Why Teach in Vietnam?
Singapore
Why Teach in Singapore?
While Singapore is a country in itself- only 90% the size of New York City. Yet, this little cosmopolitan has managed to create an impressive blend of modernity and traditionalism into one small, harmonious space.
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With it's small size, already impressive edu. system, and strict regulations- it's no surprise that English teacher positions are not in high demand in Singapore. Compared to many Asian countries where English learning is an after-school thing, Singapore has English already ingrained in their system.
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So how do teachers find work in Singapore, then? You've got to be specialized and experienced.
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Most teaching opportunities will be for...
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Highly educated teachers in International Schools
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Young teachers willing to work in public preschools
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Specialized teachers that will work in reading acadamies
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It's not impossible- just more competitive. But with the right attitude, qualifications, and persistence- you can get a job in Singapore. And once you do, you can expect a salary package that allows a comfortable lifestyle.
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Living in Singapore is not too shabby, either. The location of Singapore is FABULOUS for weekend getaways. In fact, many teachers, expats, and Singaporeans go to Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and other nearby destinations most weekends because it's so convenient and much cheaper to party.
As for what to expect while living on this tiny island, Singapore is one of the most fast-growing countries in Asia with exciting exhibitions, events, and concerts always going on. It’s also a culturally diverse country with amazing food and traditions.
Bottom line, Singapore is a prized destination for the persistent teacher seeking for an unforgettable journey while making a decent chunk of cash.
Public Schools vs. Language Centers vs. International Schools
Public Schools
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Perks
12 weeks a year paid holidays
Full-pay sick leave
Yearly contracts
Pitfalls
Only Preschool Jobs
Very competitive
International Schools
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Perks
Higher salaries
American/ British / IB curriculum
Small classes
Pitfalls
Heavier workload
Lesson planning
Working in the afternoons and some
weekends
Private Language Centers
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Perks
Hire year round
Pitfalls
Likely to work on the weekends
Sparse selection of jobs
Qualifications to Teach in Singapore
Depending on where you wish to apply, the qualifications vary from experience, training, studies, and citizenship.
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Public (Government) School
Native English Speaker: Depends on positions
Bachelor’s Degree: Required
Master’s Degree or Teaching Degree: Competitive edge
TEFL Certificate or Equivalent: Preferred
Teaching Experience: 2+ Years Preferred
Criminal Background Check: Required
Health Check: Required for the visa process
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Note: Public School in Singapore starts at preschool, and preschool jobs are the only teaching jobs open to foreign teachers within the public school system
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International Schools
Native English Speaker: Required
Bachelor’s Degree: Required
Master’s Degree or Teaching Degree: Strongly Preferred
TEFL Certificate, CELTA Degree or Equivalent: Required
Teaching Experience: 2+ Years
Criminal Background Check: Preferred
Health Check: Required due to visa process
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Pro Tip
International Schools also hire an array of teachers to teach different subjects. They also accept admin roles and counselors if your qualifications fit!
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Private Language Centers
Native English Speaker: Required
Bachelor’s Degree: Preferred
Master’s Degree or Teaching Degree: Preferred
TEFL Certificate, CELTA Degree or Equivalent: Required
Teaching Experience: Required minimum 2 years
Criminal Background Check: Preferred
Health Check: Not Required (might fill out a form)
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Don't have a TEFL yet? We can fix that.
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If you want to get your TEFL quickly via the clearest course online, iTTT TEFL is the way to go.
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A TEFL degree is your golden ticket to getting hired in Singapore.​
And- you can finish as quickly as 4 weeks.
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Increase your chances of getting hired
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Increase your value as a teacher and thus increase your pay
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Allow you to land a job in practically every country in Asia
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Use our link and get a 5% discount off of your online course.
How to Find a Job in Singapore
Due to the high demand of English teachers, the opportunities are endless. Here are some options to consider when applying for a job in Singapore.
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For Public Schools
Step 1: Apply directly to the Minister of Education’s (MOE) web page.
Step 2: You'll be contacted by the MOE to discuss your qualifications and hopefully move forward with a job offer.
One important detail: MOE will choose your school placement based on your experience, studies, and training
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Step 3: Once hired, submit for the proper paperwork (see the visa section below) to issue your work visa.
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For International Schools
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Step 1: Hunt online for international schools and apply directly. Here's a list!
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We still recommend applying to schools online- but let them know that you are in Singapore and ready for a face-to-face interview ASAP!
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You can also show up to Language Schools with your CV in hand, dressed in your best teacher clothes!
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For this option -if you are from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa- you don’t need an Entry visa. All you need is your bag, your resume, and a plane ticket. Let the adventure begin!
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Immerse yourself in Singaporean culture while you earn your TEFL degree!
