Job Discussion Forums

[eclectic]

It seems from Fall 09 to about March 10, there was a steady stream of new topics, and ample repsonses on threads, etc. Then suddenly the total # of hits/new topics has plummeted markedly.

Am wondering if some phenomenon inside Turkey, such as a marked decrease in either hiring and/or job openings, has contributed to this.

Does anyone else notice this trend of the past 60 days or so?

[Otterman Ollie]

There was a time when this forum was by far the busiest outside of the Far Eastern groups. Then they had a clearout, not really been the same since.

[ossie39]

Yes I agree. I can only comment on the situation particularly of Izmir. There appear to be very few teaching opportunities in language schools. Anything that does arise appears to be "maybe 2 hours" this week and "1 hour next week." This means freelance work and privates are also hard to come by.
It is my observation that people running these schools have absolutely no idea about teaching. It is not unusual to have non-teachers (totally business orientated) as owners but it is more marked now. Even directors of studies appear to know little about what is done and why regarding teaching. It is as if translation and memorisation has taken hold. I think we shall see the consequences of this as fewer Turks will be able to communicate in English.
Regarding universities, there appears to be few opportunities given the number of students in Izmir universities. Comments were posted regarding the decision to not make English obligatory as a requirement for university. That spells the death of any prep. department. I think it is all very worrying for Turkey and the EFL field.

[eclectic]

I agree 114%. In fact, having just perused the Viet Nam board, I came across a new topic about how VN is RIGHT NOW finally enforcing EFL laws--------notarizing original diplomas/axing off-the-books jobs/requiring stricter CBCs and other things--------and there is in several posters' words an EXODUS of EFLers right now out of VN.

Turkey will soon follow suit perhaps, but for those with non-fake diplomas it may nean less teachers and higher salaries. Yes?

[Listener]

Perhaps it's been so dead because the weather has gotten so nice....

It sure would be nice to see the government cracking down on illegally employing English teachers....

[ossie39]

Yes anything to rise standards in accepting good professional staff like us. Still 'Listener', the government should start by processing qualified staff within realistic time limits. Processing teacher permits in 5 months and beyond doesn't really set the trend for professionalism from such a 'progressive and particular' government.

[eclectic]

OMG, 5 mos and beyond? Thats 2 tourist visa extensions right there!!!!!!!!!!

[Listener]

Progressive government? What?

Yes i agree about what you are saying, but the fact of the matter is that the government doesn't really want foreigners here....

[eclectic]

yes but if they were reallyintent upon getting rid of foreigners, wouldnt they be implementing a no-frills get-tough nose-2-the-grindstone all-out nuclear war against illegal teachers by now?

[Listener]

Mmmmm that's a source of bribes for the inspectors though.....

Plus the average person that can afford a dershane does want a foreign teacher.

The government doesn't just want teachers out, by the way, they want all foreigners out. It's not just a thing against us. There was a very good article some time back about the largest group of illegal foreigners being cleaners and nannys/home health aides. They have been focusing more on that group supposedly, but of course it's hard to figure out who's an illegal Moldovan cleaner just from watching them walk around...

[aggeliki]

I have found very accurate information here for years even before I came to Turkey. What I have noticed however is alot of negative and off topic sarcastic responses injected into threads that really serve no purpose other than gratifying a need for the author to spew. I overlook them but somethimes they are inflammatory and can turn people off to asking or supplying further information.

As expats we need all the positive support we can get.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

[ossie39]

Aggeliki, you use the term 'spew' but I think it is a case of expressing an opinion. I think people can rationalise for themselves about what is positive, negative or pragmatic. That would probably mean reading thoroughly and regularly on the web.

You appear to give the impression that some factual points are not of negative situations. It does take months to gain a work permit for language school work, by which time the teacher must often do 'the midnight run' at his or her own expense. Some language school directors who are well meaning do not have the 'know how' in how to process foreigners. It is a fact that there are less foreign teachers (native English speakers) in establishments and many, many more Turkish teachers in contrast. Listener makes the point that most Turks want a qualified native English speaker as a teacher. I think that is very true. Given the benefits of this, it begs the question 'why' language school owners don't have many foreign teachers. They know what is good for business! Yes I think valid points have been made on this thread.

[eclectic]

[virgemary]