ESL Job Prospect in Singapore

Teaching opportunities are abound in Singapore, with expatriate teachers much sought after for institutions of higher education like colleges and universities. Local teachers have to go through a teacher training period before they are qualified to teach in regular schools. There is no big TEFL or ESL market in Singapore because of English being the medium of instruction, island wide. However, many private language schools have sprouted in the country in recent years. These private language schools in Singapore specialize in General English, Business English (often in-company) and English for Younger Learners. The Singapore Ministry of Education also recruits each year for English-teaching positions in the State sector for those interested in traditional classroom teaching. As such, it can be said there is indeed a considerable demand for ESL/EFL teachers in this city-state. Salaries for teachers are relatively high and more often than not, match the high standards of living. Armed with a university degree and teaching qualifications, well-paying teaching opportunities are definitely out there in the market. Teachers are generally hired on a contract basis, ranging from 2 to 3 years, and this may be renewed, subject to good performance.

In addition to the monthly salary, the annual remuneration package will include the following:
• A variable Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance (NPAA) equivalent to 1-month gross salary
• An Annual Variable Component (AVC) at the end of the year, subject to Singapore’s overall economic performance
• A performance bonus, subject to the teacher’s performance.

Teachers will also be provided with an inbound air passage ticket for themselves, their spouses and up to 2 dependent children aged 18 & below. Upon completion of your contract, teachers will be provided with a one-way home passage ticket. A one-time commuted board and lodging allowance will be given to alleviate the cost of lodging for the interim period after arrival in Singapore pending long term accommodation. Allowance that teachers receive depends on marital status and size of immediate family accompanying officer. Other benefits include a one-time commuted baggage allowance, interest-free settling-in loan and home leave.
Those interested in teaching in private language schools are often paid by the hour and the amount they earn would vary from month to month. Teachers would be required to teach people of all ages, from children to adults. Some may be required to deliver SAT, TOEFL, GMAT preparation lessons as well.