Job Discussion Forums

[adventuramust]

I've been reading various posts and would appreciate a summary, perhaps from someone who has recently accepted a position. China typically includes accommodations and airfare and obtains a work permit/residence permit during a teacher's employment. Thailand only included visa run if necessary and work permit. Both positions were arranged prior to departure from my country so that I would have a proper visa.

What are the basics with Turkey? What type of visa do I need if I intend to work there? Is it possible to make arrangements for a position prior to relocating? Are employers generally on the up and up regarding their contracts?

Thank you kindly.

[ossie39]

It depends on the employer whether they know how to do the paper work or if they have the money or inclination. It depends on the new employee, can he or she teach as originally stated and employer and employee and others get along? With all good intentions on both sides, original documents must be viewed and translated by the ministry of labour and ministry of education. From a helpful language school you might get everything after 7 months I guess. It can come earlier for universities and schools. Even earlier if your new boss is somebody or knows somebody.
I think you need to get the ball rolling by applying for the residence permit and the work permit might come later. Proof of funds in a Turkish bank may be the easiest way.
Other contributors explain the ins and outs of this. Your permits relate to a specific employer and not your time in the country (although workers don't always adhere to this). You and your boss need to be sure of each other. The fee maybe 5OO dollars for processing so 'who pays' is part of the question. 'Owner Omar' is not going to pay for a fly by night misery guts who isn't competent. On the other hand you don't want to stay around with 'Talkative Temucin' who talks but never does!

[adventuramust]

Interesting. Employers in Turkey face similar issues to those in China, Thailand, Myanmar, Korea, Japan, etc....fly by night teachers, people without experience, employees not getting along with each other or with management.... Yet these countries do have generalizations. For example, Thailand and Vietnam don't typically provide airfare. China and Korea typically do include airfare.

I had no idea that Turkey could be so different.

[ossie39]

Yes what gets offered to you varies in Turkey from establishment to establishment. I mean not all universities are standard in that respect or all schools, all language schools. language lessons being provided for teachers, daily transport, food allowance, free housing - all of these things matter because of potential added costs, but especially because a 'newbie' probably won't know how to get things done in a new country. Return flight was very common many years ago here but it isn't automatically offered now in some work places. State holiday can be a compensation because there appears to be a lot of it. I think it is an advantage to bargain with a potential employer as to what you want, and that may not be money but times of working, not sharing a flat, no split shifts or whatever. You will have to give something extra to them of course.