Teaching English in Indonesia: Jobs, Salary, and Requirements

The country of magical islands, Indonesia is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, along with the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. The country is made up of approximately 17,000 islands. Among those islands, around 6000 islands are inhabited. The five main islands are Java, Sumatra, New Guinea, Borneo, and Sulawesi. However, the most popular island is, of course, Bali. Some of the islands are even more popular than the country, Indonesia itself. If you are an ESL teacher looking for a beautiful country to teach abroad, consider teaching English in Indonesia.

In terms of population, Indonesia is the fourth-largest country in the world. Indonesia’s population is about 260 million. If you teach English in Indonesia, you will be able to meet a variety of people as Indonesia is home to hundreds of different cultures and ethnicities. Not a surprise after learning about Indonesia’s population, is it? Continue reading to learn about the English teaching job opportunities in this amazing country with diverse and friendly people.

Teaching English in Indonesia

If you choose to teach English in Indonesia, you will have to prepare to really get immersed in different cultures. Indonesia is one of the 17 countries that are truly qualified as a mega-diverse country around the world. That being said, and considering the large, diverse population, you should suspect that there are many languages spoken in Indonesia. Shockingly there are over 600 regional languages in Indonesia. If you include foreign languages like English, there are 700 languages that people in Indonesia speak. Isn’t that number unbelievable?

Requirements for Teaching English in Indonesia

Following are the basic requirements you want to meet to get an English teaching job in Indonesia:

• a bachelor’s degree
• TEFL/TESOL certificate
• must be a native English speaker (from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa)
• one-year commitment (preferred)
• teaching experience (preferred)

Unfortunately, Indonesia only issues work visas to English teachers who are from one of the seven countries classified as English-speaking nations. Also, if you don’t have a TEFL certificate yet, we strongly recommend getting one as it is extremely helpful to find a job when you teach abroad. There are online TEFL courses if that’s the way you prefer. Unfortunately, teachers without a university or college degree have a harder time getting an ESL teaching job. Those of you might have a better chance of teaching English online.

English Teaching Jobs in Indonesia

Indonesian people learn English starting in elementary school. It is one of the most popular second languages in the country. There are mainly two types of institutions where you can find ESL jobs in Indonesia.

Private Schools

ESL teachers will have a better chance of finding English teaching jobs in private schools than in public schools. The Ministry of Education in Indonesia made changes in the curriculum so that public school students focus more on learning the official language, Bahasa Indonesia. However, private schools and international schools continue with their emphasis on English education and, therefore, are seeking native ESL instructors. A few examples of this type of institution include Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), ACG School Jakarta, and AIS Indonesia.

Language Schools

English teaching jobs at language schools or after-school programs are perfect for teachers who want to build their experience teaching a wide age range of students. ESL teachers will interact with students ranging from primary school to university students. Also, classes at these types of institutions mostly happen in the afternoon. Depending on how you want to spend your time, language schools can be the right choice for teaching English in Indonesia.

Salary for ESL Jobs in Indonesia

It’s common for English teachers in Indonesia to make around 600-1,100 USD per month. If you get an ESL job in a private international school, the salary will be higher. However, other the salary at other institutions is quite modest and is somewhere around the average range. Although the monthly salary isn’t a lot, ESL teachers will be able to cover the basic costs of living, including housing.

Things to Consider When Teaching in Indonesia

The cost of living in Indonesia is significantly lower than how it is in North America. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Indonesia is more than 50 per cent lower than in Canada. The rent solely is over 70 per cent lower in Indonesia than in Canada. Although the specific numbers will vary depending on one’s lifestyle, ESL teachers will be able to live comfortably with the average salary in Indonesia. However, it could be challenging to save money. If you are looking for ways to supplement your income while teaching English in Indonesia, consider teaching English online as your part-time job.

FAQ About Teaching English in Indonesia

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding English teaching jobs in Indonesia. Check out the answers!

Are English teachers in demand in Indonesia?

Yes, there is a large demand for English teachers in Indonesia. ESL teachers looking for a teach broad job will find a lot of opportunities at private schools and language schools.

Can I teach English in Indonesia without a degree?

Unfortunately, teachers without a university or a college degree will have limited teaching opportunities in Indonesia. Furthermore, teachers will need to have a TEFL certificate in order to get an English teaching job in Indonesia.

How much do you get paid to teach English in Bali?

On average, English teachers in Bali make around 600-1050 USD per month.

Is Indonesia a good place to teach English?

If the most important factor you consider is money when teaching abroad, Indonesia isn’t the best place. There are many other countries that are known to pay higher salaries. However, Indonesia is a great place to expose yourself to other cultures while teaching English. Also, you will be able to easily travel to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, which is awesome if you love to travel.

Should I Teach English in Indonesia?

Deciding whether to teach English in Indonesia is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Passion for Teaching

Do you enjoy teaching and have a genuine interest in helping others learn? Teaching English can be a rewarding experience if you are passionate about education and helping students improve their language skills.

Cultural Experience

Indonesia is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. Teaching English in Indonesia would provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, learn about local customs, traditions, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Demand for English Teachers

English is highly valued in Indonesia, and there is a demand for qualified English teachers, particularly in urban areas. By teaching English in Indonesia, you can contribute to improving language proficiency and open up opportunities for local students.

Language Barrier

Consider the language barrier you might face while living in Indonesia. Although English is taught in schools, proficiency levels may vary among students, and outside of major cities, English fluency may be limited. However, this could also provide you with the opportunity to learn the local language and enhance your own linguistic skills.

Working Conditions

Research and understand the working conditions, salary, and benefits typically offered to English teachers in Indonesia. Consider factors such as the cost of living, accommodation, and potential job opportunities before making a decision.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Teaching in a foreign country requires adaptability and flexibility. You will encounter new teaching methodologies, cultural norms, and different educational systems. Assess whether you are comfortable with such changes and can adapt to a new environment.

Personal Goals and Career Development

Reflect on your long-term goals and how teaching English in Indonesia aligns with them. Teaching experience abroad can enhance your resume, develop valuable skills, and provide a unique perspective on education and intercultural communication.

Teach English in Indonesia: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching English in Indonesia? Is it the right place for you, or are you considering teaching ESL in another part of Asia like South Korea, Japan, or China? Let us know what you think in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API