Hello everyone,
I am in a good but very difficult decsion making proccess. Your wisdom is very welcome. About me in short: Female 27, first year teacher (serial expat I am Muslim but not conservative at all. I have been to Turkey and enjoyed it very much. I have been offered three different teaching contracts and am trying to make the wisest choice based on personal and professional preferences. I would like to know where I am mistaken or should be weary.Here is some information I catagorised based on importance to me. I am worried about being legally taken atvantage of.
Ability to save money (Monthly pay)
Turkey: 2,500 USD no taxes, inc rent/utilities transport to and from school inc. Midday meal inc.
Singapore:3,200$ monthly after taxes, nothing inc---can I save on this salary? 4k 2nd year contract
Kuwait: 2,600 USD (750KD) no taxes, inc rent/utilities and internet and transport to and from school
Social/Dating scene
Turkey: Excellent, would enjoy same freedom of movement as I would in US. Fond of Turkish men :)Socialising fun, but the 'rules' for men vs women are different.
Singapore: No info, probably decent potential partner may not be Muslim, could have a lot of fun socialising.
Kuwait: Limited due to gender and or location? Might be able to date fellow expats? Would find Muslim partner but not date? Too conservative for me?
Legal and personal liberties
Turkey: Strict laws, no need for exit visa obtaining 90 day visa continuously be an issue? Not good? Why no work visa?
Singapore:Very strict lawsNo need for an exit visa Rights of expats? Employer wants to switch visa after 3 months emp.
Kuwait: Very strict, expats have few rights under law.
Contract states first 3 months emp are trial I am afraid I would do something 'wrong' and not even realise it.
Cost of living
Turkey: Istanbul seems to be on par in expenses with Kuwait, utilities more $ (but they are in contract) Cost of food?
Singapore: Rent seems very high, may need to get a roommate to be able to save $ Transport seems expensive too, worried I might not be able to save much on 3,200.
Kuwait: Contract includes everything but food it seems. Socialising might be a lot more expensive than in the other two choices...and it seems to stay sane you need to socialise a lot
Curriculum & Classroom Dynamics:
Turkey: Attempting an IB curriculum (seemed vague) , once again not too in-depth kids are 3-7 years old. Turkish & expat..more Turkish
Singapore: Australian/IB curriculum---not to in-depth
kids are three years old. All expat. Interviewer didn't have much detail about curriculum.
Kuwait: Staff had some IB training, but doesnt seem to have set curriculum. I would be in charge of 1st grade, Science, English, Maths and PYP instruction. Almost 100% Kuwaiti, English language learner. Have some concerns about student behaviour/my rights to classroom decipline.
My ability to adapt:
Turkey: know from experience Blend in shockingly well. I feel very comfortable with Turkeys blend of secularism & Islam. Such a beautiful country, kind people.
Singapore: I would obviously be foreign but have no concerns. I have many friends from S'pore some seem to be a bit too materialistic.
Kuwait:Concerned about personal freedom restrictions that would not be an issue in other two places. Will not blend in, have no issues w/wearing abaya and following other social and legal rules.
Thank you guys very much for your insight