Working Conditions
Working conditions at each of the four polytechnics are quite similar, but there may be some small variations you will have to discover for yourself. Salary is usually the most important consideration.

• Lecturer positions start at about $26,920 p.a. (Singapore dollars; visit http://www.xe.net/ucc to convert to other currencies). This is enough to live on in Singapore if you are frugal.
• Subsidized Medical & Dental benefits will pay some, but not all of your medical costs. Be sure to ask more about this if you are seriously considering taking a position.
• Use of Sports facilities. Facilities vary among instutions, from medium standard to really fantastic, so you will be able to keep up with your fitness routine.
• Subsidized Housing. The cost and amount of furnishing will vary depending on which polytechnicy ou work for, but the overall standard and cost is very cheap for the Singapore context.

Academic Background
At each of the pokytechnics, lecturers focus on teaching. An added plus is that most of the instutions provide in-house training in teaching methodology, which is really worthwhile. In addition, there is very little pressure for research or publishing. Students study at the polytechnic for 3 years to obtain a diploma in one of the schools that usually include:

• Engineering - especially mechanical and electronic
• Business including Accountancy
• Information Technology or Computer Studies
• Quality Assurance
• Mass Communication
• Building maintenance

Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic is the island's oldest polytechnic, with an older campus that is located close to the city environment near the older established district of Clementi. Housing accommodations are not on campus, but is situated a short distance away. The campus is large and, although each of them have their own strengths, many people consider Singapore Poly to be the most prestigious of the four polytechnics.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is another one of the older polytechnics located close to the city in a well established part of the island. Ngee Ann is the home of the "Princeton in Asia" group who are a field office for the Princeton based recruitment of American International Fellows for employment at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Housing accommodations at Ngee Ann are on-campus in older-style apartments that are clean and comfortable. The web site has a link to Princeton in Asia, so have a chat to them for more information about how this experience can help your application for grad school.

Temasek Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic is one of the two newer polytechnics on a modern campus that is luxuriously appointed on a reservoir with breathtaking views. Temasek is close to Changi Airport, and Tampines new town, in one of the more recently settled areas of the island. The apartments are on campus, and are new and extremely comfortable. The web site for Temasek

Nanyang Polytechnic
Nanyang Polytechnic is the newest polytechnic, located on the northern part of the island, also in newly settled districts. Housing accommodations are also on-campus.

The Holidays and Travel
One benefit of working in the Singapore polytechnics is the 42 days annual leave. With all that holiday time on your hands, you will quickly discover that Singapore is the gateway to travel in the Asian region, and travel is very cheap. The very cheapest is a local bus fare of S$1.30 to travel to Johore Barhu in Malaysia. From there, catch very cheap buses around Malaysia. If you prefer to travel in style, US$60 will buy you a 10 day, first class Malaysian rail pass. Just beyond that is Thailand and of course, China. Air fares to Australia can fall as low as $400 or $500 (Singapore dollars). That is only one week's Singapore salary for an Aussie holiday! Check a currency converter and happy job hunting!