A Cautionary Tale for Interns

SINGAPORE: A wave of caution has emerged from local voices as a 21-year-old foreigner from Argentina prepares for an internship opportunity in Singapore, with a salary that has sparked concerns: S$1,000 per month.

The intern shared her apprehensions on the r/askSingapore subreddit, just a day before her scheduled interview, expressing her eagerness yet acknowledging the harsh reality of Singapore’s high cost of living. "They mentioned a pay of at least S$1K/month, but other interns have told me that barely covers rent, which is about S$1,500 or more," she wrote.

Seeking advice from locals, she described her desire to understand whether S$1K is a standard salary for IT internships and requested insights on living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. "I dream of living independently in a studio, but I fear the costs will outweigh my salary. I don’t want to accept an offer that leaves me financially stranded," she pleaded.

Concerns Raised by Locals

In the ensuing discussion, many Singaporeans echoed her concerns, underscoring that while S$1,000 might be a common rate for interns, it falls drastically short for someone moving to the city and shouldering all living expenses. Rent alone would consume a significant chunk of her income, leaving nothing for food or transport.

"Honestly, S$1K isn’t enough to live on if you’re new to Singapore," one local commented. "While it may cover some basic needs, if you’re looking for your own space, S$1K won’t even get you a room in a shared apartment. It’s crucial to be realistic about this offer."

Another contributor revealed the stark rental landscape, stating, "A studio apartment typically costs around S$3,000, and even a basic public housing room starts at approximately S$500-S$600. If I were you, I’d think long and hard before making a move."

A Warning against Cheap Labor Offers

Some even labeled the offer a “trap for cheap labor.” "S$1K is simply unsustainable. You're bound to struggle," one user warned.

Comparative Salary Discussion

In a separate, yet related discussion, a foreigner considering a lucrative job offer in Singapore drew attention for a different reason. He asked locals whether moving to Singapore for a monthly salary of S$11K would be worthwhile, especially given his current net salary of C$5K as a software developer in Vancouver.

As cost of living versus potential earnings continues to be a hot topic among expatriates, this serves as a reminder for all job-seeking foreigners to conduct thorough research before making significant life decisions.

Advice for Potential Interns

Potential interns should carefully evaluate offers, as the cost of living in Singapore can lead to unexpected financial strain. Are you considering an internship in one of the world's most expensive cities? Make sure to arm yourself with insights and advice from both locals and seasoned expats!