TEACH ENGLISH IN SINGAPORE

About Teaching English in Singapore

English teachers will need to have a bachelor's degree and an accredited TEFL certification in order to teach English abroad in Singapore. The TEFL job market in Singapore is highly competitive, and employers such as international schools and government will require you to sign at least a two-year contract.

Having risen from a backwater fishing village to become a world economic power in little more than a century, Singapore represents one of the greatest national transformations of all time. While the glossy shopping malls and towering office buildings are impressive, the defining characteristic of Singapore is its strikingly cosmopolitan culture.

A true melting pot, Singapore is both financially and culturally rich. The city is home to Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Europeans, along with their languages and religions, with more than 40% of its residents holding passports from other countries. 

As a city-state with a small population where English is an official language, the job market for English teachers in Singapore is smaller and more competitive than in most other Asian nations. That said, there certainly are opportunities, especially for native English speakers with a TEFL certification and some teaching experience. Interviews are typically conducted well in advance, both over the phone and via video chat or e-mail. 

As Singapore is a prosperous nation that invests heavily in education, good salaries afford ESL teachers in Singapore a comfortable lifestyle. English language schools typically offer around 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time for you to take advantage of your location and explore.

How to Teach English in Singapore: Requirements

TEFL Certification Singapore

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Singapore. You do not need prior teaching experience, but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in advance from their home country. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

To teach English in Singapore, you must be a native English speaker. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is required.

Degree Requirements for Teaching in Singapore

English teachers in Singapore need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Singapore. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

How to Become an English Teacher in Singapore

TEFL Jobs in Singapore

The most common ESL jobs in Singapore consist of:

• Teaching children or adults in private language schools.
• Teaching children in international schools.
• Teach Business English to adults in a corporate environment.
• Teaching English Online.

Finding English teaching Jobs in Singapore: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Singapore can expect to find jobs year-round. Interviews for teaching jobs are done in advance from your home country and occasionally face-to-face upon arrival.

Teachers typically teach on a work permit, also knows as an "Employment Pass." Your employer will assist you with this process. 

Teaching in Singapore: Hours

Schools in Singapore offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Singaporean Students

It is most common that your students will be children or adult business professionals. 

Teaching English in Singapore Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $5,500 - $6,800 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Singapore until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

TEFL Singapore Salary

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Singapore. Teachers can expect to make $2,750 - $3,550 USD per month.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $2,750-$3,400 USD per month. Teachers can also teach English online or private tutor to boost their income and saving potential.