Job Discussion Forums

[babaoreiley]

Hey everybody,

I'm about to start canvassing the world for employment. Looking to take-off from the States in late-August or early-September. I just ran across an ad from the Turco-British Association (TBA) in Ankara on the job board. I had been looking mostly at the Istanbul area, but thought I might extend the search out if any interesting positions emerged. I've been searching for a little more info on the TBA, but I have been unable to find any specifics. Anybody have some inside info on the place, or heard anything about them? Any insights would be appreciated.

Just in-case any potential posters didn't read my last post, I have a BA in History (focus on Southeastern European history, especially the late-Ottoman Empire's decline in the Balkans) and a TEFL certificate but lack extensive experience. Although, I am lined-up for some ESL work through the summer, and the 2-month TEFL course I am just finishing (last day is Wed., yeah!) did include an extensive teaching practicum (instructing both beginning and advanced level learners).

So, with this in mind, where would this place me in the wide-range of jobs? Will I be forced to trudge it out for awhile in a crummy language school (noy implying that all are crummy, just that many newbies wander into the least reputable of places) to gain experience, or should my qualifications put me in a better position? Is $850-$1100 per month, with shared-accommodations provided by the Turco-British Ass., a low-ball figure or standard for a newbie?

Thanks in advance for the knowledge.

[bron]

I haven't heard anything about them... I saw another ad for them a few months ago, and was tempted by the official-sounding name and good perks but the salary looks really, really low. Like, top end is less than I'm earning now.

[howmucharefags]

You are a yank so you won't get the job.

[babaoreiley]

Whoops!

1) The job ad: no specification on nationality requirements for employment.

2) The website: no specification on nationality requirements for employment.

3) The fact that it has "British" in the name and was began as a way to forge closer ties between Turks and British subjects: definitely leads one to suspect that being "British" would be vital to employment. But, alas, they do not say so specifically.

4) After a bit more digging into The Association (I think I will refer to simply as such, because it just sounds cool) and the posting by howmucharefags, it comes to light that being "British" is essential to employment.

Thanks for replying, but looks like it was all for not. No British-citizenship. No job. I will do my due dilligence before posting next time in order to avoid embarrassments such as this.

On a similar theme though, I am beginning to have serious "British Isle"-envy. You guys have it all. You speak English; so, like me, you can exploit your native speaking skills in the TEFL market. But, unlike a "yank," you are EU passport-holders. This allows you to work (legally) in so many more places than me. Not fair! You also have cool accents. I've always wanted a really good Scottish accent. And people all over the world find GB and Ire to be far more benign than the US. If only people would realize that not all of us voted for "Shrubby" (translation: Little Bush), or supported agressive US policies. Oh well, guilty by association I guess. Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that I want to become a citizen of GB or Ire. Marriage or defection and political asylum seem to be the only ways. If only the stupid American Revolution had never occured. Just know, the world is your oyster.

[monkel]

hi baba,


i don't actually know anything about these guys, but i can tell you that last year i was offered employment by them (i didn't end up taking it) and i am NOT british. maybe they are flexible???

monkel

[barabbas]

Yes, they employ non-Brits.

[bulgogiboy]

To the OP:


I worked in TBA for over a year and I can assure you that they DO employ non-Brits. Of course, since its the Turco-British Association they prefer Brits, but I had non-Brit Western co-workers there,including 1 Canadian and 1 American. I also know they previously employed other Western non-Brits before I arrived there. You would have to come from one of the recognised native-speaker countries like the UK,US, etc but apart from that its all good. The money isnt great, but they pay for your housing, utilities, residence/work permit, health insurance, 1 month holiday per year in the summer. The accomodation I had was old admittedly, but very spacious, and 5 mins walk from the city centre as well as 5 mins walk to Tunali shopping/bar area.

Pm me if you need any more info.

[bulgogiboy]

Christ, I've just realised how old this thread is!