Testimonial from an English teacher in Indonesia

I've been in Jakarta more than 2 months now and am having the time of my life. The school is situated in North Jakarta, which is a really great area, full of restaurants, shops and  a number of pool halls. The centre of town with all the pubs and clubs is only about 20 minute drive and costs just over a quid to get there. The school caters for about 800 students ranging from age 5 to about 40, mostly teenagers though. Everyone is friendly and great to work with, so all my fears dissolved immediately.

The lifestyle is amazing. I live in a house with 2 other girls in a secure complex place. We have a maid, who is like god to me, I love her so much. We also eat out every night, because it is cheaper than cooking for yourself. The weather is great here too. Yes, I got serious burns when I first arrived, desperate to rid myself of my pasty white Scottish skin. Now I am a bit more careful, but it is heaven.

There is a load to do here; I have done more than drink at the weekends. I've been white-water rafting, been on a night time safari, trekked up in the jungle and done the beach thing on the south of Java. All amazing experiences...

Carly McGovern
EF Kelapa Gading, Jakarta 2004