Job Discussion Forums

[CECTPA]

Hello

Would appreciate any information, experiences anyone has had with them. Please PM me if you see fit. Thanks.

[tavsan0]

Hi there

I've worked for many schools in Istanbul and even had a short contract in the Bakirkoy Dilko branch in Istanbul. I had no problems there to be honest but I wasn't there long.

I'm currently working in �anakkale Dilko (a small sleepy seaside town outside of Istanbul). Although this is a branch of Dilko, it's different because we are an independent school sharing only the name.

We have different owners so our salary & contracts are different.

Of this branch I can say....We always get paid on time and in my 13 years of teaching tefl...this is the nicest friendliest school I've ever worked in.

very relaxed and laid back with a positive working atmosphere

[thrifty]

But the money must be bad.

[tavsan0]

Actually I get paid the same as I did in Istanbul and the rent's really cheap
So I do ok...If I wanted to save money I wouldn't be in Turkey

[thrifty]

So the money is bad then.

[tavsan0]

I don't know...how much do you earn? Tell me and we can compare.
Then we'll see if the money's bad.

I'm joking of course Thrifty! I don't expect you to tell me.

I think that all teaching jobs are badly paid in Turkey compared to a lot of countries unless you are teaching private lessons non stop.

I have worked in places that paid very well but had a very bad atmosphere or that saw students as Money Cows to be milked.

The reason I like the school I work for is that it's small & that they treat the teachers with respect. They are positive and will go out of their way to help. The Manager here doesn't sit around all day behind his desk giving orders or giving the staff hell like a lot that I have come accross.

He teaches lessons, helps fixes stuff around the building chat's to everyone & makes the students feel happy & welcome. He doesn't drag teachers in for pointless meetings or workshops on their days off and doesn't close classes because of low numbers. He also stands up for the teachers when the bosses try to pass some stupid new rule or policy.

The school is also nice...It has a brand new internet room...(and yes it is connected to the internet!) air conditioned...which a projector that students can use when they want.

Friendly staff with exception of one batty cleaning lady.

Of course the pay's not great compared to Istanbul! Then again Maybe it is. I was paying 500 mil for a one bedroom flat in Istanbul and earning 1.500 mil. This year I earn 2 milyar and pay 500 mil for a three bedroom flat...So my standards have gone up here.

Also everyday living is much cheaper as well.

You can sit by the sea front and have a beer for 3 mil! So it's cheap.
I don't think that you'd save any money working here but you'd live well and have a pleasant laid back teaching year.

[mongrelcat]

imet with Mark from Dilko...he was a very nice guy, very relaxed and casual. He was brought in there to help spiff the place up. He'd been in the ELT biz for a long time and had a good history,lots of degrees etc. I guess Dilko Ist. wasnt doing so well. But he is very honest about what they need and he also was very willing to work with me on what i wanted.

Unfortunately i couldnt take the job but i would have if the one i wanted didnt come through.

Also the pay seemed good, and free apt., private health, travel allowance, etc.

[nutella]

I had heard from a student that the education program is good. From what I've read here, I am glad there is at least one worthwhile language school in the 'Bul'.