Job Discussion Forums

[roamingteacher]

Hi there,

We are a teaching couple considering targeting Singapore for the next academic year. Some facts about us:

- I have a BA English (UK); CELTA; CELTYL; MA Applied Linguistics; PGCE English and Drama and a total of 9 years experience teaching EFL and secondary. I am mixed-race Irish-African and therefore not Caucasian. 32.
- Other half has degree from UK; CELTA; DELTA and about 12 years teaching EFL. Caucasian. 36.
- By next summer, we'll also have a 4-year-old and a 8-month-old baby

So....

1. Looking at the British Council (for example) it looks like we could earn decent salaries of at least 6k each (according to posts on this forum). Would that be OK to live comfortably with 2 kids and decent accommodation? To clarify 'decent' meaning in a green area, away from heavy traffic, pollution etc. If so, what areas would we be looking at?

2. Would we be able to afford a decent education for our youngest - not necessarily international school but at least 50% English-medium? If international school, what kind of fees? If other, same question?

3. Would we be able to easily find/afford good childcare for our youngest (even though one of us would probably work part-time)?

4. Racism issues for me with students and parents?

5. Any particularly decent international schools worth checking out? (Ones with happy staff, not overworked to breaking point - I am happy to put in the hours being a bit of a workaholic, but I don't want to be snowed under with pointless paperwork and extra duties not of my choice)

6. What's traffic like in Singapore and is a car (in)advisable / necessary?

7. Is it worth considering the MoE program?

Anything else that Singapore is notorious / famous for that I'm missing?

Thanks to anyone willing to respond publicly or privately.

RT [/list]

[SydGirl2]

If you have teaching qualifications, then you should consider International Schools. I hear that The British Council is a good gig, but you may find that the teaching hours are not 9-3 or similar. It may involve evening/weekend work which would make childcare very difficult. If one of you could work at an International School and the other at The British Council then child minding could be done by one partner while the other works. Working part time may involve weekend work as this is often the peak time in places like The British Council. A lot of western expat families have a stay at home partner so child care is not an issue. Others employ foreign maids or helpers, not necessarily a good option. The MOE does not pay well and involves quite a heavy workload.
Buying or leasing a car is very expensive but luckily public transport is excellent and cheap. Rents are quite high. You would probably want a 2-3 bedroom apartment. This could be anything from $1500-$4000 per month depending on the location and whether you rent a condo or an HDB (government) flat. Unless you get a job in an International school, you will probably find that the rental allowance would not cover the rent.

[roamingteacher]

Thanks for that info. Yes - we have already considered working for the BC, but one of us would do this only part-time so we could have the weekends free. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much available when it comes to British international schools or perhaps I'm just not finding them?

Why do you say that nanny-type childcare is not necessarily a good option? Is this often problematic?

Any other advice much appreciated

[SydGirl2]

You shouldn't limit your search to British type International Schools in Singapore although there are quite a few that offer the British or British-type curriculum. I know of New Zealanders who teach at the French school. I have sent you a PM.

[Jaradcel]

Hello, I know I'm a little late but as a Singaporean I thought I'd offer you some answers.

[roamingteacher]

Great of you to give that advice. We've decided to go to Malaysia this year, but no doubt your responses will help others, and we'll certainly bear them in mind for future moves.
Ta!

[Jaradcel]

Which part? Keep in mind it's got the racial tension going on with the use of "Allah" as a word between the Christians and Muslims right now there.