03/13/2008
Jakarta? Where? Indonesia?! This almost universal reaction from family and friends is enough to deter most people, but I’d like to help you understand why choosing to come here could be well worth considering before you “click” over to Thailand, China, or…
First, I should tell you why my opinion is pertinent. I’m a 41 year old Englishman with over 11 years teaching experience in various countries in Asia, South America, and North America, in numerous schools & institutions. I’m currently in my third year here at EF Central Jakarta. Most of the teaching I do is Corporate, in-house. I’m not in a management position and this is not a “paid endorsement” :-)
However, I firmly place EF Central Jakarta in the top 25 percent of the places I have worked, so I am going to focus on the school and professional considerations before opening your eyes to Indonesia.
The two biggest plus points are: the positive attitudes of the guys in charge, and the variety of classes available. The Directors of Studies, Senior Teachers and HR are all native speaking teachers themselves, so they understand the job. Their focus is to help, listen and try to improve and encourage us to perform better, raise the reputation of the school, and generally keep everything hunky- dory. I don’t envy them one bit. An English Language school is a business and the purpose of a business is to make as much money as possible, so inevitably there are some conflicts of interest between educational needs and business needs. But, they are approachable, genuinely interested in improving teacher’s abilities, materials, student development and ironing out glitches. When I offer alternatives and solutions (as opposed to simply whining) I am usually met with an open ear. There is an easy going atmosphere sense of team work, supportive nature that engenders the feeling of working with, rather than for, the bosses.
We often have to rotate courses and share classes because the nature of scheduling and teacher availability. We rely on each other, so a colleague is a colleague, is a colleague. There is no ‘us/them’ mentality.
A word about the school: aside from the modern image and layout, the things I like best are the range of extra materials, computer system, reference books, games and props. We have all the things I could ever want to supplement any syllabus. In addition, on any given afternoon there are twenty other teachers talking, laughing, sharing ideas and giving suggestions. This is a tremendous, additional well of resources.
Now, let’s talk about the classes. As a teacher I want to be interested, have fun and be challenged. EF Central Jakarta offers such a wide range of classes that within a year all teachers will have the opportunity to test themselves in almost any situation a teacher will ever face. Don’t be daunted by this. Your resume/CV will look so much better for it! And, it is so much more interesting. If you are already somewhat experienced or just starting out and really think teaching is for you, then I can honestly say this is where it’s at.
I would like to tell you a little about Jakarta and Indonesia. Most importantly, Indonesia is a safe and very friendly place. Indonesians are tremendously friendly, very respectful of foreigners and as an added bonus, very respectful to teachers. A simple ‘saya guru’ (I am a teacher) will always be greeted with a smile and a handshake.
I love Indonesia. Sure it is not Toronto or Brighton and it is a little dirty and shabby around the edges, the traffic is pretty bad (have you been to London lately?) and things go wrong - all normal things for a developing country. The people, culture, surfing, diving, wildlife, temples, and the landscapes are a heady mixture.
Horses for courses, I say: it is not for everyone but then again not everyone is right for Indonesia. This country needs people who have a genuine interest in teaching and is empathetic to their students. None of us at EF feel like expats. We are too closely involved and personally connected. It’s great, this job. A year here could easily become three for you – give it a try.
Stefan Farey- Teacher
