A Guide to Teaching English in Indonesia
Although it's perhaps not an obvious choice, Indonesia has become one of the major players in the TEFL jobs market in Asia. It's the fourth most populous nation on the planet, so there are lots of potential students. The demand is mainly driven by the oil business in cities such as Jakarta and Bandung and by tourism in places like Bali and Sumatra.
TEFL Opportunities in Indonesia
The sheer number of Indonesians looking to learn English means there is always a considerable demand for people with a TEFL certificate. A degree is required in order to obtain a work visa and can help you when applying for the better paid TEFL jobs. You'll need to be a native English speaker in order to get a work permit, but many schools will help you with the application process.
TEFL Hotspots in Indonesia
These are our top three TEFL destinations in Indonesia. They all offer plenty of TEFL jobs and opportunities to teach English, but that's where the similarities end.
TEFL Jobs in Jakarta
Jakarta is Indonesia's huge, frenetic capital and the first stop for many people looking to teach English in Indonesia. It is the country's financial, commercial and political centre and the demand for English teachers is huge.
TEFL Jobs in Bali
Bali is one of the planet's top travel destinations, and where tourism leads, English language schools follow. By teaching English in Bali, you'll get to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and fund your travels around the archipelago.
TEFL Jobs in Yogyakarta
Situated in Java, Yogyakarta is the center for traditional Javanese art and culture. It is also a centre for higher education and offers plentiful opportunities for TEFL teaching.
Wages and Cost of Living
How much you can earn varies depending on where you teach in Indonesia and who you work for. However, experienced TEFL teachers can earn anything up to 10million rupiah a month (around US$1,100) and the low cost of living means you'll be able to live very comfortably.
Talk Indonesia - Join in the conversation...
Indonesia Recent discussions
- EF Pamulang Hire
Created about 1 month ago
Good day, EF Pamulang is looking for a local (Indonesian) English teacher for a full time position. We are located in...
- applying for a teaching position in Indonesia
Created about 1 month ago
Hi Sheelah, I have just signed up and am starting the 140 hour course and would like to know anything...
- Meet Paula...
Created about 1 month ago
Hi guys!Why not read up on Irish TEFLer Paula and her adventures working in Indonesia! (She even became a television...
- EF & Jakarta
Created about 1 month ago
Thank you for the links. I actually have a telephone interview arranged with EF for one of their Jakarta schools or...
- NEED A DEGREE FOR INDONESIA??
Created 3 months ago
I believe you need a degree for visa purposes. However, you can try China, Spain, Taiwan, and parts of Eastern...
Recent journals
- Changing Lives with Language
Posted 09 Feb 2012
We all know there’s a huge worldwide demand for TEFL teachers and it’s increasingly apparent that the thirst for English...
- Aloha
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Alooooooha! Kara I just wanted to write you an email and let you know I PASSED! YIIIPPIIIIEEE!!And to thank you personally...
- Age is a Concern
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Can anyone give me some idea what the chances are of working in Europe or Asia beyond the age of...
- friends?????
Posted 09 Feb 2012
why can't I see my friends when I go to view my friends??Can any one help?????
- Day 11: Everyone should get a massage in China at least once
Posted 09 Feb 2012
I decided to indulge myself and get a backrub. They are very cheap here and I had heard good things....



