Any advice for a prospevtive young and pure westerner in SG?

[GreatyDane]

Hey. I would like to know how many Caucasians there are residing in Singapore at the moment. Obviously, they are a minority, but are there certain areas, where they tend to hang out or don’t they stick together really? Those who are there – are they usually there on a short-term basis? – are there actually caucasians, who have lived in SG their entire lives? – are there many young Caucasians, i.e. would it be possible for an 18-year-old to find friends and eventually a Caucasian girlfriend in Singapore?

I’m asking, since my parents will move out there next year, and though I’ll be in Scandinavia during term-time, I’m scared of the thought of just being isolated for 5 months a year. I’ll be doing a business degree, and I would like to take advantage of the situation and get a grasp of the Asian mentality, but I just don’t know how given my situation. I have thought about getting a part-time job just for the fun of it, but do you know if it would be impossible or inappropriate?

As the rest of my family will be staying there, probably for a long time, I have thought about aiming for a full-time job in Singapore, once I have completed my bachelor’s degree. Do you think it would be possible to find a job in within the financial service industry in Singapore for a ‘pure’ westerner, or would I have to learn an Asian language, get a useful network of friends (locals?), etc.?

Any serious advice appreciated – thanks!

Btw... Has been to Malaysia, and will first be going to Singapore this winter. Is it true what 'they' say - that it is really clean, people ought to behave properly and so on?

[k1w1]

Singapore is very multi-cultural. There are heaps of westerners here, of all ages and nationalities (pure and unpure, even - not too sure where you were headed with that...)

You could consider studying here as the universities are open to foreign students also.

The Overseas Family School (one of the schools aimed at foreign kids living here) has an attached college. You might like to check that out as there would be people in similar situations to yourself there, I expect.

[tiki]

I reckon you have to behave in a civil manner no matter where you're at. It'd do you good to come here, you get to experience the diverse culture and just about everything else.

The intergration of expats and locals are now more seemless compared to years ago. Of course there are the usual social 'problems' and 'turds' but...overall it's a nice place.

Located where it is, you'll find it easy to travel throughout the region and most part of the world. Singapore does not have any natural resources per se ( NeWater or not ) and she relies on her people.

Singapore has almost perfected the art of communication and diplomacy as it is vital for her prosperity.

Singapore is a pretty neat place to be in...you can chew gum just don't expect to find places where you can buy it (legally). It'd be good if you're a smoker, to kick the habit before coming...

Come experience Singapore..and you'll see that she has so much to offer, and yes..even Female Caucasian 18yrs olds.

Singapore...an island of wonders.

Robert is your Mom's brother.

Though New Zealand rocks!!!! ( Hey... gotta keep rooted you know )

[Strong Eagle]

The numbers I've seen say that there are about 70,000 white expats in Singapore... but it's a meaningless number. If you come, you become immersed in Singapore... and get to know the other 4.2 million people here. Sure, you can find people to be with your "own", and even better, you can become friends with every other variety of person and culture. It's great. Isolated you won't be unless you choose to be so.

As for the job... lot's of competition... but you'll be here on a dependent's pass and will have plenty of opportunity. Take a risk and plunge in. It's worth it.

[k1yang]

Hey. I would like to know how many Caucasians there are residing in Singapore at the moment. Obviously, they are a minority, but are there certain areas, where they tend to hang out or don’t they stick together really? Those who are there – are they usually there on a short-term basis? – are there actually caucasians, who have lived in SG their entire lives? – are there many young Caucasians, i.e. would it be possible for an 18-year-old to find friends and eventually a Caucasian girlfriend in Singapore?

I’m asking, since my parents will move out there next year, and though I’ll be in Scandinavia during term-time, I’m scared of the thought of just being isolated for 5 months a year. I’ll be doing a business degree, and I would like to take advantage of the situation and get a grasp of the Asian mentality, but I just don’t know how given my situation. I have thought about getting a part-time job just for the fun of it, but do you know if it would be impossible or inappropriate?

As the rest of my family will be staying there, probably for a long time, I have thought about aiming for a full-time job in Singapore, once I have completed my bachelor’s degree. Do you think it would be possible to find a job in within the financial service industry in Singapore for a ‘pure’ westerner, or would I have to learn an Asian language, get a useful network of friends (locals?), etc.?

Any serious advice appreciated – thanks!

Btw... Has been to Malaysia, and will first be going to Singapore this winter. Is it true what 'they' say - that it is really clean, people ought to behave properly and so on?

Hey there,

No worries 'cause everywhere you go, you'll bound to see Westerners at every part of Singapore. Singapore is well-known to be a multi-racial and multi-cultural society and I'm sure you're able to blend in no time. For what I know, there are 2 westerners families living down my street.

I'm not too sure regarding the job apects here but hey, there are many westerners working here in Singapore.

Whether you're able to find a caucasian girlfriend, well I guess it really depends on ur luck. Anyway all the best!