English Teach Abroad in Singapore--does this exist?

[ripleycoco]

Hi everyone!

My boyfriend lives in Singapore and I’m trying to find a way to join him there. However, I’m thinking it might be impossible for me to get a job. I have a bachelor's degree in biology and am a recent graduate who had planned to go to physical therapy or physician assistant school but our relationship and my desire to be with him has somewhat thrown a wrench in these plans.


I have a couple of questions then:

1. I am wondering about teach abroad programs in Singapore. Even though English is the business language of Singapore, there seems to be some evidence online that English teaching via TEFL certificates is something that happens. But I’m wondering if this is actually “legit” or not since I can’t really find any companies that do it (like EPIK in South Korea) and it seems like the need isn’t really there since most people speak English anyway. Has anyone heard of any companies/opportunities for college graduates teaching English in Singapore or is that a myth?

2. If there isn’t a teach-away program like this in Singapore, is there any kind of equivalent “standard job” for American college graduates that anyone is familiar with? (Believe me, I'm not assuming something like this exists, but I thought it was worth asking at least.)

It sucks my degree is kind of useless (as far as I can tell) without another degree but I’m trying to work with what I have. Otherwise, we'd have to be apart for three or four more years.

Thanks so much for anyone who reads/responds.

[daveco23]

1 - I think this is a myth. I've been here 8 years and never come across it. There are many opportunities in neighbouring countries, so you could possibly base yourself on one of those countries then hop on a plane here a couple times a month?
2 - No chance right now, unless you are with a company that has presence here where you could transfer over. Jobs market is going down the toilet and preference will be given to locals.

The only way I think for you to come over with him is to get married, or as per the above, find a job relevant to your qualifications in a neighbouring country where you can get to Singapore for weekends, etc.

[ripleycoco]

1 - I think this is a myth. I've been here 8 years and never come across it. There are many opportunities in neighbouring countries, so you could possibly base yourself on one of those countries then hop on a plane here a couple times a month?
2 - No chance right now, unless you are with a company that has presence here where you could transfer over. Jobs market is going down the toilet and preference will be given to locals.

The only way I think for you to come over with him is to get married, or as per the above, find a job relevant to your qualifications in a neighbouring country where you can get to Singapore for weekends, etc.

Alright... This is more or less what I had expected to hear. Although your idea of looking into a neighboring country is a good one! Thank you very much.

[bgd]

There are English tuition centres. Hours are pretty rubbish, evenings and weekends. These days you probably need a teaching certificate to have any chance of employment in that space.