Teaching English in Indonesia

With over 253 million inhabitants, Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world by population. Home to a diverse range of cultures and people, many expats find that living in Indonesia is an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Overview

Teaching English in Indonesia brings good travel opportunities and inspiring landscapes. The most popular destinations to teach are Jakarta and Bali. You can either pick a tropical island culture or the hustle and bustle of an urban center.

Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world with 258 million people. But it’s still a developing country. So this means the potential for future growth is monumental, which includes the demand for English teachers.

The average monthly salary in Indonesia is 13,000,000 IDR. This means you earn less than $1000 USD per month. But the cost of living in Indonesia is low. Some expats can save 65% of every paycheck which helps pay down student loans or add to their savings.

Pros of Teaching English in Indonesia

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Indonesia is quite low, particularly when compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. Expenses such as food, transportation, and accommodation are all relatively affordable, meaning that your money can go quite a long way in Indonesia.
Traveling: The country is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, including beaches, mountains, and rainforests. There is also a rich culture and history to explore, with ancient temples, traditional villages, and vibrant cities.
International Schools: There are a number of good international schools in Indonesia for teaching opportunities. These schools offer high-quality education, and they cater to the needs of students from all over the world.

Cons of Teaching English in Indonesia

Pollution: Littering is definitely a problem in Indonesia, especially at its beaches. The country has some of the worst air pollution in the world, and water pollution is also a major issue.
Dangerous Roads: The country has a high rate of traffic fatalities, and the roads can be in poor condition. There are also many motorcycle and scooter riders on the roads, which can make driving conditions more chaotic. If you want to drive in Indonesia, it’s important to be aware of these dangers and drive cautiously.
The Heat: It can be quite hot in Indonesia, especially in the more tropical areas. However, there are also cooler areas, such as the highlands. So it really depends on where you are in the country. Overall, though, Indonesia is a fairly warm place.

English Language Schools in Indonesia

Teaching English in Indonesia requires a Bachelor’s degree. If you’re a first-time English teacher, it’s sometimes easier to pick a program that does all the work for you. This can be either directly applying to a language school or an international school. Jakarta provides the most prospects for international schools with over 60 opportunities to work.

This interactive map of Indonesia displays the English language schools that are available to teach. You can zoom in and out of any city to find more detailed information and check the reviews to make sure it’s a reputable school.

Salary

The average monthly salary is 13,000,000 IDR, which is less than $1000 USD per month. Compared to teaching English in Japan, China, and South Korea, English teacher salaries are significantly lower in Indonesia.

But living expenses are extremely low in Indonesia. Some English teachers can save over 50% of their paycheck. At the end of your contract, you should be able to find enough money to help pay off student loans or put some away for savings.

It’s common for schools in Indonesia to chip in for your accommodation, health coverage, and round trip airfare. Another advantage of teaching English in Indonesia is that it has a lot of public holidays throughout the year.

Monthly Salary	Total
US Dollars (USD)	500 to 1,000 USD
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)	7,000,000 to 15,000,000 IDR

Certification

More foreigners are considering teaching English in Indonesia as their career path. Teaching English can be a challenging opportunity at first but once you get your bearings, you’ll see just how rewarding this job can be. Schools encourage applicants to obtain TEFL certification to help prepare them as English teachers in the classroom. Look for TEFL providers that help set teachers with partner schools.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a great way to combine your love of languages with an opportunity for paid travel and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you have previous teaching experience or not, there are plenty of teaching jobs out there for English speakers who are willing to relocate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you make teaching English in Indonesia?

The average salary is 13,000,000 IDR (1,000 USD) per month with a very high rate of savings.

Do you need a degree to teach in Indonesia?

Yes. A Bachelor’s degree is a requirement for teaching English in Indonesia. Schools encourage applicants to earn their TEFL certification to help prepare them as English teachers in the classroom. Criminal record checks are also common for obtaining a visa.

What’s it like teaching English in Bali?

Bali has some of the nicest surf spots right at your doorstep. Music is everywhere like the guitar and djembe. It also has a good selection of bars, restaurants and clothes stores.

Can you get foreign foods in Indonesia?

The availability of consumer goods in Bali is very limited and expensive. But in major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya (northeast Java), they’re much easier to find.

How bad is pollution there?

Littering and pollution are common and dampens the scenery. Unfortunately, some beaches are covered in plastic with trash everywhere. The air quality index in Jakarta is usually in the unhealthy range and this is something to look out for if you are in the sensitive group.

How dangerous are the roads there?

Indonesia has some of the most dangerous roads in the world. There are crashes frequently with motorbikes being the main form of transportation.

Facts

No one knows how many islands make up Indonesia. But it’s more than 13,000.
The population in Indonesia is the 4th largest in the world, with around 250 million people.
Indonesia has the second-longest coastline in the world.
There are approximately 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Indonesia has the largest young population in the world.
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest (and smelliest) flower.
Jakarta is the 13th largest city with around 11.3 million people.
Indonesia is home to over 100 endangered animals.

Teaching English in Indonesia