Hi,

I'm very new to TEFL, just getting through my 140 hour course. I haven't done so much work since my dissertation!

The one place in the world I have always wanted to go is Bali, so when I heard about TEFL through a friend who did it in South Korea I had to jump at the chance. But when I purchased the course I wasn't told until a later phone call that TEFL doesn't actually sort out placements in Bali, but they have provided me with a lot of different agencies to enquire with.

All I'm wanting is a bit of advice from anyone who has been there or who may be looking to head in the same direction...

Thanks

Nikky

Hi Nikky,

I'm also looking to teach in Bali or Lombok, have you had any joy? There's a few contacts in the database but a lot of them have old e-mail addresses or just phone numbers.

EF First seem to have schools all over Indonesia, I've sent them an e-mail asking where exactly as I don't want to work in Jakarta.

I've been to Indonesia 3 times in the last 2 years, absolutely love it. You'll be fine in Bali, if you started in Kuta everyone speaks English and it's very touristy. Ubud is nice but still very touristy and quite busy (I was there in April last year), I haven't been much further on the island, but the people are lovely so you'll have a great time.

When are you thinking of going? I'm going at the end of Dec...should probably start looking harder!

Lorna

Thanks Lorna,

I'm very jealous that you've visited Indonesia so many times.

I phoned TEFL and they said I have to complete at least 120 hours of my 140 hour course before I can start applying for jobs. Is there any reason why you don't want to go to Jakarta, or is it just not somewhere that you fancied going?

I'm hoping to go around January - February time. Are you going for the full year?

Nikky

Hi Nikky, 

I didn't realise you had to study a certain amount before applying for jobs, that's annoying. I've done 100 hours so not much more to go! I'm not really sure if I want to go for a year or not...I would just be concerned about signing up for a year and then not enjoying it...and I'm planning on going to Australia straight after to work there!

I've been to Jakarta before, it's very built up and polluted and busy! I'm hoping for a more rural area to teach (like Bali), although that is looking less and less likely!

Have you had a look at any of the TEFL job websites, I'm not really having much luck! How are your plans going?

Lorna

Hi girls, 

I was just wondering whether you already arrived on Bali? Have you started working as a TEFL? I'm very curious about your experiences. I'm coming to Bali mid March this year... in one month that is. 

Cheers, Karolina

Hi all, Michelle here.  Sorry took so long to reply, have been out of action health-wise and unable to get to a computer.  As for Indonesia, has anyone tried contacting the language schools in Jogjakarta, the old/original cultural city, which has ?2-3 universities?  There are a number of language schools there which teach English to locals(and others too) as well as offer Indonesian language to foreigners(that's us).  Jakarta is very polluted and overpopulated and so slow to get anywhere due to traffic congestion and is also quite expensive in all the 'living costs' areas.  Bali is wonderful, much slower and very friendly locals, an idea re this area is to try the local orphanages, always looking for assistance but not sure if many paid positions available. Medan is also another university town (on the island of Java, just like Jakarta and Jogjakarta) with lots of language schools-just a thought.  Due to illness, havent got far with my 140hour course, but hope to get back into it soon and maybe able to aim for later this year with the travel side of things.  Thanks to you all for contacting/replying, please keep it up,   ta     Michelle

I've been in Jakarta for just over two weeks now and it's been a massive adjustment. I'm working for a company called English First that have ten schools in and around the city. I'm at Tanjung Duren which is quite centralised.

Like Michelle said, the traffic is bad and the city is quite dirty but the locals are unbelievably kind and everything is very cheap. There are two huge malls right near my house that provide a bit of Western escapism when I need it. 

I've arrived as the majority of teachers at this school are leaving (many of which have been here for FOUR years, which I think says a lot for the school and area), so my school is actually looking for new staff in the next month or so. If you're interested visit efjakarta.com and email HRD manager Gusti. You can say you spoke to me if you like what you see on the website.

This weekend is my first trip away from the city, we're going to a villa in the mountains, then to Thousand Islands next weekend. I think Jakarta is what you make of it.

Best of luck

Nicola

Heyyy, what vaccinations etc did u need for Indo? Did u need to buy a load of malaria tablets etc? If so was it costly?

Thanks,

Zoe