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English Teach Away in Singapore--does this exist?

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elzbinarthp

Hi everyone!

My boyfriend lives in Singapore and I’m trying to find a way to join him there. However, I’m 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.


I 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’m wondering if this is actually “legit” or not since I can’t really find any companies that do it (like EPIK in South Korea) and it seems like the need isn’t 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’t a teach-away program like this in Singapore, is there any kind of equivalent “standard job” 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’m trying to work with what I got!

Thanks so much for anyone who reads/responds.

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Job offers in SingaporeInternships in SingaporeFinding a job in SingaporeSetting up a business in SingaporeBecome a digital nomad in Singapore
beppi

All schooling in Singapore is entirely in English, so there is very little demand for TEFL. Those  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 “standard 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

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:
https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/directories/

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