Job Discussion Forums

7seas · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 6

I'm getting conflicting information. Can you work in Turkey without a degree?

Mike_2003 · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 344 Location: Bucharest, Romania

Hello,

To work legally in Turkey as a teacher you need a work permit. Normally you must apply for this permit outside of Turkey (although there are exceptions). You DON'T have to apply for in in your home country. Some people come to Turkey to check out their place of work first on a three-month tourist visa and if everything checks out then they can go to Cyprus to apply for the permit. After you have got this permit you need to apply for a residence visa (which is done in Turkey).

To obtain a work permit as a teacher in Turkey you must have a degree. It doesn't matter what kind of degree, it can be in any subject. This is required by the Min. Of Education. Most good schools will also require some type of formal teaching qualification (CELTA etc).

Having said this many schools will take on staff without a work permit (and hence without a degree). Those working in this way then have to leave the country every three months to obtain a new tourist visa. The price depends on your nationality (10 GBP for Brits, 100$ for N. Americans, etc). Obviously working in this way will mean than you are setting yourself up to be stiffed by the school you work for as you will have no legal rights should they decide not to pay you.

Good luck.

martha oral · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 10 Location: Ankara, Turkey

the only place you can work in Turkey with out a degree is at the lessthan wonderful language schools. You cannot work LEGALLY at any school that is under the ministry of Ed. umbrella...that means public and private elementary - high schools. Needless to say you certainly cannot work at a uni with out a degree.
Martha