Teaching in Singapore

[StereoTyped]

I'm really interested in the idea of teaching in Singapore. I don't expect to get hired by a school like UWC or SAS at this point, but what are the tier 2 schools in the area?

I'm specifically looking for information about SAIS (Stamford American International School). Is it difficult to get hired there? What is the salary like? What benefits do they offer? Would it be considered a tier 2 school?

What other schools in Singapore have you had good experiences with? And has anybody brought pets with them?

Lots of questions, I know. But any information that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated!

[seinfeld]

There are a lot of tier 2 schools in Singapore you may find easier to get into: Chatsworth, OFS, ISS, Tanglin. I think Tanglin and OFS offer a good package but the others medium to low.

I have a friend in SAIS who seems happy. Not sure of package. Friend who works in Australian IS shipped her cat over no problems.

I know Chatwsorth and ISS have done their hiring for next year and pretty sure UWC too.

[StereoTyped]

Thanks Seinfeld, for your reply.

When you say 'good' or 'medium' or 'low' package, what sort of salary range are we talking about? And what about housing? I just have no idea what constitutes a 'low' package.

And do you know if OFS, Tanglin, and SAIS are still hiring?

Thanks again!

[seinfeld]

http://www.ofs.edu.sg/about-ofs/jobs-at-ofs/

OFS are on leased land, everybody has a different rumour about their future.

http://www.tts.edu.sg/main/current_positions

http://www.sais.edu.sg/careers

I hear OFS and Tanglin have generous packages.
I'm on about 4,000SGD a month and as a couple get 2500SGD for rent. That is considered measly as a salary in an IS in Singapore.
Hope that gives you some insight.

[seinfeld]

http://www.ofs.edu.sg/about-ofs/jobs-at-ofs/

OFS are on leased land, everybody has a different rumour about their future.

http://www.tts.edu.sg/main/current_positions

http://www.sais.edu.sg/careers

I hear OFS and Tanglin have generous packages.
I'm on about 4,000SGD a month and as a couple get 2500SGD for rent. That is considered measly as a salary in an IS in Singapore.
Hope that gives you some insight.

[seashell]

I left OFS a few years ago...

I was on 6600 SgD a month and had about 4 years teaching experience. We also got a 1 month bonus the second year I was there.

A 2,000 SgD housing allowance, which I´m told has gone up.

They are completely random about hiring and don´t go to any hiring fairs, yet manage to get a really good staff.

They are on leased land and there are a large variety of rumors about when that lease will be up. It´s not like the school will cease to exist...it may just go from having one of the best locations in Singapore to being nearly in Malaysia.

[StereoTyped]

Well that doesn't sound bad at all! I know Singapore isn't cheap, but were you living comfortably with that package?
Also, were there any automatic monthly deductions (before or after the 6600) for taxes, insurance, etc?

[PsyGuy]

I was on 7400SGD but no housing allowance. I only had taxes taken out, you dont have to make CPF (social security) contributions until you get PR, and you get graduated rates for the first 3 years. My school paid the national health care premiums.I lived pretty well, but Im single and didnt choose to live in a premium neighborhood. In Singapore where you live and what kind of housing (HDB, Apartment, Condo, mansion/house) is a stronger factor then how new or nice the place is.

[seashell]

My school didn't take taxes out and I got a tax bill from the government at the end of the year. Was a little more than 1 months salary for the entire year if I recall.

I lived monthly off about 2,000 SgD and the rest was savings or travel money. Keep in mind I drink very little alcohol and don't eat meat. My closest grocery store was also a Fair Price which is heaps cheaper than the more upscale Cold Storage.

[ChocolateFreyja]

Hello everyone,

I hope you are well! I stumbled upon this forum while browsing through international schools. Thanks to those who have shared their opinions and experience with some of the schools. I am looking forward to work in a kindergarten in an international school to gain experience and to work wirh teachers of different cultures. Does anyone know how is the benefits like this time in SAIS or any other international schools?

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you so much and I wish you a great weekend!

Cheers,
Freyja

[PsyGuy]

@ChocolateFreyja

I had difficulty understanding your inquiry. In general PK/K/Nursery/Reception leads to more PK/K/Nursery/Reception, and many of these ISs are self contained ISs that provide only that level of education, which dont offer many if any growth opportunities.

[ChocolateFreyja]

Hi PsyGuy,

I was asking if anyone knows the salary and benefits for Preschool or kindergarten teachers in any of the international schools here in Singapore with more than 8 years of experience.