For Filipino teachers looking for career growth and a fulfilling international teaching experience, Indonesia offers an attractive opportunity. A significant reason that attracts educators to Indonesia is the relatively higher salary offers. Filipino teachers familiar with the hurdles of the local education sector find the idea of a better-paying compensation package appealing.
In this guide, we look into the intricacies of applying as a teacher in Indonesia, shedding light on the steps, requirements, and nuances unique to this enriching endeavor. Whether you aspire to teach in bustling urban centers or tranquil island communities, Indonesia promises an enriching experience that transcends the confines of the classroom.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Applying as a Teacher in Indonesia
The information in this article comes from Michael Suarez, a Filipino teacher teaching in an International School in Indonesia, through his YouTube channel, this pinoy vlogger shares the steps and requirements needed to apply in our neighboring country. More from the video link below:
Search Online
The vlogger emphasized that the first step to land a job in Indonesia as a teacher is to do a Google search.
- Search international schools in Google, not just in Indonesia but other countries as well.
- Find their website, their email, and if they are hiring.
- Even if they’re not hiring, still pass your CV or resume.
- When the time comes that they are hiring, they can get back at you, especially if you meet their requirements.
Getting a Response
After the school emailed him, they conducted an interview and scheduled a date and time for it. Following the interview, he successfully passed and was subsequently provided with an offer letter. The school informed him that they have a contact agency that would assist him in fulfilling all the requirements needed, and he wouldn’t need to pay anything as the school covered all expenses, including placement fees and medical costs.
Credentials and Requirements
- Original passport, valid for more than one year
- COE – certificate of employment
- You need to have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience
- If you teach English, your COE must indicate you taught English for 5 years; if math, it should indicate 5 years of teaching math. However, for elementary teachers, this is not required as they are generalists.
- Diploma from your college or master’s degree. However, based on vlogger’s experience in Indonesia, a master’s degree was not asked for; instead, graduation from an education course sufficed.
- Transcript of Records is also needed, without the requirement for it to be red ribboned; scanned copies suffice, although this may vary depending on the school.
- Submit ID or license certificate – PRC ID is not mandatory
- PSA birth certificate
- PSA marriage certificate if applicable
- NBI Clearance is required, and it must be recent
- Updated resume or CV
- Placement fee equivalent to one month’s salary, but this is shouldered by the school
- Pag-IBIG fee
- General medical exam
To apply as a teacher in Indonesia, you’ll need an original passport valid for more than one year, along with a certificate of employment (COE) indicating a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, specifically in English or math for those subjects. Elementary teachers are exempt from this requirement as they are considered generalists.
Additionally, you’ll be asked for a diploma from college or a master’s degree; however, based on a vlogger’s experience, a master’s degree isn’t necessary, and graduation from an education course suffices. Transcript of Records is necessary, but there’s no need for red ribbon; scanned copies suffice. Submission of ID or license certificate is required, though PRC ID isn’t mandatory.
Furthermore, PSA birth certificate, PSA marriage certificate (if applicable), recent NBI Clearance, updated resume or CV, and general medical exam results are essential. While there’s a placement fee equivalent to one month’s salary, it’s covered by the school, and other fees like Pag-IBIG are also required.
Salary
- Compensation offered by schools depends on teaching experience and credentials.
- Typically, it’s double what one receives in DepEd.
- This amount is sufficient for covering needs, supporting family, and saving a bit.
- Exact salary cannot be disclosed but usually starts around $1000 USD or higher.
- Housing allowance, typically around 15,000 pesos per month, is provided.
- Vlogger found a house for 3700 pesos per month, leaving around 11,000 pesos in monthly savings.
- This setup reduces heavy reliance on salary, unless for discretionary spending.
What a school offers in terms of compensation depends on your years of teaching experience and credentials. Typically, it’s double what he received in DepEd. This amount is sufficient for him to afford his needs, provide for his family, and even save a little. However, he cannot disclose the exact salary, but it usually starts at around $1000 USD or higher.
In addition to the basic salary, teachers also receive a housing allowance, which is typically around 15,000 pesos per month. The vlogger found a house for 3700 pesos per month, leaving him with savings of around 11,000 pesos monthly. This allows him not to heavily rely on his salary unless he goes to the mall.
Overall, teaching in international schools in Indonesia offers significantly higher earning potential compared to teaching in the Philippines. Interestingly, the vlogger mentioned that he wasn’t required to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or any teaching qualification certificates. However, being a Licensed Professional Teacher is a requirement, although your license may not be utilized if you’re already in Indonesia.
If you, as a Filipino teacher, are willing to embark on a teaching journey in Indonesia, you will surely achieve professional fulfillment and financial stability. Salaries are competitive, benefits are attractive, and there are lots of opportunities for growth on a personal level. It also helps to understand the application process. One must know what the requirements are and understand the skills and qualifications needed in order to reach this dream.