TEACH ENGLISH IN INDONESIA

About Teaching English in Indonesia

To find a TEFL job and teach English in Indonesia, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. You must be a native English speaker as well. The average salary for an English teacher in Indonesia is about $650 - $1,050 USD per month.

With a population of nearly 250 million people spread over 17,508 islands along the Equator, Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and represents a fast-growing market for English teachers. Those looking to teach English in Indonesia will encounter an entrancing combination of lush volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and thousands of years of history and culture. Indonesia is also known for the warm hospitality of its people, most of whom are Muslim. In fact, Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world.

English teachers in Indonesia can find teaching jobs year-round. Although most interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail, some schools prefer to interview in person. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing expenses though some schools do provide assistance in these areas, too. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with other English teachers.

A generous salary affords English teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore Indonesia’s exquisite beauty and vibrant, bustling cities.

Those without a bachelor’s degree can find limited opportunities to teach in Indonesia, but a four-year degree is preferred. TEFL certification is required. Most of those teaching English in Indonesia will find jobs in the major cities of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. There are teaching opportunities on the island of Bali; however, the island's popularity means the local job market is more competitive. If you're looking to just teach English online, Bali has become the digital nomad mecca of the world!

Teaching English in Indonesia: Requirements

TEFL Certification Indonesia

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Indonesia. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in advance from their home country via video call or phone. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You must be a native English speaker to teach English in Malaysia. This means you must be a citizen from recognized English-speaking nations: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Degree Requirements

A Bachelor's degree is required to secure a job teaching English in Indonesia. You cannot therefore expect to be teaching English in Indonesia without a degree. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

TEFL Jobs in Indonesia

English Teaching Jobs in Indonesia

The most common teaching jobs in Indonesia consist of:

• Teaching children in public schools.
• Teaching adults in private language schools.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Tutoring private students one-on-one.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Jobs Indonesia: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Indonesia can find jobs all year round with an expected downtime around Islamic holidays.

Schools in Indonesia conduct interviews in advance - this means you will interview for teaching jobs from your home country via phone or video call.

You will enter Indonesia on a work visa which you will secure in advance of your arrival there.

TEFL Indonesia: Hours

English language schools in Indonesia offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Indonesian Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, or business professionals. 

TEFL Indonesia Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $700 - $1,100 USD (9,790,050 - 15,384,350 IDR). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Indonesia until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher in Indonesia Salary

A modest wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Indonesia. Teachers can expect to make $650 - $1,050 USD (9,300,000 - 14,700,000 IDR) per month. 

While some schools provide housing or an added stipend, this is not common so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. In rare cases, flights are sometimes reimbursed by your employer, but this isn't typical so don't count on it.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $550 - $850 USD per month (7,330,000 - 12,000,000 IDR).

English teachers in Indonesia can typically expect to break-even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of each month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.