Job Discussion Forums

[Rocky]

Hi I'm Rocky from England. I have applied to two international schools on the island Penang and would love to hear from anyone who has experience of living/working in Penang. I have been on holiday there this summer and loved it but I realise that to live there would be different.

Is it a worthwhile move/experience? I'm single with no family or other ties and want to try something different before I get too old!! Would it be easy to meet people and socialise, etc?

The wage compared to my current wage in England is rather pathetic at approx 40000 RM + allowances and I knew it would be. However, is that enough to live/go out on?

Any other useful info would be gratefully received!!

[AsiaTraveller]

Rocky,

Penang is a wonderful place to live and an extremely attractive alternative to KL. Some old Malay and Chinese traditions live on in Penang that have all but died out in KL. And yet the city is modern, there is a thriving IT high-tech industry, and the local universities are top notch.

A salary of RM 40,000 per year is (unfortunately) typical for entry-level English teaching. Is there an extra housing allowance? I hope so! You'll be able to live, especially if you cook your own meals or eat at the food courts or hawker stalls. Apartments in Penang are much cheaper than in KL (ranging from maybe RM400 to RM1000 for decent to quite nice). See some apartment rental postings for Penang Island at:
http://www.adpost.com/my/?sta=penang&cat=apartment_rental_search&db=my_homes_offices&website=&language=&session_key=&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=headlines&category=Apartment+/+Condo&caption_header=FOR+RENT+/+LEASE:&query=browse
Best wishes on the new job!

[Rocky]

Thanks for your reply Asia Traveller, your info is very helpful to me.

Rocky