Job Discussion Forums

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

Hi everyone,

Okay, so I've spent the last few days reading old posts here, and I've decided that I'd like to move to Indonesia. But I have questions! (Sorry in advance for long post/lots of questions.)

Background info: I am 18 but have completed my first year of university (Journalism and Linguistics) at a "prestigious" Canadian university. I am not returning to school next year (taking a year off). My basic plan is to get my CELTA this summer, and move to Indonesia in August or September for a year to teach. I have pretty extensive experience and solid references working with children, and especially non-English-speaking children, as well as a little volunteer TEFL work. I'm hoping that that, combined with the fact that I've had my writing published in American and Canadian magazines, combined with a CELTA, will qualify me for work, at least at EF if not better.

So my questions:

1) I hear employers are getting a little more demanding. I don't have a complete college degree - will I be able to find any work? Am I looking at EF, or can I do better?

2) Given the job market, am I better to try and secure work from here,
or will there probably be plenty of jobs when I get there?

3) How much does it matter which month I go in (August or September)? I'd rather go in September.

4) Whereabouts would I fit in? Am I looking for a very entry-level job, or do my CELTA and publication credits move me up to TBI levels?

5) I'm considering Bandung, Surabaya and Jakarta. Anyone in any of those areas have a sense of salary/living conditions for someone of my description? Where am I most likely to find work? I'm pretty low-maintenance, planning to live and eat locally as much as possible, so I'm looking for a good life more than the best wages.

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. Sorry to hassle you wonderful people so much; it's a big step to buy that $1900 plane ticket.

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

You'd best first check work visa requirements; I believe a degree is needed and that you fall under the minimum age for the granting of a work visa. Search some past threads or the Indonesian government website.

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

Might be a good idea to contact the embassy in Jakarta, but I'm sure someone conversant with this will give you an answer soon.

It's been quite a while since I taught in Indonesia, so I'm not up on the current work visa situation. However, I remain under the impression that an undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement for obtaining a work visa, and that there may also be a minimum age requirement...

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

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

You cannot get a work permit as a native speaker English teacher (or any other kind of teacher for that matter) at age 18.

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

Elkythedogsperson · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 2:09 am Post subject:

visually--

malu is a reputable source. But it is the school that runs interference with immigration. If the school likes your experience and enthusiasm, they might take you on.

As for question 2, NO!!! don't show up and think you will be able to get a job for only a year with no previous experience in country. You'll be hurting.

What I would suggest with your strategy, which I think is a good one, is write a cover letter describing what your goals are as in the original post and send out your CV to any and all schools. Do this now; work ahead. The schools are the ones who deal with the immigration office, so if they are reputable and will take you on, you will be covered. Just be careful so your first experience isn't a bad one.

EF isn't so bad, especially as a place to get started for your first year before returning to your studies..

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

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

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

I won't name my school here but I work for a grade school rather than a language school (though most regs for native speaker language teachers are common to both).

Of course, this is Indonesia and many rules and regs can be... erm... 'adapted' subsequent to the giving of gifts to the appropriate official and it is true that you may find teachers under 25 or over 60 working quite happily in various schools. However, no employer will stuff little brown envelopes with dollar bills in order to recruit candidates that don't possess some special experience or skills. At best you would be able to offer no more than a 26 yr old with a CELTA who would be much cheaper and easier to employ.

visually · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 6

Atoms for Peace · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: NKRI

In case you didn't know, you can do the CELTA in Indonesia. TBI run several courses a year in Jakarta. Being in Indonesia with a CELTA would make you much more attractive as a possible teacher because many schools here like to interview face to face.

Kanga · Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Indonesia

You're right, employers are getting a little more choosy. Teachers seem to have discovered that Indonesia's not a bad option for the long term. The age limit for teachers here IS above 25. Mind you, there does seem to be an element of bureaucratic flexibility in it's application... Still, best to try from home rather than risk your fortune, not to mention disappointment, by coming to Indonesia first. Try Googling for schools in smaller towns might offer a better outcome than more competitive places such as Surabaya and Jakarta.

markustm · Joined: 15 Mar 2010 Posts: 95

Indonesia is a great long term option for teachers, despite the fact that the market itself is not flooded with English schools who hire expatriates. Compared to many Countries in Asia, the teacher- school ratio is currently over-saturated.

My best advice would be to contact schools outside Jakarta, as the majority of teachers prefer working in the capital. Personally, I prefer to work outside Jakarta, and found that salaries are the same. Often the lifestyle is better because its easier to travel around.

Try Medan, some other Sumatran cities or even central Java. Schools in Bekasi and Tangerang, may also hire you, as they tend to find it difficult recruiting teachers.

Do not waste your money coming over, unless you have savings, and want to take a chance, whilst traveling around. Otherwise try China, its much easier to get a job there.