Don't Miss Out On This Opportunity: Teach English Abroad In Beautiful Indonesia

24th May 2023

Indonesia boasts 17,000 magnificent islandsspread across the Indian Ocean, 200 active volcanoes, and over 500 widely spoken languages with a population of about 255 million. Originally known as the "Spice Island", this country hosts a lot of opportunities and adventures for TEFL aspirants. While competition can be a little high in the most sought-after and picturesque locations and it requires an impressive resume and credentials, there are also plenty of prospects available for new teachers.

If you are in search of the best TEFL jobs in this treasure trove of unique destinations, worry not as we got you covered. Here is everything you need to know regarding the credentials, visa requirements, and finances to land an ESL job in Indonesia.

Educational Requirements To Teach English In Indonesia

Education in the country is exceptionally valued and hence learning English is one of the most essential constituents of the Indonesian education system.

If you are eager to seek employment in Indonesia, you must:
 

• Have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized board or university (preferred)
• Hold citizenship from a native English-speaking country or have near-native proficiency
• Have completed a minimum of 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL course from a globally recognized institution
• Have an overall teaching experience of 5+ years (K12 schools)
• Posses a teaching license in English like B.Ed, M.Ed, or equivalent (Public institutions)
• Be willing to commit for at least a year (preferred)

Updated Visa Requirements For Teaching English In Indonesia

To legally work in Indonesia, foreign teachers must obtain the appropriate visa. The most common visa for teachers is the "KITAS" (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) or limited stay permit. This visa is sponsored by the employing institution or school. The sponsoring institution typically handles the visa application process, and it is crucial to work closely with them to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted correctly.

To obtain a KITAS, the following documents are often required:
 

• Offer letter from the institution
• Duly filled visa application form
• Passport with a minimum validity of 18 months
• Health certificate
• Proof of employment or a contract from a recognized educational institution
• Copies of academic qualifications
• Notarized university transcripts.
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• A recent photograph.

It is important to note that visa requirements and procedures may vary, and it is advisable to consult with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.

Types of Teaching Jobs In Indonesia

Students in Indonesia are generally polite and highly motivate to learn English as a foreign language. Occasionally there might be some discipline issues, especially with European youngsters, but with your classroom management skills, you will be able to manage it efficiently. Depending on the type of institution you are applying to, class sizes can be massive (up to 40 students) but most of them are usually well-behaved.
 

Source: wenr.wes.org
 

If you are wondering what are the various types of jobs available in Indonesia, take a look:
 

• Training Centres

These are normally attended by students either in the evenings or on the weekends as they are mostly working professionals. Owing to this huge influx of students, the demand for qualified teachers is also quite high.

These training centers normally have their own specialized curriculum and you will be provided with training materials thus reducing your preparation time. Teachers having at least 2 years of experience are mostly preferred and you can expect to earn around $650 per month.
 

• English Language Schools

English teaching jobs are in high demand in Indonesia and they often have after-school programs or extra-curricular programs to suit the needs of the students. The type of students normally ranges from primary school to university level. If you are willing to gain some experience while teaching a variety of students, this is your perfect fit. 

These schools often have a structured curriculum and depending on how you want to spend your time, you can expect to earn around $1,000- $1,200 every month.
 

• Preschools/Kindergartens

This is one of the most cherished jobs in Indonesia as it offers job security and immense benefits. The class strength is usually small ranging from 8-20 students and they are generally 20-40 minutes long.

To make your job easy, they offer teaching materials so that you don't have to put in extra time and effort after your work hours. Depending on the location and the type of institution, you can expect to earn around $2,500-$3,000 per month.
 

• International Schools

Indonesia is home to many international schools that follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). These schools offer a wide range of subjects and seek teachers with relevant qualifications and teaching experience.

Being one of the highest-paying options for ESL teachers, it is definitely one of the most sought-after positions and undoubtedly the most competitive ones. If you manage to cut through the rat race and are familiar with A-level, IB, or AP curriculum, you can expect to earn around $3,500 and above per month.

Teach And Live In Indonesia

Indonesia is the 4th cheapest country in Asia, and it is the low cost of living that makes the country one of the most attractive TEFL destinations. It offers a fulfilling and enriching experience for educators. And if you have at least a 120-hour TEFL certification or even an Online TEFL Course certification, you can easily secure a job in the education sector. By embracing the vibrant Indonesian culture and working with enthusiastic students, you can make a positive impact on education in this diverse nation.