Job Discussion Forums

[musical*girl]

I've been reading here for several months, and now that I'm acutally in the job hunt process my questions seem to have a burning urgency.

I just completed my TEFL certification course last Friday. I want to get a job in Izmir, but I'm not clear on how long the work visa application process takes. From what people have said, it seems to take months! I want to be in Turkey by the end of August to get a good pick on jobs. Does my timing matter? I'm not sure when schools start new sessions.

At first I had my mind made up that I would do it legally, only because I had a hell of time with student visa mix-ups seven years ago. But I've been reading (here and other sources) that not having a work visa isn't a big deal. If I do it on a tourist visa, do I have a get a residency permit? Can I find an apartment on a tourist visa? What are the pros and cons of working on a tourist visa versus a legal work visa? If I have work visa with a school, am I bound to work the full contract?

Regarding location, I'd like to work in a city that isn't too busy, but has a fair amount of social events. Izmir sounds good because of the more laid-back lifestyle compared to Istanbul. What other places would people recommend that are near water?

Is it fairly easy to do a border hop from any coastal town?

Thanks

[Mike_2003]

Hi,

I think the process of getting a work permit will take you at least a month and you need to have a contract in order to get it. If you were planning to come in August to look for a job, this means you wouldn't be able to apply for a work permit until after you had found work (and probably have to return home to get it).

*If I do it on a tourist visa, do I have a get a residency permit?

No, you don't. You can stay three months on a tourist visa. Then take a trip out of the country and return. No need for a residence permit.

*Can I find an apartment on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can. Some landlords will be quite fussy and ask questions about where you work and how much you earn, but they are unlikely to check your contract. I've been refused flats because I'm a foreigner, because I'm a single guy, and because I am a tutor, but there is always somewhere and I've never had my documents checked. Strangely, for a nation who are so prone to lying through their teeth, the Turks are very trusting!

*What are the pros and cons of working on a tourist visa versus a legal work visa?

Pros: Less hassle with permits (work and residence). Don't have to change the documents if you change your job.
Cons: No contract so employer can stiff you up (not that a contract guarantees that he won't anyway!). The hassle of leaving every three months. Possibility of getting caught (never known it to happen but the risk/worry is there).

*If I have work visa with a school, am I bound to work the full contract?

No, you can leave after working out the required notice but as far as I know the work permit specifies your place of work, so leaving your job means reapplying for another work permit. Someone will clarify this.

*Is it fairly easy to do a border hop from any coastal town?

There are some ferry routes from the coastal towns, for example, from Bodrum you can catch a ferry across to Kos and come back the same day.


Good luck!

Mike

[ash]

Hello everyone,
I am thinking of looking for work in Turkey around Nov/Dec. I have a degree and some experience teaching ESL in Asia, but have no formal teaching qualifications yet. I've done 1 semester of teacher education as a graduate in Australia. How would you rate my chances of finding employment in a Turkish school?

How would you fare finding work in Turkey if you have no tertiary degree, and no ESL experience? What about if you are a professional musician? Do you think you could make a living playing covers, busking etc? Are there work opportunities in Turkey outside of ESL? (I'm asking on behalf of my partner, who may be joining me...)

This is a great forum. Any advice would be much appreciated. Oh, and does anyone have any info about travelling by sea from Turkey to Greece or Egypt?

Cheers,
Ash

[musical*girl]

Thanks, Mike. I'm still undecided about which route I'll take (legal or illegal). I'm goint to apply for some jobs and see what comes up. I'm actually not in a rush to leave the US. I don't know exactly when contractus usually start up in Turkey. Some places say August, other September. Does it just depend on the school?

Also, can anyone recommend places to apply in Izmir? I'm working on a resume for Enlgish Academy right now. I like that they have professional development for staff.

Oh, another question. As far as part-time work goes, can one earn living wages not working full-time? Do you have to have a contract for part-time work? Aside from teaching, I want to learn to continue my studies on the baglama saz and I'm considering looking for part-time rather than full-time work. Any thoughts?

Thanks, again y'all.