Beacon Academy- Jakarta

[helenaposs]

Hi everyone,

I am a Primary school teacher currently teaching in Australia but my husband and I are in the process of looking for a move overseas to work with our two children (3 and 5).

I am with a teaching recruitment agency and a job that sounds interesting is at Beacon Academy.

I was wondering if anyone could give me information about the school and what teaching/living in Indonesia is like.

My husband is also a teacher but we don't know whether or not we can make the move with only me working and him staying at home.

Any advice is welcomed
Helena

[kingwilly]

Hi Helena,

I assume its with TRI. I would think that one salary would not be enough for you to support all 3. However, if your husband is also a teacher he should have no trouble finding work also. But...

It's located in North Jakarta, which is far away from most expat's and expat amenities. Some people like that, and I think more expats are moving out that way... but its not for me.

The school is one of the smaller ones on the radar in Jakarta in an increasingly crowded and competitive market place. I dont know what salary and package they offer, but assume it cannot be on the higher end of the scale. You could hold out and get a job at another school in South Jakarta, where there are more options and therefore more likely to both get employment. (Be aware that traveling from North to South Jakarta may take 3-4 hours each day in traffic. seriously.)

As for what it is like teaching and living here, it's great, it also has it's frustrations. Plenty of threads on here and our sister site to give you a greater idea.

(also the main hiring season for teachers here is around Dec/Jan for jobs to start in July/August. So no rush either...)

[helenaposs]

Thanks for your reply. We are still in the early stages of making a decision about where we would like to go and I appreciate your feedback.

Yes, it is with TRI!

As I said we aren't in any hurry so will keep an eye out of South Jakarta jobs.

Helena

[waarmstrong]

If you are limiting expats to white Westerners, KW is probably right about the dearth of them in some parts of North Jakarta. There is a sizable community of India expats in and near Pluit (northwest) and in Kelapa Gading (northeast), there are more than a few white faces. Granted, there are more Westerners and their schools in the south, but Jakarta is not completely ghettoized.

I see that Beacon is in Sunter directly west of Kelapa Gading, but I know nothing of the school other than it is relatively new. Sunter is an OK place.

[volcaniceruption]

Well,
I have no much information about this school,but i wanna assure u that you will never regret coming here as an expat.I think with 2 kids,you will have more than enough to save.
There are many great international school here also for ur kids and quality tuition is assured.
Teaching here is fun and the only problem you may face as a white is the way people will stare at u during the first few weeks here.Even your students.U will be very uncomfortable with the looks,but with time,u will adjust and enjoy ur job.
take a chance and come over!!!
You have to negotiate with your employers so they can employ your husband on part-time basis.