The purpose of this page is to give an impression of what life at MZIS is like for teachers and to help prospective candidates decide if they should apply.

Tembagapura

Mt Zaagkam International School, especially the Tembagapura site, may well qualify for the title of  "the Most Remote International School in The World."  This is based on a number of factors including; the location and distance from "Western Civilization," the environmental and climatic conditions, and the exposure to different cultures and languages, i.e. "Culture Shock."

While this can be attractive to some, it does require very special people to live here.
People who have been happy and successful usually are:

•    Self-contained
•    Resourceful
•    Adaptable
•    Able to live happily in a "fish bowl" environment
•    Understanding of other cultures
•    Able to work well with others

I KK and TPRA there is a limited amount to see /and or do. There is very little "life" (besides individual/personal sports) outside the school and while there is a small expat community, your social network will revolve around the school and its immediate community.

Use of vehicles is limited and you must apply for a special Highlands license to drive a company vehicle. Company vehicles (the school in TPRA has two vehicles for "general use" and the school in KK has two vehicles for teacher use) can be driven up and down the mountain (when travel restrictions are not in place) but cannot be taken off "jobsite".

Family Housing at Hidden Valley

Teachers are on site for 8 to 12 weeks at a time and the "fish bowl effect" can be stressful. Teachers are viewed in the role of "teachers" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and often, one cannot get away from this. Cover or Substitute teachers may or may not exist (depending on spouses that are in the community) and when a teacher is ill, other teachers normally cover their classes.

Exercise Room

The ability to "make the best of what is available" is very important. This includes the range of goods carried in the only supermarket, which at times may run out of certain basic products.

While there are daily flights to Bali from Timika, (a four hour flight) it is not easy to travel within Irian Jaya. There are ongoing tensions within Irian Jaya, and at times Freeport will discourage its employees from traveling at all. There are weekly company flights to Cairns, Australia.

Cultural awareness and sensitivity is essential. The expatriate community makes up a small percentage of the PTFI workforce. The majority of the workforce is Indonesian and come from all parts of Indonesia bringing with them different cultures. There is also a large presence of Papuan people. The expat teacher must be sensitive to, and respectful of, all the cultures present.

Successful candidates will become full-time employees of PT Freeport and must follow and abide by all PTFI rules, regulations and policies.  PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a contractor of The Government of Indonesia and is a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc (USA).

While Mt Zaagkam International School is a private school, run exclusively for the expatriate employees of PTFI and their sub contractors, MZIS teachers are working for PTFI. Working for an independent school and working for a multi-national company are very different phenomenon. There are advantages & disadvantages of working for a multi-national company. Certain company requirements can be perceived as bureaucratic and can impact on the purchase of materials and supplies. One must understand that company policies and regulations supersede school policies and regulations and often, tolerance of frustration is virtue all MZIS teachers must posses.

Town Bus

While teachers are directly supervised by the Superintendent of the school, they are also subject to the personnel policies of PFTI and therefore, MZIS staff are often serving "two masters".

The importation of pets into Papua is NOT allowed as per government regulations, so you may not bring your pet with you.

The weather:
•    The town of Tembagapura is often "in the clouds" with rain on most afternoons and evenings. The average daily temperature 18C/65 F.
•    Kuala Kencana is in the tropics and can be hot and very humid with up to 7 meters of rain per year.

The type of teachers we are seeking will:

•    Be enthusiastic, experienced PYP practitioners, who have inquiry learning as the basis to their teaching practice.
•    Be reflective and passionate about teaching and learning.
•    Have high expectations for their students.
•    Be willing to learn and grow professionally.
•    Be adaptable team players.
•    Possess an unwavering positive attitude and a good sense of humour.
•    Have a willingness to participate in the corporate life of the school and the many extra curricula sports and cultural pursuits offered.

Main Company Offices

Candidates must be in excellent health and are required to pass a thorough Freeport physical, before an offer of employment can be confirmed.

Candidates must hold recognized teaching credentials with relevant teaching experience to obtain an Indonesian Working Visa.