Job Discussion Forums

[cheriberry]

HI, all. I'm new to the boards, but have been reading them for the past year. Hope you will welcome me My name is Cheri and I live in Fairfax, VA, just outside DC.

I'm finishing up my M.A. in Linguistics in May and have my TESL Cert. Teaching job experience is very light...I have a full-time, non teaching job (necessity for financial survival), but am doing part-time work at a language school (mostly SAT English material). I have a small amount of public school experience as well.

That said, it appears I am well qualified (on paper) to go to Turkey to teach, but I can forget the Gulf area (for lack of experience). That's what I've gathered so far.

So...my preference is to teach in a University. Any advice on which ones to target? Yes, I have read the boards extensively! Most (although not all) of the messages here appear to refer to language schools, so I'm wondering if you can provide any Uni info. I am willing to teach anywhere in Turkey, although would prefer Istanbul.

Next question...would I be better off teaching in the U.S. for a year, say at a community college, gaining experience, and THEN applying overseas?

Thanks for your time. If I was too vague in any area, let me know and I can supply more information.

[dmb]

I think the Gulf would be difficult. They do tend to look at experience aswell as qualifications.( Ithink it was VS who said that it sucks for younger single people in the Gulf- Iagree) You could work at state or a private uni. with your qualifications. With regard to private language scools... well just read the boards and try to reach a balanced opinion. some people think one place is great while other people think the same place is cra.p. I would always recommend people should come to Turkey and see for youself, speak to teachers who work in various places and then make an informed decision.

[cheriberry]

Yes, you are right about the Gulf...

When you say "you could work at a state or private university," do you mean in Turkey or in the Gulf?

THANKS!

[dmb]

I mean in Turkey. Unis in the Gulf usually require a couple of years post Masters teaching experience.

[cheriberry]

Thanks! Very helpful.

[Faustino]

There are a number of private universities that would probably hire you with your good qualifications despite little experience. I think in Istanbul Bilgi would be one of the best you could go for.

[cheriberry]

Thanks, Faustino. I'll look into it. Keep the ideas flowing

[vre]

Cherry

Just send your CV off and a covering letter promoting what you have. Get their contacts from their websites. Try:

Istanbul

Yedi Tepe Uni
Bilgi Uni

Ankara

Bilkent Uni

[sweetpea]

Whatever you do, do not apply to Cag University. If you want more info, send me a private message. I will forward a letter that I drafted and am forwarding to my Consulate. The conditions are atrocious, to say the least.