An Exclusive Guide On ESL Teaching In Singapore

21st June 2021

For skilled ESL instructors, Singapore delivers a wide variety of teaching English jobs around the world. This attractive surreal country has four official languages - Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English. The English language is being observed as the major working language of the country and is significant for economic trade as well as tourism.

Once acknowledged as the “Jewel of the British Empire”, the country is located on the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is one of the world’s unspoiled and safest countries around the world with its rich artistic mixture of Chinese, Malay, and Western impacts. Singapore’s public education system is being taught principally in the English language. Singaporeans are bilingual in English along with another language. Thus, the country is a great option for teaching English in a foreign country.

Singapore English has two forms basically –Standard Singapore English and Singapore Colloquial English, also known as Singlish. Did you know, around 40% of the population of Singapore are foreign passport holders? Yes, English holds a special position in Singapore as a common language for communication.

Teaching English Opportunities in Singapore

Some of the exciting advantages of teaching in Singapore consist of ---
 

• Big opportunity to earn a higher wage, however, it depends on your qualifications and experience.
   
• Relocation allowance and airfare are the typical benefits packages of teaching in Singapore.
   
• Shared with the lower rates of tax, you will also be well rewarded for your hard work.
   
• As the education system in Singapore is extensively observed as one of the very finest in the world, job satisfaction is there.
   
• Over the past decade, class numbers in Singapore have sustained to reduce. The reason behind this is to deliver more distinct attention and accommodate numerous ways of education.
   
• Several international schools in Japan may embrace accommodation, health care and provision for dependents as well.

At present, there are some great job prospects for the post of English teacher in Singapore, nevertheless, the competition is much more than in other Asian countries. Significantly, there is not a precise “right” time to apply for English teaching jobs in Singapore, because jobs are available throughout the year. The academic year starts in January.

The requirements/qualifications required for teaching English in Singapore are:
 

• A bachelor’s degree (can be of anything)
• TEFL Teaching Certificate
• A prior teaching experience (add-on advantage)

Educators interested in teaching English at public schools need the consent of the Ministry of Education. Also, there are several opportunities for skilled and certified ESL teachers across all age groups with schools as well as private language colleges.

Visas For Teachers in Singapore

A secured job offer is important and necessary before you can be measured for a visa that empowers you to work in the country. The work permit is known as an “Employment Pass” in Singapore and you can't get an Employment Pass until you have a job. Consequently, your employer will sponsor the visa and support you with the paperwork procedure.

Here are some significant documents that you'll need to submit to your employer to apply for your Employment Pass ---
 

• Original university degree.

• Authorized university transcriptions.
• Original TEFL/TESOL certificate.
• Agreement from your school in Singapore.

On the other hand, if someone gets a job in Singapore in person via tourist visa, he/she may need to leave the country to process the Employment Pass.

Living In Singapore

The culture of Singapore is intermingled with Chinese, Malayans, Indians and expatriates from around the globe. You will see individuals living, working and raising families from all over the world. Public transportation is inexpensive, clean and well-organized. Little India, China Town, Thian Hock Keng (the oldest Buddhist temple), the exciting colours of Sri Mariamman (a Hindu temple), everything collectively reflects the colonial architecture in Singapore.

The travel opportunities are plentiful and affordable. The country is also famous for its world-famous woods and can be seen at the National Orchid Garden. Pulau Ubin is a great escape for residents and if you want more amenities than the island resort of Sentosa is another good option. The country is also one of the safest and cleanest countries to work in because of tough laws and administration system.

The country includes 63 islands, in addition to its foremost land. Some more popular attractions consist of Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, golf courses, and a casino. Spiritual travellers may also find a peaceful break at Kusu Island, sacred sites of Da Bo Gong Temple or Tortoise Island in Chinese.

Just a fact, did you know buildings in Singapore cannot be higher than 280 meters?

For people who enjoy the exciting nightlife, Singapore has renowned places like Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Arab Street or Sentosa with tons of restaurants, bars, and entertainment at every corner of the country.Singapore is home to the largest fountain in the world, the Fountain of Wealth.The standard of living in Singapore is very comfortable.

Contemporary Situation

According to sources, there is an extraordinary demand for online TEFL teachers at present. The Singaporean government has directed to shut the schools and now numerous school recruiters are in the requirement of TEFL certified online English teachers. Due to COVID19, prevailing ESL teaching in Singapore has shifted to a completely online mode.

Concluding Thoughts

Singapore is the second most compactly populated country in the world and the demand for ESL teachers is high. Even the pandemic hasn’t interfered with their learning as Singapore is a well-to-do country that devotes profoundly to quality education. Therefore, nowadays, there are numerous authentic teaching courses in Singapore that establish the fact that Singapore is an ideal place for teaching. A TEFL certified English teacher in Singapore can get a job offer with a good wage this day and age, but with a prolonged joining date that may be pushed to the year-end.