This is a dream job boys and girls, and I quote (Jakarta Post, 19 Aug):
“Exp IGCSE & A Level Accounting & Business Studies Teacher required for National Plus School in Bali. Min. 2 years teaching experience & relevant qualifications. Complete CV + recent photo to info@ourbalischools.com”
Rowdy children, aloof teachers, classes canceled if they aren’t profitable. Check your prejudices at the door. This is a budget international school and it’s very popular with Indian, Chinese and other Balinese families.
So that’s the good news. The bad news is it’s located near some of best surfing beaches in the word where life can’t help but be cheaper and little more laid back than Jakarta. And it’s real teaching. At the end of the semester the kids have to take Cambridge exams, even though they can barely speak English. All of this adds up to stiff competition.
How do I get this job? By getting lucky. The school employs expat teachers from all over the world rarely has to advertize a vacancy. This this kind of spot is hard to fill. Ties to Bali would really help. But you can fly in for the interview.
How much should I ask for? Keep it under Rp 15 mil/month if you’re desperate to live in Bali. Unless you’ve actually taught accounting before and think you have the patience and creativity to teach Indonesians. The kids in your class are going to be smart but super passive. And there’s usually real pressure to pass the tests.
What kind of teachers do you think they go for? This is all word of mouth, but I think they like people who take teaching seriously but also have other serious interests, whether travel, language study, diving, or a family. In other words, unlike “real” international schools I don’t this school is going to take any responsibility for your career or any input on how they run their program. They may well require a good deal of help from you on extra-curriculars and that will be its own reward because Indonesian kids are pleasant. But no matter how good you are, you’ll still get a raise of just a million or so at the end of the year. If and when you bail, we’ll all see the blue text above recycled in the Jak Post.
Intern Indonesia 