Frequently Asked Questions

> Am I qualified to apply for this position?

* Where can I get EFL/ESL training? *

Although EF prefers candidates to have a University degree, it is not essential. EF recruits EFL/ESL teachers who have completed a 4 or 5 week intensive TEFL course that included teaching practice. We prefer teachers to have some experience, although this isn't essential as we offer training and very good teacher support and development. Significant EFL experience will occasionally be accepted in lieu of certification.

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Teachers have a reasonable quality of life. Compared to the average Indonesian wage our teachers are extremely rich and you must understand that in some circumstances you will be treated as "rich". This can be irritating when you are trying to organize some transport, especially in either very touristy or very remote areas. It is best not to show your irritation and accept that the value of some services or commodities depends entirely on what people are prepared to pay. Bargaining is the common in local markets, however you cannot bargain supermarket/malls prices.

Here is a list of sample prices which I hope give you an idea of how cheap it is here. These prices are generally the cost of things at local markets (especially for food). The prices in supermarkets are slightly higher. 

one USD is equivalent to Rp 9.000,- and one Poundsterling is equivalent to Rp 16.700,-

• Taxi to and from work = Rp 15.000,- one way

• movie ticket at the cinema = 25,000 rupiah per person.

• DVD/VCD Player = Rp 300.000-500.000,-

• DVD/VCD Rental = Rp 2.000-5.000,-/disc

• a bottle of beer (600 ml) = Rp 12.000,-

• Big Mac = Rp 13.000,-

• French Fries = Rp 5.000,-

• Steak in restaurant = Rp 30.000 - 50.000,-

• 1 kg rice = 5,000 Rupiah

• 1 litre of milk = Rp 12.000,-

• 1 kg eggs (approx 16 eggs) = 8,000 rupiah

• 1 kg sugar = 5,000 rupiah

• a loaf of bread = Rp 4.500,-

• a roll of Fuji/Kodak Film (36) = Rp 25.000,-

• 1 kg of good quality beef = 35,000 rupiah

• 1 whole chicken = 16,000 rupiah

• a bottle of coca-cola/soft drink = 1,500 rupiah

• a pack of Marlboro (20) = 6,000 rupiah

• Compact Disc (music) = 80,000 rupiah

• Pre-recorded Casette (music) = 20,000 rupiah

• a pack of instant noodles = 1,000 rupiah

• land transport to Bali (return) = Rp 220.000,-

• gasoline/petrol = 1,800 per litre

• Train Surabaya to Jogyakarta = 50,000 rupiah

• Maid salary = Rp 300.000,-/ month

• Return ticket to Bali = Rp 600.000,-

• Hotel in Bali = from Rp 100.000,-

Teachers usually travel to work by taxi and easily have enough money for frequent weekend breaks and/or an active social life. Eating in 4 or 5 star restaurants is affordable and many teachers are members of the pool & gym at a 4 star hotel.

Teachers live very comfortably with a live-in maid cooking and cleaning for the house. They travel to work by taxi and easily have enough money for frequent weekend breaks and/or an active social life. Eating in 4 or 5 star restaurants is affordable and many teachers are members of the pool & gym at a 4 star hotel.

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Although teachers have a comfortable lifestyle in Indonesia, the Indonesian rupiah does not have much value once converted to dollars or poundsterling. EF does not recommend coming to Indonesia, if you have large debts or wish to save a lot of money.

Having said this, some teachers, who are frugal, have managed to save some money. It is possible to open a Dollar bank account here or transfer money to an account in another country. It is easy to exchange money into other currencies at most local banks or money changer.

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How much holiday would I get?

Teachers will have one week off during Christmas and one week off during Idul Fitri holiday.  In addition, teachers have 15 days holiday to be taken during their contract. Naturally, the school is closed on National Holidays.

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What's the Insurance cover?

EF does not offer any Insurance for personal belongings even those inside an EF house. If you are over 60 years old, then you are not covered by EF's Health Insurance package and should therefore buy insurance plans (in your own country) designed for someone living abroad.

EF insures it's staff against the possibility of hospitalization, this coverage would cover about 90% of the costs of staying in an International Hospital. There is additional coverage for outpatients. The salary will be paid for up to a month's hospitalization for serious illness.

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Further Information : 

Ms. Imelda Lazuardy, Recruitment Coordinator, EF English First, Vila Bukit Mas Ruko RD 2-5, Surabaya 

Email: teachers@rad.net.id

e-ONE English First