Indonesian brothers and sisters.

[Skillganon]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb,

I am considering an career as an English teacher, basicly teaching English as a foreign language.

I am new to this business and I would like feedback from brothers and sisters from that part of the region on the prospect of teaching there and the pros and cons.
Also where would you advice to apply or not? e.g. Jakarta or Surayba. Do you have any suggestions? Basicly any advice to a prospective employee, anything to watch out for?

It would be nice if you have any Institute in mind who are looking for English Teachers?

Jazak Allah khair.

[ardianto]

Wa'alaikumsalam, brother.

If you want to work in Indonesia as English teacher, at first you must have working visa. For further information about working visa, you can visit Indonesian Embassy for UK in :

38 Grosvenor Square. London W1K 2HW. Phn. +4420 7499 7661. Fax. +44 207 491 4993

Website : http://www.indonesianembassy.org.uk/


I'll be back later with other information.

[Skillganon]

Jazak Allah Khair brother,

Thanks for the info so far. I am in the process of applying, what I need is your local knowledge and experience, what to expect, institutes that I should steer clear off.

If you know or aware of any institute that is need of teachers and are reputable in their dealing with foreigners, than I would greatly appreciate your recommendation and your advice.

[Ramadhan]

The fastest way to get a job as english teacher in Indonesia is through "English First". http://www.englishfirst.com/index.html
I have several friends from the US and UK who went to Indonesia based on the offer from EF. They don't pay a lot but they provide you with housing accommodation, sponsor your work visa, etc. And when you get here, and not finding work with EF satisfactory, you can always try to find other work as english instructor. Just contact them online. Usually they will offer you the job before they sponsor your work visa.
Because of the drive for development and to "internationalize" Indonesia, the demand for qualified native english instructors is high, and I don't think you will find any difficulties whatsoever in finding good job as english teacher.

Jakarta is a big big city, I live in the city, and if you don't like extremely big city, Jakarta can be overwhelming and stressful. A good thing is there's always something interesting and fascinating to see and experience in Jakarta and you quite possibly can find anything you ever need in Jakarta, but that can also be a negative as well.
Surabaya is the second biggest city, it is very big city in its own right (population approx. 5 millions), nowhere as huge as Jakarta, but still very big. I spent much of my childhood there, and obviously I love the city. In my opinion, it has good combinatiosn of all the perks and pluses of a big city while still somewhat maintaining an order of a smallish community.

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[ardianto]

Bro Ramadhan is right. EF (English First) is the fastest way to get a job as English teacher. EF has many branches and many Native English speaker teachers who teach not only in their classrooms but also in offices companies.

I am not familiar with English course. Maybe bro Ramadhan can add other English courses on the list ?

[Skillganon]

I am bit blown by the contract hours, 40 hours which includes 24 contact hours. Sorry no offense but you got to be crazy to do 40, it's a good way to wear yourself down. (Something I have been advised against).
If anyone has contact with actual schools that are need of teachers and are willing to offer a reasonable contract (hours, accomadation, e.t.c.) I would be interested.

Thanks brother Ramadhan and Ardianto for all your input.

[Skillganon]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb.

One more question brothers and sisters how safe is it in Indonesia for a foreigner?

[Ramadhan]

:sl:

Indonesia is very very safe for all foreigners. Of course there are criminals like there are everywhere in the world.
In general though, the people are very friendly, especially towards foreigners, and I don't say this because I am an Indonesian. My foreign friends who have been staying here for years told me this. Foreigners are seen as guests, so religion (islam) and culture have conditioned us to treat foreigners in good manners, and sometimes even borderline reverse discrimination (yes, I have complained to my fellow Indonesians who treated foreigners better than fellow countrymen).
Because there are so many people living in an island of Java (maybe around 150 millions in the size of new england and new york state), we have learnt for hundreds of years to live together without much friction.

My advice is: wherever you live, even in big cities like Jakarta, try to get to know your neighbors; people are still living in community-centred mindsets. People here love to talk, and sometimes it can feel intrusive especially for a westerner. For example, a cab driver would likely to struck a conversation with you asking you:
"where are you from?"
"what is you religion?"
"are you married"
"where is your wife?"
"is she pretty?"
"how many children do you have?"
"you're not married? why?"
"oh, you're divorced? why?"

So don't be surprised, this is a common conversation between two complete strangers :)

And don't forget, you have a bonus point: you are a muslim.

[Skillganon]

Thanks brother Ramadhan. One of the reason I chose Indonesia as my destination spot is because I am a Muslim and it would be easier for me, and not to forget Indonesia is such a beautiful country. I don't mind the intrusive and curious behaviour of the local, it would be a welcome change from the cold and stark indifference of Londoners.

I am now looking for a position as an English teacher. I've applied through EF about few days ago, haven't heard from them as of yet. Fingers crossed.
I don't if this is an issue but I heard that the immigration has tighten their rules and now you need an English Degree to enter.
MY degree is not in the English as a subject but I do have a Trinity CertTESOL (similar to CELTA). What do you thing would be the best recourse for me?