Job Discussion Forums

[Orhan1337]

Hello everyone, I currently reside in the U.S.A. I am both an American and Turkish citizen and I speak both languages natively. If I go to Turkey today, I must serve in the Turkish military for 6 months. I have my bachelors degree in English from the City College of New York and a 120 hour online tefl course from bridge tefl (I know online degree's aren't viewed as more prestigious.) I was wondering what are my chances of gaining employment in Turkey? Also what more can I do while in America to increase my chances of getting an English teaching job in Turkey?

[ossie39]

Hello Orhan1337. It is great that you are thinking about teaching. What can you do in the states? Try to get some teaching experience even if it is voluntary. This bit is missing from your posting. Your experience will probably lead to another reference and will make you more confident.

I believe you are a young Turk and you may be eager to connect more with the Turkish side of your make up. Some employers will see you as a Turk (one with little teaching experience) and will give you low pay. Others may find you an attractive option as an American, 'a yabanci'. If you sell yourself as an American who can't speak any Turkish you may go further and with slightly more money. Being bilingual you may be seen as a novelty- Turk and yabanci. This probably means it depends on the individual director. It also means you could do well in some less well known destinations where a non-Turkish speaker would find difficulty in living. Might you teach in an alternative country if you want to teach English?

[wander&teach]

You will be viewed as a Turk if not only by your name and C.V.. As you know Turkish teachers are paid much lower wages compared to foreign native speakers while both are overworked, constantly being bombarded with ever-changing rules and working hours. I agree 100% with the previous posters suggestions that if you can pass yourself off as an American you life and your bank account will be in much better shape. Plus it would be a huge advantage to understand their conversations as they speak to to you thru the interpreter

Personally the military service alone would steer me elsewhere but i am guessing that you want to return home.

[Orhan1337]

Thanks for the responses. I would like to return to my home country if I can find employment in Turkey. Will having a masters degree in education help in anyway? Also should I apply to international schools before going to Turkey? Is the job market in teaching English good?

[ossie39]

Well Orhan, I see it like this. You are the product of the American education system. Your BA is in English, you are bilingual English and your BA is awarded by a USA university. What you need is a more advanced teaching qualification. This could be the CELTA (or similar) for EFL or state qualified teacher status from a USA state.

So more experience and a more advanced teaching qualification will improve your chances of employment. In Turkey I think you would go to a language school. With a masters and a lot more experience (3 years full time minimum, and a better teaching qual) then a university post is possible. Your MA subject choice won't probably matter for prep school. Idealy then in 3 years time you will be an assistant manager in a language school or teaching language school mostly day time with nice privates at nights or weekends.

TEACH TO TRAVEL you might look at! I feel mainstream schools could be difficult to get in to but dont rule it out. Mainstream schools certainly need good teachers of English.

[wander&teach]

Orhan, Two bits of advice from me (IMHO),

1) NEVER pay fees to any organization or recruiter for employment, especially in a country that is literally desperate for English speakers. Remember that English is a mandatory subject and the rate at which new schools are opening all around the country is staggering.

2) Do not fall into the trap of over thinking your ability to meet qualification requirements in Turkey. They are, shall I say, EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE! If you are open to working in other parts of Turkey other than Istanbul, (while still very possible for you), even Ankara for example, with the qualifications you currently hold (C.C.N.Y. great school :>) schools here will be very interested in employing you without experience. I know that one of the top three universities here even offers free Cambridge CELA & DELTA courses as part of a very decent employment package so obviously it is not a pre-qualification. If you want to return home don't hesitate simply because you fear lack of employment opportunities. And especially with boots on the ground, they are endless and you will be snapped up quickly.

[sixthchild]

Yes I would agree pretty much with a lot that has been said, however, I would reinforce the view about playing down your Turkish side (leave it up to them to find that out) don't know how you gonna avoid the military service thing though, I think you need to get that out of the way before you start job hunting!

[paul2key]

This post was deleted until I get a new job then I'll tell the truth about my awful employer.

[wander&teach]

Paul2key, It appears you grabbed the wrong thread but out of curiosity which school are you throwing under the bus?

[sixthchild]

Yeah comeon buddy, SPİLL!!!!!!!

You know you will feel better after it!

[cartago]

The military service would put me off as well but then experiences vary widely.

Would it be possible to reside in Turkey using just your American passport?

[ossie39]

Yes my apologies. I suggested that company because they had been advertising a lot lately (probably speaks for itself). It was one that stuck in my mind. Under no circumstances should you or need you pay any agency to work. Also don't bother with such places as Bilkent which commit you on the grounds of offering training. You lose any bargaining power.

[Orhan1337]

[LongShiKong]

[wander&teach]

Yes they are, because teaching here resembles a revolving door. They offer these things to bait you and pull you in and than proceed to "torture" you by changing rules, contracts and anything else they can think of indiscriminately and without explanation. This of course results in teachers who are desirable in the EFL world and who have good credentials running for the hills after a while; typically at mid year break while others suffer silently and count the days until they can escape.