Job Discussion Forums

CelticSlav · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 7

Changes in my personal circumstances have caused me to start looking for work in Singapore, after over two years in South Korea. I'm looking to come in early 2011. I've got a few questions and would greatly appreciate some input from some vets (or fellow newbies, if you've already gotten your feet wet).

1. How difficult will it be to find work? (I have a BS in psychology, a CELTA awarded in Europe, and about 2 1/2 years experience teaching ESL to kindergarten - middle school students in Korea. I guess I should also mention that I'm a presentable 28 year-old male from the American Midwest)

2. Should I secure a job online before coming, or would it be worth the risk to just fly in and look for work "on the ground"?

3. Are there particular seasons that are heavy/light for hiring?

4. Is there any work for foreigners to do in Singapore apart from teaching (any ideas here, no matter how crappy the job, would be appreciated)?

5. Finally, a question concerning Singapore itself: would a person that has grown tired of cities lately be able to live in it without coming unhinged? I ask because I found living in Seoul extremely difficult for many reasons, not the least of which were the overcrowding, the traffic, the noise, the pollution, and the brutal summer heat. Right now I find myself craving places like New Hampshire or the Pacific Northwest, with crisp weather and lots of open space, but they are not realistic options at the moment and I believe moving to Singapore would be worth the trade-off for the benefits I'd get (personal, if not professional). So: how bad is the population density, really? Is it as clean as everyone says it is? And is it easy to duck into a coffee shop with AC when you just have to have a break from the heat?

Thanks a million in advance for your time and advice.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Best to turn up and approach schools here. Few advertise on sites such as this.

Yes, plenty of scope for other work. Depends on your qualifications etc.

Singapore is very urban and very hot. It is mostly clean in the centre. Backstreets and toilets can be filthy. Need to get on a plane to see extensive greenery, though there are good pockets of jungle here.

CelticSlav · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 7

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

I would say that the Botanic Gardens is Asia's finest park. There are a number of other decent parks too. Pockets of jungle are more ragged, good for long hikes.

CelticSlav · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 7

It's go time. I'll be in Singapore from Dec. 12th - 19th. Any advice for a week long in-person job search would be greatly appreciated. Any particular areas I should canvass heavily? And are there heavy/light hiring seasons for Singapore jobs? I'll be finished in Korea at the end of February.

Also, a non-business question: is there anything as far as fun/tourism goes that I shouldn't miss during that week?

Thanks again.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Here's one site with Singapore events, although it doesn't include lots of smaller local activities and shows:

http://www.sistic.com.sg/

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

If you are going to Singapore, you should also hop over the border to Malaysia and check out Johor Baru, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Malaysia has a mountain range (Titiwangsa) running down the western third of the peninsula. Beautiful and only 20-30 minutes from some parts of KL.

There are TESL jobs in Malaysia.