Job Discussion Forums

Beauty26 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 10

Hey guys,

I am just wondering if there is anybody here worked or working at the English Academy in Izmir?

I have an interview with them. But I have had bad experiences before with other language schools, so I am a bit anxious about it because I have to make a special trip to get to Izmir for the interview.

Any comments will be deeply appreciated!

Many thanks in advance

Beauty26

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

I haven't worked at Academy for some time now but am in close contact with some of the current teachers there. My judgement is still fundamentally the same: if you want to work in a language school in Izmir, the English Academy is probably your best bet.

The school is quite demanding of its teachers but if you are serious about your craft that is not a bad thing - you will be working with other teachers who take the job seriously.
The pay is not great but you get everything that they promise you - paid overtime, flight money, free/subsidised accommodation, work/residence visa etc.
It would probably suit someone with some prior teaching experience better than a complete newbie, particularly as a crucial member of the management team is leaving this year.

The English Academy is NOT a fly by night company that takes advantage of foreign teachers. It doesn't suit everyone but is professional and honest. I worked there for 8 years and have no regrets.

Good luck with the interview if you decide to follow it up. Feel free to pm me if I can help you with anything else.

Beauty26 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 10

Hi FGT,

Thank you for the helpful info. It is great to hear from someone who worked there previously.

I have seen the mention of the low salary on a few other posts as well. So, do you have any idea of their current salary range? And do they ever give rent allowance rather than a shared accommodation? I hear that Izmir is fairly expensive.

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

I don't know the current salary. Previously, although not high, it was better than the other Izmir language schools.

Yes, there should be the possibility of a rent allowance as an alternative to a shared teachers' flat. This would probably depend upon the existing spaces in one of the teachers' flats - if they have a space in a flat that is already being paid for, they would be likely to prefer you to stay there rather than costing them more in additional payments of rent allowance.

You should be able to get some information on these topics from them by phone before you decide whether its worthwhile travelling to Izmir for the interview.

Beauty26 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 10

Thanks again. I have asked these questions before I sent this post, but I am just waiting for the reply! Wish me luck Smile

Beauty26 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 10

Thanks again. I have asked these questions to the school before I sent this post, but I am just waiting for the reply! Wish me luck

dudeteacher · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 173

Just curious, any updated info on this school?

What's their professional development like?
Do they offer a full time salary?

Dude