Teaching in Singapore

[theresaplaceforus]

At an international independent. Does anyone here do it? Realistically what is the package really like - I’m considering the move seriously. Young child. I personally grew up in Singapore and love it there.
On a teachers salary/benefits can you afford a helper or should I say are you able to afford a place that ha space for a helper as I know that they are sadly paid pittance although I grew up with one who was very much treated as a family member and we adored her - a helper will be needed - for childcare. What is the size of the place that you live?
Basically I’m asking what’s it really like as these websites make it seem shiny and fabulous I know that’s what Singapore is if you have cash but as a teacher - is your life a good one and is it worth it?

I teach internationally, and am moving to a job in Singapore in August. I've been offered 11,000sgd a month, including 3000 housing allowance (so that part isn't taxed). Healthcare, annual flights, visas etc all included for me and my husband. If we had kids they'd be included as well, and school fees. That's at the big, newish british college, I know Tanglin, SAS and UWCSEA pay a bit more, up to about 14000sgd monthly for a mainscale teacher. There's also lots of other schools, where pay is slightly less, but work life balance meant to be better.
I can't answer the helper question but certainly looking at accommodation I could afford an apartment with a helper room if we wanted one, we don't (non-working husband, he's my free helper).
It also depends if you have a partner or spouse: if they're working and on a comparable wage you'll be laughing, if not you'll have to compromise on some things but still very doable.
In terms of lifestyle, I'll never work in the UK again! Living and teaching in Thailand, Malaysia, two countries in Europe and now to Singapore having given me more experiences of travel, socialising, exploring language and culture, eating and generally living than I ever dreamed of! I'd say go for it if it works for you as a family.

@Ulelia Thank you so much for your detailed response. That sounds like a pretty good deal to be honest. Do you know of many overseas that move around Asia with children as well? I know once they get to a certain age it makes sense to stay in one place for academics and friendships but it seems something quite exciting to do with younger primary aged children?

Hi, yes, loads. South East Asia in particular is great for teachers with kids- lots of schools, free school places and a good enough wage that the travel and quality of life is amazing. Many out there with young kids, and secondary age kids can be fine as well if you find yourself in the right school or country where they are settled and can go all the way through. For others they tend to return to Europe or somewhere where kids can make local friends more easily for the teenage years. In my last school in Thailand, I knew of at least 20 couples with primary kids, of a staff of around 80.

I would say it is very tricky to really afford a helper in Singapore on one teachers salary. You have to pay them and the Government so that is about $1000 per month minimum. You need a bedroom for your helper, not the cupboard that is supposed to be their room.

I have lived in Singapore since 1995 and my first helper is still with me. She is part of our family and is treated so. I hear a lot from her about helpers who are not treated so well.

@Ulelia I do like your enthusiasm but you might be giving a bit of a false picture.

Yes you can, especially with only one child. Do note that rents have gone here recently. Tough to find bigger apartments.

I've been teaching in Singapore for 3 years and I have 2 DC. We are going home soon for various reasons.
On my salary alone I could afford a helper and a modest lifestyle but wouldn't be able to save much if anything. My DH works in Singapore too and we are able to save his entire salary. I would say if your school places and housing are included you could afford a helper, yes. My housing allowance almost covers the cost of a 3 bed condo on the outskirts of the central district.
We've certainly had a good life here and a good experience and Singapore is a great city - better when you can travel though!

You need to account for about $1000 - $1100 dollars a month for a helper including the government levy. And you also have to buy them their toiletries, pay for medical appointments, a flight home at least once every contract. If your job offer is 8k plus per month and you have other benefits included then its doable - but do remember that school places and housing allowances are a taxable benefit so you do end up paying something towards those.

@OrraBoralis

I would say it is very tricky to really afford a helper in Singapore on one teachers salary. You have to pay them and the Government so that is about $1000 per month minimum. You need a bedroom for your helper, not the cupboard that is supposed to be their room.

I have lived in Singapore since 1995 and my first helper is still with me. She is part of our family and is treated so. I hear a lot from her about helpers who are not treated so well.

@Ulelia I do like your enthusiasm but you might be giving a bit of a false picture.

I said I couldn't answer the helper question.

Ulelia are you sure your housing allowance isn't taxable? I've never heard that out here - I know teachers at lots of schools and it's a taxable benefit.

Keeping an eye on this thread as considering a move to Singapore, teacher here too. Ready to make the move and know three others out there already but we have no children. Have heard good things about it already but appreciate everyone’s experience will be different!

@Ploughingthrough

Ulelia are you sure your housing allowance isn't taxable? I've never heard that out here - I know teachers at lots of schools and it's a taxable benefit.

I know - I'm confused also. I know it's normally taxable but my contract and job offer letter say its not. Thanks for the reminder, I need to query it!

Thanks so much for these responses - really helpful.

I am here with no housing costs, and my salary is just a smidge higher than yours if you take away the housing allowance (not a teacher). My kids school costs are also covered. We live on my salary month to month and save my DH’s. However, we are probably spending less than usual due to travel restrictions etc.

We do not need to pay the helper levy either. I think with that (c. $300 per month?) plus spreading cost of insurance, medical appointments, bonus, food and toiletries etc over eh heat you’re probably looking at a bit more than $1k a month all in if you are paying a decent monthly salary.

Are you planning on a car?

Sorry - just seen how old this is! Did you make the move?