SINGAPORE: A 21-year-old Argentinian was met with a chorus of warnings from Singaporeans after she revealed her concerns about an internship offer that pays just S$1,000 monthly. The young woman took to the r/askSingapore subreddit, seeking advice just one day before her interview.

Expressing both excitement and anxiety, she shared her hesitations regarding the financial viability of the offer in a city known for its high living costs. "While they mentioned S$1K/month, I'm hearing from current interns that their salaries barely cover their rent, which is around S$1,500 at a minimum," she admitted. "I don’t want to be sweet-talked into accepting an offer that’ll leave me broke and starving.”

As discussions unfolded, locals chimed in to highlight a stark reality: while S$1,000 may be standard for IT internships, it is insufficient for someone moving to Singapore and expected to cover all living expenses alone. Rent, they pointed out, would consume the bulk of her paycheck, leading to financial difficulties when combined with transportation, food, and daily necessities.

One local remarked, "S$1K is not enough if you don’t already live in Singapore. Most internships assume you’re already here to avoid these costs." Another added, "A studio apartment rental easily costs around S$3,000, and even a room in public housing starts from S$500 to S$600. Honestly, I’d advise against taking this internship."

While reactions were firm, they were borne out of genuine concern for the intern's financial well-being in a notoriously expensive city.

In contrast, another recent post on r/askSingapore saw a foreigner contemplating whether a S$11,000 monthly salary was worth relocating from Canada. Currently employed as a software developer in Vancouver, this individual was torn between his existing net income of CAD 5,000 and the enticing offer from Singapore.

With such varied experiences facing those considering moving to Singapore, the discussion around internships and job offers continues to stir concern and curiosity among both residents and newcomers.

Stay informed before you take the leap—could your dream internship turn into a financial nightmare?