Teach English in Indonesia

4 Teaching Jobs in Indonesia

81 reviews

International TEFL Academy

Get Paid to Teach English Abroad in Indonesia with a TEFL/TESOL Certification

A job teaching English in Indonesia is a fantastic way to live ov...

Visit Website View Program

00 reviews

TEFL Heaven

Paid Teaching in Indonesia & Guaranteed Job

Experience the breathtaking archipelago known for its mountains, ...

Visit Website View Program

9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

Visit Website View Program

00 reviews

Teach Away

Teach Abroad in Indonesia

Educators can teach English in Indonesia in one of the country’s ...

View Program

A Guide to Teaching Abroad in Indonesia

Locations

Indonesia is an archipelago nation consisting of over 252 million people spread across over 13,000 islands. To say that individuals who teach in Indonesia have many location options, in terms of city choices, would be an enormous understatement. The geography of Indonesia varies substantially across the country. Many people may be unaware of this fact, but Indonesia stretches nearly 4,000 miles from east to west, making it over 1,500 miles wider than the continental United States.

In the far west of Indonesia lies the island of Sumatra. Volcanic activity has gifted this expansive island with fertile farmland, but it is still home to over a dozen cities with at least 200,000 residents. Both urban and rural teaching jobs are possible on the island of Sumatra, and the coastal cities especially are noted for being tourist hot spots due to their beautiful beaches and warm climate. Overall, Sumatra can provide a good mix of both urban and rural lifestyles for prospective teachers, depending on what each individual is looking for in the teach abroad experience.

Another of the major islands of Indonesia is Java. Home to over 143 million people, Java is the world’s most populous island and one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta lies in the west of Java, and many more population centers are can be found between the numerous volcanic mountains that make up the island. The urban environment and sky high population make city-based teaching jobs in Indonesia plentiful here. If urban living in Indonesia is your goal, you should teach abroad in Java.

While there are certainly other major islands with teaching opportunities in Indonesia, such as Borneo and New Guinea, literally thousands of smaller islands are inhabited as well. These islands can provide prospective teachers with a much more relaxed and rural teaching experience. With the abundance of inhabited islands comes the need for teachers in almost every decently sized town, so finding a teaching placement in Indonesia is simply a matter of research.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, English teachers are in demand in Indonesia. While public schools are shifting towards Bahasa, private institutions value English education. Opportunities extend beyond schools, with freelance tutoring being an option, especially in populous regions. Private schools, recognizing the importance of English, often offer competitive salaries.

6 Best Countries to Teach Abroad in Asia

Consider acquiring a TEFL/TESOL certificate or a university degree to become a teacher in Indonesia. Being from an English-speaking nation may be advantageous as well. You may also research opportunities from program providers who can recommend the best fit for your skills and preferences.

A Quick Overview Before You Make Full-On Plans to Teach Abroad

Top teaching destinations in Indonesia include Sumatra, offering a blend of urban and rural teaching experiences, with coastal cities being tourist hotspots. Java, one of the world's most populous islands, boasts abundant city-based teaching opportunities, especially in Jakarta. Other big islands, like Borneo and New Guinea, with other smaller populated islands, provide various teaching environments.

5 Coolest Places to Volunteer in Indonesia in 2024

Daily expenses such as food are affordable, with full meals at around $2. Imported Western food, however, will be pricey, so getting a taste of the local cuisine will save you a lot of money. While housing is often included in teacher contracts, rent in Indonesia is also relatively low. Depending on the location, a basic flat costs about $1,000 to $2,000 monthly, even more affordable if shared with other international teachers.

11 Best Countries to Teach English and Save Money

While Bahasa is the official national language, English gained prominence following Indonesia's independence in 1945, replacing the compulsory Dutch language study. Although public schools are transitioning back to Bahasa, private institutions, recognizing the value of English, continue to offer teaching positions.

Should I Study Abroad in Indonesia?

Yes. To teach in Indonesia, a work visa (KITAS) is important. Only citizens from English-speaking nations like the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand are eligible. Teachers need a TEFL/TESOL certificate or a university degree. The school or placement agency assists in obtaining the KITAS, serving as both a work visa and identification card during the stay, offering a convenient alternative to carrying a passport.

How to Live and Work in Bali by Teaching English

Latest Program Reviews

Three weeks volunteering in Siem Reap

August 11, 2025by: Olivia Aurora Lamassa - SwitzerlandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

9

I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there

Primary Teacher Eperienced in Qatar and morocco

June 15, 2025by: CHOUAIB EL ATMANI - MoroccoProgram: Get Paid to Teach English Abroad in Indonesia with a TEFL/TESOL Certification

8

My two years of primary teaching experience across Morocco and Qatar was both transformative and overwhelming. Starting in Morocco with grades 4-6 at a private school, I quickly discovered that my biggest fear - teaching language to children - became my greatest joy. The students' natural curiosity and fearless approach to learning new languages made those lessons the highlight of my day, proving far easier and more enjoyable than I had anticipated. While the overall experience pushed me well beyond my comfort zone with cultural adjustments, classroom management challenges, and the high energy demands of working with 9-12 year olds, it ultimately fostered tremendous personal and professional growth. Despite feeling overwhelmed throughout much of the journey, I gained invaluable insights into cross-cultural education and developed a deep appreciation for the magic that happens when young minds embrace language learning.

Three weeks volunteering in Siem Reap

August 11, 2025by: Olivia Aurora Lamassa - SwitzerlandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

9

I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there

Primary Teacher Eperienced in Qatar and morocco

June 15, 2025by: CHOUAIB EL ATMANI - MoroccoProgram: Get Paid to Teach English Abroad in Indonesia with a TEFL/TESOL Certification

8

My two years of primary teaching experience across Morocco and Qatar was both transformative and overwhelming. Starting in Morocco with grades 4-6 at a private school, I quickly discovered that my biggest fear - teaching language to children - became my greatest joy. The students' natural curiosity and fearless approach to learning new languages made those lessons the highlight of my day, proving far easier and more enjoyable than I had anticipated. While the overall experience pushed me well beyond my comfort zone with cultural adjustments, classroom management challenges, and the high energy demands of working with 9-12 year olds, it ultimately fostered tremendous personal and professional growth. Despite feeling overwhelmed throughout much of the journey, I gained invaluable insights into cross-cultural education and developed a deep appreciation for the magic that happens when young minds embrace language learning.