question about teachers wages

[Lauren...]

Hi,

I have just received a job offer teaching in Singapore - for the MOE. My monthly salary would be around S$3,400 is this okay to live on in Singapore with no dependents? On average how much would rent be for a one bedroom flat, i'm not sure on areas yet!

Thanks in advance for your help,

Lauren

[jpatokal]

Quite frankly, that's a pretty bad salary. It's survivable if you're single, but you'll be putting at least half of that into rent (unless you share), so is it worth moving over?

[Stoven]

Lauren,

What is your background? Do you have any teaching experience? College graduates start out at S$2,600 with no experience so your offer is decent.

What process did you go through to get the job offer? Are you currently in Singapore? I'm asking since I have also applied at the MOE. I submitted my application online and emailed my education documents and am still waiting on a response. I'm in the US still but am hoping to find a job before I move in a couple months.


Steve

[Luci@]

Hi Stoven!


I find the topic interesting. I am currently doing a PhD in Psychology in the US and would like to find out about applying for jobs as a professor in Singapore. I have a couple of years to go and would like to get prepared. I am involved in research and would liked to pursue this as my career, but would also consider teaching.

How did you get started?

Thanks!

[Stoven]

Luci,

I applied through the MOE website but I have Singapore PR status. I think MOE is only good for primary, secondary, and JC. Since you will have your phD you probably would prefer to teach at a University which you have to apply to directly.

I only have my Masters so I think I can only teach up to JC or Poly. If you want to teach at a Poly you have to apply to them directly too.

[Lauren...]

Hi Steve,

I am not yet in Singapore - just waiting for a departure date etc. I have a MA and have been teaching for 2 1/2 years as a qualified secondary school teacher. That sounds reasonable then!

I applied online too, and then heard back a month and a half later, and went to an interview etc... Good luck with your application.

[irvine]

Lauren, last I asked.. a one bedroom flat is going for at least $1200. However, a room (sharing the flat with others) would be about 400-700 depending on where the location is. Of course, there may be cheaper options.

Are you accepting the job offer? If yes, when are you moving here?

[Lauren...]

Thank you, that is really useful. I did accept the job and will move out in late August, very much looking forward to it now!

[ksl]

Thank you, that is really useful. I did accept the job and will move out in late August, very much looking forward to it now!

Private English tuition starts around the 4 plus for 20 hrs the rest is prep time. so i would say your offer is normal and mostly all teachers come on local wages anyway, if you are lucky you maybe able to negotiate a flight home once a year, getting your foot in the door is maybe the best policy. The government is trying hard to improve the English it will will take generations.

Singapore is what you make of it! The same as any Country.