Job Discussion Forums

[rorchik]

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all your previous comments on this forum; they've been very informative.

I'm a former Peace Corps Volunteer with two+ years of TEFL experience (but no certificate) and a current PhD student in New York City. My wife and I are planning on living in Istanbul for six months beginning in January, and I'm curious to know whether six month teaching contracts are possible. I see from most of your postings that the norm is one year. What are my options if I only have six months? Will I have trouble finding work? Or, alternatively, is it possible to skip out on a contract (which I woudn't want to do, of course)?

I may have some other questions later, but I need some help with this one now!

Many thanks and best wishes,

Rory

[bron]

My roommate's on a six-month contract, and there are a few other teachers at my school on contracts varying from four to six months. My own was ten months, although it could have been nine, and my next could be anywhere from six to ten. If you are thinking of working for language schools, I don't think you'll have a big problem negotiating a contract for that amount of time. Good luck!

[irieteacher]

Course schools will definitely give you an abbreviated contract.

Also, if there is a bonus to be had, some might be willing to give it to you pro rata as well.

However, skipping out with little notice can sometimes lead to you not getting your last pay.

When you know which schools you wish to visit, come back here and ask. I'm sure you'll get some useful feedback.

Regards,
Irie