Job Discussion Forums

clau27 · Joined: 14 Nov 2012 Posts: 1

Hi all,

I tried to the search function but to no avail.
I am just wondering how diverse are the teachers in Turkey, especially Istanbul? What are the chances of language schools taking someone on who is not 100% white but is a native English speaker?

The reason I'm asking is because I just finished my CELTA in Australia and i'm looking for a job somewhere that is not Japan or Korea. I am three quarters chinese, born and raised in Australia. If the same perception of only white people can speak English holds in Turkey, I might reconsider applying for jobs in Turkey.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

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

Generally, Turks are less racist than other countries I have been to, unless of course you happen to be a Kurd!

Qaaolchoura · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:24 pm Post subject:

Or an Arab.
But yeah, you should be fine clau.

~Q

oipivo · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Posts: 163 Location: Poland

Not a problem at all in Turkey. Pretty much anyone can find work here.

dudeteacher · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 173

When dealing with race there are two areas (i) socially and (ii) professionally.

People of African descent don't usually have a problem securing a job if they are natie speakers and qualified.

Socially they usually don't have a problem as many are considered exotic but some have had the odd problem.

I know a few East Indian looking people that were told by employers that Eng couldn't be their first lang. because of the way they looked.

This problem occurred only a few times for them but they literally had to argue as to what their first lang. was.

However, on a social level you'll find that most Turks are ok.

tarte tatin · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 247 Location: Istanbul

I don't think you'll have any problems at all. The Turks consider themselves a partly Mongol race, and therefore practically your relative. A friend of mine is Japanese American, and they loved her.

They are very interested in and attracted to Far Eastern culture (except the food), so I think you will the the subject of a lot of friendly curiosity.

cartago · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 283 Location: Iraq

I haven't heard of hostile racism against people of East Asian ancestry. They do however tend to stand out a lot because there are few non-white/Middle Eastern people in Turkey outside of areas with lots and lots of tourists. You would have to get used to standing out quite a bit. People are also less sensitive to racial issues so they could make some ignorant statements like that all Asian people look alike and they all eat bugs and snakes. It's important to remember that it's not meant to be offensive.

Qaaolchoura · Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:29 am Post subject:

cartago · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 283 Location: Iraq

I thought the same thing last time I went to Troy, tons of Japanese tourists but outside of tourist areas, well it's not unheard of to see East Asian people but still rare enough to attract attention.

I was thinking about Asian looking Turks too, I have seen a few. People normally think I'm Iranian or Syrian when they notice I'm not a native Turkish speaker.