I can´t say how much a school is but here on Penang there are quite a few expats working down in the duty free zone. We have an apartment in a block, over half foreign owned, quite a few are being rented out at about 5,000 RM a month. Your 4,000 US equates to 12,900 RM so it looks if that a fair percentage is going to go on rent!. 37,000 US seems very low for a senior engineer!.Find out quick what an international school costs, add the 2 together then see your boss!. If you´re so skilled he probably needs you more than you need him. Regrds Rob