Learn English in Jakarta: What Most Learners Do Wrong (And How to Fix It)

June 18, 2025 Learn English

If you’re trying to learn English in Jakarta, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a working professional needing better communication skills, or someone who simply wants to travel more confidently, English is a valuable tool.

Jakarta offers countless resources for learning English — from language schools and private tutors to apps and online courses. Yet many learners still feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure if they’re making progress.

So, what’s going wrong?

In this article, we’ll explore the most common mistakes English learners in Jakarta make, and more importantly, how to overcome them with smart, realistic strategies.

1. Focusing Too Much on Grammar and Not Enough on Communication

Many English learners in Jakarta grow up believing that grammar is the foundation of everything. While grammar is important, spending hours memorizing tenses and rules — without using them in real communication — leads to passive knowledge. You understand the rules, but you can’t use them when speaking or writing.

Fix it:

Balance grammar study with speaking practice. Learn grammar in context — through real-life conversations, roleplays, and writing tasks. Instead of memorizing the past tense structure, talk about what you did last weekend. This makes the grammar stick naturally.

2. Being Afraid to Make Mistakes

One of the biggest barriers to learning English in Jakarta is fear. Many learners are afraid of sounding “wrong” or being judged for their accent or grammar. As a result, they avoid speaking in class or in real life — and that limits progress.

Fix it:

Mistakes are part of learning. In fact, they’re often the fastest way to improve. Join small-group classes or conversation clubs where the atmosphere is supportive. Surround yourself with people who are also learning — everyone is on the same journey.

3. Translating Everything from Bahasa Indonesia

If you think in Bahasa Indonesia and try to translate word by word into English, you’ll often end up with awkward or incorrect sentences. This is a habit that many learners form early and struggle to break.

Fix it:

Start thinking in simple English. Describe your day, surroundings, or feelings using basic English words, even if it’s just in your head. Practice phrases instead of single vocabulary words. For example, learn “take a shower” rather than just “shower.”

4. Choosing the Wrong Course or Teacher

Some learners sign up for the cheapest course available or pick a class based only on location. While budget and convenience matter, the quality of instruction is key to real progress.

Fix it:

Look for English courses in Jakarta that offer:Certified, experienced teachers (CELTA, TESOL, or ACTA qualifications)
Clear levels and structured progress
Opportunities for interaction (not just lectures)
Practical use of English for your real-life needs

A trial class is a great way to evaluate before committing.

5. Studying English Without a Clear Goal

You want to “improve your English” — but what does that really mean? Without a specific goal, it’s hard to measure progress or stay motivated.

Fix it:

Set smart, short-term goals:“I want to order food in English without help.”
“I want to understand 80% of a Netflix episode without subtitles.”
“I want to pass the IELTS exam with a 6.5 score.”

Once your goal is clear, you can plan your study schedule around it and celebrate each small success.

6. Not Practicing Enough Outside of Class

One or two hours per week is not enough. Real fluency comes from exposure — hearing, reading, writing, and speaking English every day. Many learners in Jakarta rely only on their classroom time and don’t practice outside.

Fix it:

Make English part of your daily life:Listen to English podcasts on your commute.
Change your phone’s language to English.
Watch YouTube or TikTok in English.
Keep a short daily journal in English.

Small, consistent exposure adds up faster than you think.

7. Learning Vocabulary the Wrong Way

If you’re still memorizing long vocabulary lists or using flashcards without context, you’re likely forgetting most of what you learn.

Fix it:

Learn vocabulary in context. Write short stories using new words. Watch shows and repeat sentences. Create mind maps or word families. For example, instead of just learning “run,” also learn “runner,” “ran,” “running,” and “go for a run.”

8. Ignoring Pronunciation and Listening Skills

Many learners focus on reading and writing but ignore listening and speaking — especially pronunciation. This leads to misunderstandings or being afraid to speak at all.

Fix it:

Record yourself speaking. Use shadowing — repeat after native speakers in videos or audio. Learn common pronunciation rules like silent letters and stress. Listening more will naturally improve your pronunciation too.

9. Getting Discouraged Too Easily

Language learning takes time. It’s easy to feel like you’re not improving, especially if you’re comparing yourself to native speakers or faster learners. Some people give up after a few months.

Fix it:

Track your own progress. Record yourself now and listen again in three months — you’ll be amazed. Look back at your old writing and see how far you’ve come. Consistency is more important than speed.

10. Not Choosing the Right Environment

If you’re surrounded by people who don’t speak English or aren’t supportive, it’s harder to stay motivated.

Fix it:

Join an English-speaking environment — even if it’s just once a week. Some language schools in Jakarta offer English-only zones, social events, or group outings that allow you to use your English in real situations.

Final Thoughts: You Can Succeed

English learners in Jakarta have more resources than ever — but success depends on using those resources the right way. Avoid the common mistakes. Set clear goals. Practice every day. Find a class or tutor who truly supports your growth.

Remember: you don’t need to be perfect — you just need to keep going.

If you’re looking for the right English course in Jakarta, start by asking yourself: