English Teach Away in Singapore--does this exist?

Member since 02 June 2020

elzbinarthpMember03 June 2020 00:12:24

Hi everyone!

My boyfriend lives in Singapore and I鈥檓 trying to find a way to join him there. However, I鈥檓 thinking it might be impossible for me to get a job. I have a bachelor's degree in biology and am a recent graduate who had planned to go to physical therapy or physician assistant school but our relationship and my desire to be with him has somewhat thrown a wrench in these plans.

鈥↖ have a couple of questions then:

1. I am wondering about teach abroad programs in Singapore. Even though English is the business language of Singapore, there seems to be some evidence online that English teaching via TEFL certificates is something that happens. But I鈥檓 wondering if this is actually 鈥渓egit鈥� or not since I can鈥檛 really find any companies that do it (like EPIK in South Korea) and it seems like the need isn鈥檛 really there so much. Has anyone heard of any companies/opportunities for college graduates teaching English in Singapore or is that a myth?

2. If there isn鈥檛 a teach-away program like this in Singapore, is there any kind of equivalent 鈥渟tandard job鈥� for American college graduates that anyone is familiar with? (Believe me, I'm not assuming something like this exists, but I thought it was worth asking at least.)

It sucks my degree is kind of useless (as far as I can tell) without another degree but I鈥檓 trying to work with what I got!

Thanks so much for anyone who reads/responds.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert03 June 2020 20:53:08

15468

All schooling in Singapore is entirely in English, so there is very little demand for TEFL. Those聽 few jobs that exist are filled by local freelancers. There is no visa type for freelancing and, without years of TEFL experience, you won't qualify for any such job anyway.
There is of course also no 鈥渟tandard job for American college graduates in Singapore". (What were you thinking of?)
But why are you writing off your biology degree? Singapore is great on research in genetics and bioengineering. But of course to qualify for a job, you normally need about three years of applicable work experience. So you better get that first!
Alternatively, marry him and move here on LTVP (provided he has sufficient income). After three years (or with a male child) you can become PR and then you are allowed to do freelance work.

lucydayw Member

Member since 27 September 2016

lucydaywMember07 June 2020 09:36:50

Yes, government schools conduct classes in English, and most local kids speak English at home, though there are some foreign and some local families who primarily speak another home language.

However, actually there are many companies that offer English phonics and reading, writing, listening and speech & drama for children as supplementary "enrichment" classes that children attend for say, 90 minutes once a week. Some hire foreign native speakers of English, especially but not necessarily only those who have a background in linguistics, English literature, or education, and have a CELTA or TEFL certificate.

Google "English enrichment for kids", "English tuition for children", "English speech & drama", "phonics lessons", or "creative writing" as if you're a parent looking for these kinds of classes, or browse the lists of businesses at: