Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, KL or elsewhere?

[Schmedz]

I am considering teaching abroad and really fancy the idea of somewhere in SE Asia. Any expats in any of these places who could offer some pros and cons of living in these cities/countries and any advice on which schools are reputable!

Help appreciated ??

I teach at an international school in Singapore. There are some excellent schools in all the places you mentioned. To get a feel for some of them browse the TES teaching overseas board. Are you primary or secondary? Any IB experience?

Ooh, don't mind me - just lurking with interest! (DH & I both teachers, thinking about working abroad while we're young enough )

I am also in Singapore. OP have you considered HK? There are some lovely schools there. Also if you will consider outside the cities have a look at Marlborough College, Malaysia and The Green School, Bali. Very different but might suit, it all depends what you are looking for.

BTW the non profit schools are better resourced and give better packages IME.

Most of my netball team are teachers and they all like teaching in HK. They teach in international schools or in the ESF schools. Main pluses are that salaries are higher, student behaviour is really good, there is a culture of achievement and there is less admin work. Downsides are that there is a lot of pressure on students and teachers to achieve good results and some of the parents can be nightmares in that regard ( think ' A- is an Asian F').

Also, as an aside, I'm assuming you're a qualified school teacher. If you're thinking of TEFL teaching then that's a whole other ball game. Much worse paid- most people have to tutor to make ends meet.

DH has been a teacher in both Bangkok and KL. Two entirely different experiences because he foolishly accepted a job at a school that was for profit.
IMO, you need to see what jobs are available (isn't SEARCH coming up) and then research. Your question is far too broad.
FWIW, I much preferred Bangkok to KL but horses for courses.

I live in KL and if you decide to come here, pm me. I am on the board of one International school and work closely with several others, and will give you the lowdown!

If you can. go for a Not-for-profit trust (Tanglin, Pattana, Alice Smith, ISKL) rather than a commercial school, very very different experiences.
Most of the new schools popping up in SEAsia are run for profit and pay their shareholders before putting any money into teachers salaries and resources (Obviously)

Thanks to all for the advice. I have heard great things about Tanglin and Alice Smith. TBH I really find HK very unappealing, partly because of the Tigermom phenomenon (which could easily be comparable to North London, actually!) but also because it is a city I really didn't enjoy visiting, so can't imagine living there. Quite keen on Harrow group or Dulwich group but understand there is little staff turnover there.
I am actually Australian trained but most teaching experience is UK primary. Have full qualifications from Oz and also QTS. Have two children of my own, currently at fantastic school so also have to consider most suitable place for them.
I already trawl TES and TIC recruitment pages - not sure what SEARCH is - anyone able to enlighten me?
fatOwl will PM you...very kind of you to offer your time and advice.
Would love to know how people have found adjusting to the cultural differences and how easy it was to learn the language, especially different alphabets!
Anyone know much about UWCSEA? Think this looks amazing!!

SEARCH is overseas recruitment. There is one generally in London in January and, I think, April.
Excellent advice from Fatowl, avoid avoid avoid profit making schools. The last one DH was at nearly drove him to a major mental health incident.

And, BTW, there are Tigermums at every school. The country is not important, although they are more prevalent at Chinese national heavy institutions.

Thanks kreecher. Have signed up online with Search (seem very American!) and will certainly be seeking the nonprofit establishments.
Know what you mean about Tigermums, as we have plenty at my current London school ?? lots of whom, ironically, used to have children in HK schools and complained about the competitiveness of other parents there ??!