Job Discussion Forums

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

I'm trying to decide if it's worth my effort to pay for a $1000 ticket to Istanbul to have an interview with Bilgi. I'm wondering what the low-end of the salary scale might be (this year), along with any allowances. I turned down a job at Beykent that was 2800 turkish lira total, all allowances included. After paying rent on my own, I wouldn't be able to save any money on that. So unless there's a big difference with Bilgi, I'll forget it. Thank you.

sixthchild · Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Posts: 298 Location: East of Eden

Sounds like you have already made your mind up, do you need our opinion or comments on that one?
Why should anybody pay you more? What have you got that justifies a higher salary? You are not giving away very much here!!

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

They should pay more because that is not a substantial amount of money to live on and teachers accepting such offers encourages keeping ESL teacher salaries low.

I haven't made up my mind about Bilgi because they do not disclose any offers prior to an interview. I made up my mind about Beykent. But I'm asking about Bilgi now. If Bilgi is known for having a better offer than what I perceive to be a somewhat pathetic offer, then I am more than happy to consider.

The reason that I'm asking what a "low-end" salary would be at Bilgi is because I do not want false expectations. I have a BA, a CELTA, and 7 years experience. If I'm going to spend a thousand dollars for an interview, I'd like some sort of an idea of what the salary and allowances might be.

safarer30 · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 41

Two years ago, their ELP program was 4,000TL / month for a Masters. No housing, but bussing and a lunch card allowance. Paid by Garanti bank into an account you set up with the university. Don't know what's currently going on there, though, so good luck. It's never a good idea to fly into an unknown country and situation without some idea and some chance of what you're after.

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

Thank you, Safarer.

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

Does lunch card mean you eat at their cafeteria?

safarer30 · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 41

Yes,
But the menu is varied and they have all sorts of different setups: salad bar, pizza, and Turkish meals. It used to be that your lunch card (a Garanti credit card) was topped off at the beginning of the month and it was up to you to ration your funds. Some teachers would intentionally scrimp so that they could buy stuff at other campuses (such as nicer meals, alcohol, and yes, even technological gadgets). The card could be used in campus supply shops as well as campus restaurants. This is dated information, however, and perhaps things have changed.