Relocating to Jakarta can present many challenges for people when they first arrive. Indonesian people are warm and welcoming and have genuine fondness for children, but moving to any new environment requires a settling period and adjustment to local norms.
Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Come with an open mind.
- Have patience. Systems and processes often don’t run as smoothly as they do in other countries, so it's important to be adaptable and flexible.
- Be prepared to learn the language. Although many Indonesians speak some English, most do not. Taking the time to learn some basic words and phrases will help you get by and will make your time in Jakarta much easier.
- Find a buddy. Learning the ropes from someone who has lived in the country can make integration a lot easier. At Nord Anglia School Jakarta, we can help to co-ordinate this process and to help make your transition smoother.
- Be polite and modest. In a conservative society like Indonesia, politeness and modesty are highly valued virtues.
Don’t
- Lose your cool. In many Asian cultures, becoming obviously frustrated and angry is seen as a characteristic of someone that lacks self control. It will rarely produce the result you want, and it will often make matters worse.
- Be afraid to ask other expats for advice. It's a great idea to get tips from someone who has been through it all before.
