhat given that I am 34!!! I want a bit of partying, sure, but not all night, every night! THey do offer some assistance with finding your own accommodation which may be what I have to do, but does anybody have any experience with this at all? IE, do they offer enough to actually find somewhere to live? Any guidance gratefully received!

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

EF schools are franchise businesses and within Jakarta there are a number of different franchises, which vary quite a lot. If you could tell us which EF school in Jakarta then that would help.

Zoe Schoon · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: London

Thanks for coming back to me so quickly! Its the Big Durian - central, central Jakarta.....

ljb · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 41

Hi

I have experience of EF housing and I think you will need to make your mind up when you get there. I have known groups of lovely people who respect each other and give each other space and privacy and I have known other houses who work hard towards the party culture.

I always chose not to live in shared housing here in Jakarta as I knew by experience that it was not for me but it is a good option for a short time to get to know people, places etc. A Kos can be a little lonesome while settling into Jakarta unless used to and happy within your own space.

But yes some houses can be likened to student houses, which for some are a perfect welcome into Jakarta.

See what you feel and know that the option to move out is available and I am sure the school will support you to do this.

Good luck

ljb · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 41

A Kos is a room in a large house and I am sure that most EF schools pay enough for you to rent somewhere that you can feel comfortable in. I and many teachers from this EF have lived hapilly in a Kos. The prices range from 500,000 to 2 million depending on quality and facilities.

If you want more info on Kos there are lots of threads on here discussing the best places to look.

Hope it works out for you.

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

valleyninja · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 11

Hi Zoe,

I read your post and the replies with interest, as I'm in a similar situation. I start work with EF Swara in Jarkarta in January, and being a similar age to yourself I share some of your concerns over the housing. Maybe we could compare notes on anything we've found?

Alex

valleyninja · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 11

Found some info here: http://www.rumah123.com/

and here: http://www.infokost.net/

MrMrLuckyKhan · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject: JAK HOUSING

Zorobabel · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 82

Didn't live in it, but the EF Tebet housing was clean and fairly well-maintained.

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

I have lived in 4 different EF Jakarta teachers houses and I found them to be comfortable and simple to live in. The best thing was the social and friendly atmosphere. I had great company and shared a lot of time with the other teachers in the houses.
All the houses were close to the schools and there was plenty to do around them.
If you know where you are going why not ask someone at the school to send you some photos of the place you are moving into. In my experience new teachers have appreciated that as it calms the worries about where they will live.

valleyninja · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 11

Another link: http://www.expat.or.id/info/housingforum.html