Start Your ESL Teaching Career in Singapore With This A To Z Guide
28th June 2021
“One language sets you in a corridor for life.
Two languages open every door along the way.”
- Frank Smith
Teaching is undoubtedly a profession that is both rewarding and challenging, isn’t it? Teaching English as a foreign language is additionally a rewarding yet popular career choice among the young professionals at present. When we talk about teaching English abroad, Singapore comes among the hot TEFL destinations. The country never ceases to amaze by being one of the world's safest and cleanest places with a rich cultural mix of Eastern and Western inspirations.
Singapore also offers a variety of teaching English jobs for ESL instructors. There are four official languages in Singapore - Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English. Perhaps, you must be wondering English being one of the official languages in Singapore, hence, one wouldn’t imagine there to be an immense need for ESL teachers. Indeed, it’s true that Singapore’s one of the official languages are English yet the Singaporean government welcomes qualified foreign ESL hopefuls.
As we know the competition is extreme here, thus you’ll need to make certain moves to meet all the requirements to stand out among the various candidates.
Requirements To Teaching English in Singapore
To teach the English language in Singapore, you will be required:
- A four-year college degree (any stream will work).
- A TEFL/TESOL certification.
- Native English proficiency.
- Teaching experience will be an add on.
The peak hiring seasons are all year round. Having the right qualifications is what will make you stand out, however, some institutions may be a bit more flexible than others when it comes to hiring new ESL teachers.
Visa Details
Usually, your company will apply for your Employment Pass or Work Permit on your behalf if you have been offered the job. It is essential to have a secured job offer so that you can be considered for a visa that allows you to work in the country. Fortunately, the visa application procedure for Singapore is very quick.
Here are the necessary documents:
- 2 letters of recommendation from a prior employer
- Copy of your degree certificate(s)
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your TEFL certification
- Headshot
- Scan of a criminal background check
After reaching, you’ll have to take a medical test within two weeks of entering the country. Then your employer will take all the papers and the result of your medical check and register you with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), which might take your fingerprints and a few additional photos.
Types of Jobs
Fortunately, there are more than a few types of ESL jobs in Singapore and the span of the contract will rest on the organization you decide to work for.
International schools: They pay some of the highest salaries, however, they are also the most severe when it comes to requirements and workload. For some international schools, you might need a post-graduate diploma in education as well as sufficient work experience. Nevertheless, several international schools cover the cost of accommodation with medical insurance!
Public schools: Public schools commonly offer lower salaries when equated to international schools. However, they also offer incredible job security along with great assistances like - medical insurance, arrival flight and often a substantial housing stipend. Educators interested in teaching English at public schools need the consent of the Ministry of Education.
Private language schools: This is another worthwhile option to apply. These are frequently the ones needing the smallest number of authorizations as well. Sometimes, a TEFL certificate will be adequate to get an ESL job here. Though, working settings will be quite different as these institutes usually offer lower pay. ESL teachers who work here will regularly have to work at several schools to make a living and sometimes, they also work on weekends and holidays.
Private/Online Tutoring: This is always an opportunity, with the customary rewards and that comes with it. Even though Singaporeans are being taught English at school, you might find some enthusiastic students who are concerned in private classes too.
The academic year begins in January. Additionally, the salary and benefits depend on your qualifications; it can differ significantly based on your experience.
Living in Singapore
Singapore is a trivial island nation, situated off of the Malay Peninsula. It also has the fourth-largest overseas exchange trading centre in the world. The colonial architecture in Singapore City, Little India and China Town, Thian Hock Keng (the oldest Buddhist temple) and the vibrant colours of Sri Mariamman (a Hindu temple), etc. reflect the colonial architecture.
The country is also famous for its world-famous orchards. Singapore consists of 63 islands, in addition to its foremost land. Pulau Ubin is a very popular escape for locals. Other major attractions embrace Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, golf courses, and a casino.
Moreover, the country lies almost on the equator and consequently enjoys a tropical climate with no hard-divided seasons. Temperatures usually range from 22 °C-34 °C (72°-93 °F). Nevertheless, the cost of living in a modern city is high. The foremost religions followed in Singapore are Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Tao.
In Singapore, you are mandatory to pay a tax to own a television (the license fee). Also, there is a constraint on which breeds of dog you can carry into the country. Left-hand drive cars are not permitted in Singapore.
Conclusion
The need for skilled English instructors with a teaching certificate like TEFL/TESOL is always there in Singapore. Singapore is also the second most compactly inhabited country in the world. The applicants with the correct qualifications stand a decent chance of getting an ESL job in one of the unique places in the world.
Written By : Bindita Sinha
