Job Discussion Forums

[Shakhbut]

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[sheepshead]

What information do you have on the �proposed� accommodation? Is it a Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment? If so, it is illegal if it is privately owned with the possible exception of ownership of the HDB apartment / accommodation by the school.

Or, is it a nice privately owned apartment not related to the HDB regulations? Or is it on campus? I believe that you should get full information on the accommodation and ask the school to give you a complete list of foreign teachers at the school and their E-mail addresses so you may contact them for their opinion.

I have not personally heard of any thing bad about International Schools in Singapore, but then that does not mean that all places are Utopia.

Have you seen photos of the outside or inside of the accommodation? Are NEW electrics (T.V., stove, lamps etc) and or gas appliances (stove) included? Is the air conditioner new or is it the very old type which uses a lot of electricity to drive the compressor? What about bedding? Are NEW beds and bedding included in the deal? What about cooking utensils?

Are utilities included in the deal? What information do you have? Do you get return airfares at the end of your contract?

If indeed the figure that you quote is correct and you get good accommodation for free and free tuition at the school for your child / children, then it may be a fair deal. However, I should consider the salary should be a little higher than on offer depending on your credentials.

Maybe a talk to other teachers at the school will tell you if the package offered is good or not. I have heard of some top International schools offering a lot more for teachers with top credentials. How good are your credentials?

Feel free to PM me for any other information to questions that you may have.

Caveat Emptor!

[englishtraveling]

Thanks for the help there. The accomodation is on campus and I was told it is a 2 bedroom place with all utilities included. I asked a lot of details about what exactly is provided and am still waiting for a reply.
From talking to a few people, the pay is on the low side. I was told that it should be at least $1000 more. A friend of mine lives there and told me he was offered $7000 with schooling but no housing. That sounds more reasonable to me.

[k1w1]

You didn't say whether this was an offer through the MOE, but I'm assuming it is.

It is not enough money for a family to live on here, even with the housing paid for. You would make ends meet, but there would never be luxuries like dinners out or movies, and your savings would be minimal. Forget about a car, a maid, international school for your child... (obviously none of those are essential...)

Sorry to be a downer, but unless you are really keen to come to Singapore, I wouldn't take it.

An international school would pay at least $1000 more per month and would pay a housing supplement on top of that to someone hired overseas. In fact, you would make more money in a tuition centre, and you wouldn't have to live on site.

The good news is that there are a few places still looking for ESL teachers for August. Be quick though!

Oh, just a thought, but is the school taking payments for your utilities, rent (and extras), and then giving you the "difference"? It's not normal to have utilities covered so I wonder if they are trying to screw your salary down by telling you this is paid as part of your package...

[TeacherSg]

$3,500 plus an apartment and all bills paid is not as bad as it sounds. If you live on campus, then you save on the taxi fare. I've been living in Singapore for about 20 years and know the international school scene quite well. It is true that your salary is a little low, but if the international school is just starting out with few students, then it is definitely operating in the "red". I know of one international school in Singapore that fits that description. I might give the school a try and see how it goes. It can be an interesting experience to be at the beginning of a school's development and have an impact on it. The new international schools in Singapore, like ERIS and CNIS are examples of that. The others, like SAS, OFS, UWC, and Tanglin are the old timers, and they definitely pay quite well.

I hope this helps.

[dolmie]

Housing is a big issue here this year. In fact, condos where most expats live, are forecasted to increase 30% this year. I have friends who have had their luxury apartment rent almost double--so they moved. Expats are expected to pay top dollar for nearly everything in Singapore. Foreign companies often have generous housing allowance, way more than teachers get. Singaporeans renting luxury condos also pay a lot. I have seen 1600 SD per month quoted frequently, but real estate agents are now asking upwards of 2200 to 2400 SD per month all over most of the city right now, with 1600 far away. There are HDB estate flats available, but go quickly, and you have to be here to get them.

I was making less than 4000 SD here per month and it was okay--however, an experienced teacher should be able to make upward sof 7000 SD per month with benefits and housing allowances.

[k1w1]

An experienced teacher at a top international school, hired from overseas and brought here on a full expat package doesn't make $7k plus housing and benefits. Most of the top international schools are selective, and therefore probably will not have ESL students anyway. So an ESL teacher has next to no chance of making money like that here!

Agree with what you said about housing though. It has gone beserk here and it's very hard finding housing for less than $2000.

[dolmie]

Sorry Kiwi,

I'm not usually one to make up facts. Pure EFL jobs will not pay like that.

You should ask teachers at the IB schools in town what they make, and based on your response to my post, you will be very surprised. There is a range though.

If it makes you feel better, my salary was not even close to that and I did work at an IB school. It doesn't make me feel better.

[k1w1]

I teach at an IB school. I have friends who work in the "top paying" schools here, (not all of which are IB). Not one of them makes $7000 a month, plus housing and benefits. Maybe some really experienced teachers with exceptional qualifications and very long standing jobs in the schools are making that, but honestly, I would be very surprised... You're suggesting a total salary package of something like $9-10k, which I just don't imagine happening. Of course, if I'm wrong I would love to know where exactly these places are, so I can start getting my CV ready!!