I've been offered a job with English First in Shanghai and I'm wondering if anyone can shed any light on the company? Any good stories? Bad stories? Or just general advice to give me? This would be my first job teaching overseas so I'm a little nervous!

Jacqueline: here is something for you to look at before you take or sign a contract with E.F.

English First is allowed to change the terms of the contract of the teacher AFTER the contract is signed by both parties? And how is this done with no legal representation for the party whose contract is being changed?

Why are Native teachers required to sign a contract that stipulates that if they leave prior to the final date of contract they must pay $1000-1500usd, prorated for time of service, for the work permits when they are provided no receipts or proof of cost for the work permits? Where are these work permits coming from?

Why are there Native teachers honoring their contracts and teaching yet they receive no legal working paperwork for up to 6 months after arrival? Education is the future of Indonesia, the future of all who live on our earth. The President of Indonesia, a few months ago, stated that the acquirement of the English language is a priority of this country. Why is the future of Indonesian students treated with such passive carelessness?

Why can a school like English First consistently market themselves as academic professionals when it is obvious to professional English teachers that they have no competence in the industry which they represent?


English First has spent 7 years in making themselves an “Image” name in Indonesia. A statement they proudly and repeatedly clarify in their operating manuals. And according to their operating manuals they are ONLY an image name in Indonesia. They are not an “Image” native teachers want to list on their CV’s because reputable other ESL employers find EF to be less then sub-standard in academic delivery. They are not an “Image” name on ESL teacher forums on the internet where they are blasted for management and academic incompetence on a daily basis. They are not an “Image” name amongst international ESL Academic’s such as TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and the de facto ESL accrediting agency, The British Council."

Here is a voice by a now employee of E.F.

Abused and underage said...
Not gonna give my name, because I am currently illegally employed by EF. Constantly finding myself frustrated. The worst part for me is that it is now nearly May and they've been holding my passport since FEBRUARY because they have to send it off to an "agent" every month to renew my social visa. I don't have a work visa, I'm not allowed a bank account in my own name, and I'm frustrated as hell. I don't want to leave, however, because I really want the end of contract bonus.
I hate that the first line on their website is about how they legally employ teachers.

This is just a statement made about E.F. in Indonesia.


Please note that I can't and don't accept any responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained in this graylist. Take any opinions or experiences posted with caution since none of them have been confirmed or verified in any way.

so all in all EF is no good?

i was looking at EF in indonesia and it at first appeared to be a good location and company however my feelings have swayed a bit since that post. Any reputable schools to work for in indonesia? that would be my ideal location or somewhere similar with an abundance of islands and travel opportunites.

i wouldn't say that all E.F is bad i am sure that there are still good places were E.F are hiring teachers , but the sad thing about their unfairness in some schools puts a bad light upon the rest.

Pick Your School with Care, Finding Reputable Schools.
We’ve all heard the rumours. Schools that refuse to pay, schools that work you like a Trojan, even schools that expect you to pay them! There are a lot of crummy language schools out there and you’ll want to avoid them like the plague, here’s how to do it…

look at the links on my graylist

when I asked teachers about EF and if they'd be a good company to go with, they said that it's a franchise so there are some good and some bad. Be sure to read the contracts, question what you wish and weigh it out for yourself.

My friend works for EF in Istanbul and I'm going to be working with them starting Sept. She wouldn't steer me to somewhere that was miserable.