Job Discussion Forums

Anneri · Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Can anyone tell me what you should earn (in US dollars) if you want to make a good living in Istanbul, and at the same time save some money? That is, if accommodation and daily lunches at school are free? Or can't you save money doing tefl in Turkey? Here in Taiwan it is entirely possible, and I don't want to leave a good option for a bad one.

the pusherman · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Posts: 31 Location: istanbul

I doubt anyone will be able to give you a complete answer as it depends entirely on the way you live, how much you go out and where, and if you have any dependents. However, I would have thought that under the conditions you mention, anything over $1000 would be ok. And I'm sure a lot of (single) teachers (with no kids) here manage to save money. No doubt loads of people will contradict me about this.

Anneri · Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Thanks! They offered me between US$1300 and 1600, depending on experience, which I have a lot of, but said that it was under review. I have a dependent, but am not a big spender.

gelin · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

If you have housing and utilities included and live close to the school, you should do okay.

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

[quote="Anneri"]Thanks! They offered me between US$1300 and 1600, /quote]

You will earn every penny.

gypsy67 · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

I would say that conditions in the language schools here are such that anyone expecting to make a decent living here is sadly deluded. Same goes for many of the Turkish schools and universities I suspect. Though I know that there are some who can't accurately appraise the situation and waste their time venting interminably about it. The only seriously comfortable teachers I know are the ones who teach at the international schools. But this generally requires a state teaching certificate from your home country and at least five years experiences in most cases. So I would say that you should be realistic about the prospects of teaching here, especially if you're not just passing through and have more than backpacker expenses. But then, there's always the option of chronic, pathetic whining for those so inclined. Smile

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

Sorry have to disagree with gypsy67. You can make a decent living here. This means putting in the hours and the work. I have a few friends here
who earn around 2.500 to 3000 $ a month. Some even up to $4,000.
As others have stated as long as you don't pay rent then you can make it on 1,500 to 2,000 a month.
Every thing is time.
It means more contacts, Higher pay, Privet lessons and money. Cool

Good luck.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Not me. Willing to change jobs though for that sort of money

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

Not me I though once or twice I got close. A friend earned $2000 for working 12 hours a week.

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

31, are you talking about English Fast and Nazif bey?

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

OK, just a guess

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

31

Any chance the place you worked in was a in �orlu.