Job Discussion Forums

ladonnaoscurata · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Vancouver, BC

Hi everyone,

I just thought I'd introduce myself since I've been following this forum for a while and, having read so many good things about Turkey here, I've finally decided I'd like to try teaching over there for at least a couple of years.

I'm a 22 year old recent college grad, female, and am currently living/working in Vancouver, Canada. I've got American and Canadian citizenship and the first thing I'd like to know is whether it makes any difference if I come to Turkey as a Canadian or an American?

Secondly, I'm trying to save money here so I have enough to pay for my plane ticket and a good amount to live on just for emergency's sake (maybe a couple of months worth of food/rent/miscellaneous money). I was wondering what a good amount would be? I like to think of myself as quite a thrifty person, but, having travelled a lot I know it's tough to find the good deals as a newly arrived foreigner.

Also, if I hope to land a job by the end of this year, when should I begin looking and where? I've received my TESOL certification but have no experience.

Since I don't know too much about life in modern Turkey, I was wondering if anyone knows of any websites that offer good insights into life in Turkey, especially for foreigners and women?

Well, that's all for now, but I'm sure there will be many more questions/comments to come! I look forward to getting to know all of you. Very Happy

Cheers!

DukeJob · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Everywhere

hello,

I see noone has replied to you yet. I'm a fellow newbie. I'll be arriving in Istanbul in Feb. As to your questions, I don't think it matters whether you come as a Canadian or American,but I am certainly not an expert on that stuff.

Secondly, a good amount to bring, if you followed the forums, you should have seen that topic discussed. They say to try and bring $1500 USD and you should be alright. Also, I am in the same boat, I have my Tesol, and my degree and no experience. You gotta start somewhere, so why not Turkey? I hear anytime of year is a decent time to look for a job. January is a good month.

Lastly, if you want website resources about Turkish life, look at Dmb's Sticky at the top of the forum, he put a ton of useful info in there.

I am 22 as well, hopefully we can have a drink when you arrive in Istanbul....good luck!

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

hi ladonnaoscurata,

sandyhoney2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 189

Welcome! I sent you a PM. Check it out...

- sandy

Hog · Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 6

molly farquharson · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 839 Location: istanbul

Canadian visas are more expensive than US visas now, but I am not sure what the prices are-- anyone know?

You can get a job at a language school just about any time, as hiring goes on throughout the year.

emypie · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 11:31 am Post subject:

American or Canadian... doesn't really matter.

Depending on where you go to live, the cost of living will be different. For example I live in central Turkey and the cost of living is DIRT CHEAP!!! Istanbul, obviously, will be more expensive.

See if you can get hired BEFORE coming to Turkey. A lot of schools will pay for your apartment and just let you cover utilities. But if you want to arrive and then look for a job, I agree that $1500 US will be a safe amount.

Turkey really is an amazing country.. I am sure you will enjoy it!

I've been keeping a blog... http://lostinsivas.blogspot.com and it has stories and pictures from my Turkey adventure. Maybe it will be helpful??

ladonnaoscurata · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Vancouver, BC

I just wanted to thank everyone for your replies, they were very helpful. Sorry about the repeat question, I'll try to be more thorough in my research before I post questions. Smile