Job Discussion Forums

clifton10 · Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Jakarta

Hello there; I've been reading the posting Another New Guy... and am in the same situation myself. But first...
Let me tell you about myself.
I am a 50 year old American(who uses British English), received my TESOL two years ago and have a Bachelors degree in Home Economics(with courses in Food Science and Human Nutrition). Anyway, a few weeks ago, I was offered a teacher position in Indo and they told me they need two months to get the KITAS organised. I've accepted the position. But after what Durian Tango said. I have to wonder.
Also, I am looking at teaching positions in Turkey, with an invite for a telephone interview with one of the schools there. Anyway, I am VERY iffy about my being approved for the KITAS. Any suggestions or comments would be great. Cheers from clifton 10 at Bangkok airport.

Durian Tango · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Posts: 65 Location: HCMC

Hi Clifton10,

I'm sorry to have rained on your parade, my only goal is to make sure that newly arriving teachers are fully aware of the work situations they are getting into. Perhaps some schools can somehow legally skirt the new regulations, but I really have no knowledge on that. What I do think is that it would be prudent for all teachers, who don't meet the regulations but are still offered jobs, to put the question point blank to their new employer: if I don't meet the regulations, how are you able to legally hire me? Are you legally hiring me?

If they don't have a good answer, then you may be putting yourself at risk.

It may not be a big deal if you are only planning to come work for one year and leave and don't plan to settle down with a girlfriend or wife here. Because if it turns out you are employed illegally and you get booted, then no harm done (relatively speaking). But if you plan to settle here for awhile and you think you may be on a visa which is not legitimate, then you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

I know that there are loads of teachers working in Indonesia on visas that have been procured through various means not entirely legal and probably 95% of them will never have a problem. It's all about weighing the risk.

The only hope we have is that the government wakes up soon and loosens up on the regulations so a BA/BS is required, but not in a particular field.

We need to see a serious uprising from the management of English schools across Indonesia to make it clear that these regulations are hurting the economy by restricting business and indeed choking it off in some areas. Where are the English school owners and why aren't they speaking out? When will the media pick up on this and get the story out? When will the government realize that by restricting new teachers so tightly they will only drive the process underground and force schools to use unscrupulous ways of bringing on new teachers?

Interesting times still to come...

clifton10 · Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Jakarta

No, not at all. It's just that I am concerned with the regulations and how strict that Indo MIGHT be in enforcing them. I'm planning to stay in Indo for no more than two years and I have no wife or girlfriend to settle down with in Indo. I don't the Indo government changing the regulations anytime soon. Meanwhile, all I can do is wait and find out what the school has to say; in terms of whether I or not I am granted a KITAS. Indo would be a great place to live and work if I'm considered 'legal' by the powers who grant teachers the KITAS golden ticket.

Meanwhile, I will just concentrate on my applications for Turkey.

Will keep you posted on my Indonesian visa status.

Cheers.

Durian Tango · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Posts: 65 Location: HCMC

Good luck and do keep us posted.

I must say, having spent a bit of time in Turkey it certainly is a wonderful second option. Obviously very different to Indonesia, but really an incredible country. If I weren't here, I would be in Turkey.

That being said, you can't beat Indonesia. This country is ridiculously awesome and I really can't get enough of it. I've been here for a number of years now and, although I travel constantly and have explored extensively, I have really barely begun to explore all 17,000 islands. In fact, if you consider I've been to perhaps 30 islands total, that leaves 16,970 to go (though a few might disappear due to climate change).

Just Java alone has more to do on it then most could get to in a lifetime.

I better run off and buy my next plane ticket...