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The on-site TEFL course in Singapore offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to ease you into the culture, language, and customs while you earn your TEFL certificate. You'll study in a classroom with other aspiring TEFL teachers from around the world and at the end... you come out as a TEFL-certified teacher and the program connects you with a teaching job in Singapore.
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Sign up, and you can be in Singapore as soon as next month or schedule your course 6-months down the line.
Sign up through this link and get 10% off your TEFL Course (applied at checkout)!
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Option 1: Apply Online
Option 2: Go to Singapore and Search
Option 3: TEFL Course and Job Placement
Visas for Teachers in Singapore
Visas processes and paperwork always sound scary and tedious, however, in the case of Singapore, it’s actually pretty simple and fast. Americans don’t need an Entry visa, so just pack your bags, go there and explore the wonders Singapore has to offer you. On the other hand, work permits have a process but a simple one. Once you’re hired, the company will ask you to deliver the proper documentation and they will take care of the visa process. Usually work permits last up to 2 years, however, this will depend on the contract with the employer.
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2 x Letters of recommendation from previous school/employer/professor (signed and scanned)
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Separate photo attachment (friendly and professional head shot is best)
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Scan of degree certificate(s)
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Scan of passport info page
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Scan of TEFL cert
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Scan of your criminal background check
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Step 1: Your school with ask for the above documents and start applying for your work permit.
Step 2: Fly to Singapore
Step 3: Once in Singapore, you'll take a medical test within 2 weeks of arrival.
Step 4: Your school will take the documents and medical check, and then will register you with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Step 5: The MOM might ask you to also register your fingerprints and take some extra photos.
Step 6: The work permit card should be ready after 4 working days and will be delivered to your address.
Remember, your school will help you with all of this, so don't get overwhelmed!
If you want to know a bit more the process and what does the company will do to issue the work permit, visit the MOM website here.
Documents Required for a Work Permit/Visa to Teach in Singapore
How to Apply
What's Included in the Job
Public Schools
Average Monthly Income: $1500- $3000 USD
Housing: Not included
Flights: Not included
Medical Insurance: Included
End of the Year Pension or Bonus: Included
Vacation Time: 12 weeks per year, national holidays included
Contract Commitment: 1-2 years
Family Sponsored Visas: Not included
International Schools
Average Monthly Income: $3000+ USD
Housing: Included
Flights: Not included
Medical Insurance: Included
End of the Year Pension or Bonus: Included
Vacation Time: 10 weeks + national holidays
Contract Commitment: 1-2 years
Family Sponsored Visas: Depending on the school
Private Language Centers
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Average Monthly Income: $1500- $3500 USD
Housing: Not included
Flights: Not included
Medical Insurance: Not Included
End of the Year Pension or Bonus: Not included
Vacation Time: 2- 4 Weeks + national holidays
Contract Commitment: 1-2 years
Family Sponsored Visas: Not included
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Cost of Living in Singapore
Depending on your income, benefits provided and party lifestyle, it is possible to save up to $2000 a month teaching in Singapore- especially, if you add some private lessons on top of your work week. Often, hourly wages for tutors are higher than salary teachers.
Food in Singapore is relatively cheap in the markets but can get pretty pricey eating out.
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That being said, let's crunch some numbers.
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(Prices are in USD roughly according to numbeo.com and individual research– Updated November 2017)
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Compare your current cost of living in Singapore here.
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Basics
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Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: $ 2,180.29
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: $ 1,414.99
Utilities: $110.51
Taxi (1km): $ 0.40
Local Transport 1-way Ticket: $ 1.25
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Day to Day
1 Dozen Eggs: $ 2.18
Chicken Breast (1kg): $ 6.49
Loaf of Fresh White Bread: $ 1.79
Draft Beer (pint): $ 8.00
Restaurant Meal (average restaurant): $ 9.17
McDonald’s Combo Meal: $ 5.54
Cinema- International Release (1 Ticket): $ 8.81
Gym Membership: $ 96.13
The Low Down on Singapore
Language: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar; (SGD rate here)
Type of Government: Parliamentarian Republic.
Crime: Extremely Low. Check the stats.
Safety Concerns: Singapore is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world!
Public Transportation: Great public transportation. MRT trains or buses.
Gay-Friendly: Kind of. While being gay is accepted, it's not celebrated.
What's to Love about Singapore?
Great tropical weather for beach days
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The city has dedicated half of its territory with green spaces and parks
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Local food is considered affordable and delicious.
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The transportation system is super efficient, making traveling inside or outside Singapore simple and affordable.
What's to Dislike about Singapore?
Alcohol is quite expensive.
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Rush hour traffic!
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Schools can be pretty agist as they prefer to hire young teachers.
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Public displays of affection are frowned upon- but you'll survive.
