Job Discussion Forums

[christinah]

Visas. I'm getting the sense that most people either work for a private K-12 school which will probably help them get a visa, or that they work for a private language school like ET, which probably won't. I'd prefer the latter, even if less well paid (I've got a couple classes here in Japan that include spoiled children, and it's not something I'd like to deal with full-time). I've got a bachelor's degree (in music, not in anything useful), a TEFL certificate, and (as of July) one year's experience. Can I get legal work teaching mostly adults?

And, in the case that I resign myself to working without a visa, I have a question about getting a residence permit, if anyone happens to know about this... I understand I need to prove I have a certain amount of money in the bank. Does it have to be in a bank in Turkey? How recent does this documentation have to be? Can I get a bank statement in Canada (preferably before I have to pay for my plane ticket), and use it to apply for a residence permit once I get to Turkey?

And (sorry, one more question) what about the risks? I know several people who've worked illegally in Turkey with absolutely no problems, but there was an entry in the job information journal by someone who did get in trouble for this, but was a little vague about what exactly the consequences were for him. Does anyone know what the worst-case scenario might be?

[molly farquharson]

re your money question, you need to show you have $5000US in a Turkish bank. ET is working on residence permits for teachers who have passed teh probation period and then will try to get work permits. It's long process (particularly since the guy doing it has been sitting on them) but I think it will be workable. if you are interested in ET, PM me.

[TeachEnglish]

This is Turkey.. all things are not the same for all people.. I requested a resident visa (1 year) before I came to Turkey after 4 tourist Visas.. and when I came to Turkey.. after a month or so I had to go to the authorities and apply for a residence permit.. it cost $400 maybe.. I do not remember and the last thing I had to do was to exchange about $1200 and bring the exchange receipt to the authorities.. and ofcourse you are not supposed to work with a residence permit but I am sure many do..and the benefit is not having to do a border run every 3 months.. to get my work permit.. all i had to do was apply and did not have to go home to do this because i had a resident permit.. This is my story.. and yes.. I think everyone lives through something different because the Turks do things based on what they feel like in that particular minute..

[christinah]

I see. So I guess I give the residence permit a try and see what happens. Thanks a lot for your help!

[TeachEnglish]

A residence permits gives you a year to do what you have to do.. and I think most people still work.. Good luck