Job Discussion Forums

Cecinaa · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 23

To the Teachers in Turkey:

How much money can I save over a year teaching in Turkey? And I know it depends on a lot of things, but could you give a price range?

I'd love to start out in Turkey, but S. Korea sounds so tempting becuase of the ability to save. I'm young, starting out, and even though I have no debts, it'd be nice to save a little to keep travelling. So can I save in Turkey?

Thanks...

Ceci

tekirdag · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 505

Not so long ago this topic was covered, I think. Search the site. And you are right, it depends on a lot of factors.

I have worked in both Korea and Turkey. Saving in Korea is farrrrr easier.

I'd say Turkey isn't a place to make cash to do some international travelling. Some people are making good money here, of course. But there aren't many good paying jobs these days, especially for new teachers.

But if you want to travel IN Turkey, then come on!

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

coffeespoonman · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 512 Location: At my computer...

I work at your run of the mill language school. Have a normal contract and make a normal wage. Still, I save between 500 - 1000 YTL (350-700 USD) a month. And I eat well, go out drinking, blah blah blah. Add privates to that if you want, and you can throw in a few extra hundred (or thousand if you're a workaholic).

It really depends on where you live, what your rent payment is, and the sort of things you spend your money on. Bottom line - you can save just as much here as in Korea (thereabouts), and you can travel just as well (if you have any free time). The Balkans, especially Bulgaria, are dirt cheap and beautiful, and there are coastal resorts in Bulgaria just a few hours away by bus.

Don't worry too much about the cash, you'll do fine!

Cecinaa · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 23

Thanks everyone. That's good to hear, becuase Turkey sounds like a wonderfully interesting country to live in. Is the rent a lot more expensive on the European side in Istanbul than the Asian side? Or it just depends on the area?

thanks again...

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

tekirdag · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 505

scb222 · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Brisvegas, Oz

Dont come to turkey. teaching here is HORRIBLE esp. if youre teaching kids. Ive taught in a number of countries including korea and it is MUCH better there. Im currently in turkey, but am leaving here very soon, as soon as my contract is complete - next mth. it was a very bad expereince. and it is NOT just my school. i havent met a solitary person yet who is happy teaching here. btw, you cant save a thing. prices are out the wahzoo. youd barely save enough to get the f... out of here. i saved a $1000 a mth in korea and for the most part enjoyed it. really, i beg you, esp. as it is your fisrt teaching experience, dont come!!!! if you do, youll probably never teach again.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Cecinaa · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 23

wow! Is it really that bad? I've never heard anyone speak about Turkey so badly! Why did you hate it so much?

yaramaz · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:02 pm Post subject:

I've saved a thousand per month for 3 out of the last four years and that has been without even trying. It isnt that bad.

tekirdag · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 505

Cecinaa · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 23

yaramaz · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 6:27 am Post subject:

Two years in Kayseri initially where I saved a lot even though I also travelled a lot (it was super cheap), then a year in a dershane in Istanbul where I could only save about 400 because I was paying rent for a solo flat and going out a lot (no regrets) and now at a private university, where I easily put aside over 1000, even though I have a 3 bdrm flat and horrific heating bills and I travel and go out regularly. It is possible.

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