Job Discussion Forums

laura_rebecca · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 3 Location: ANKARA, TURKEY

Has anyone got any information or advice about finding ESL jobs in North Cyprus? İ'm currently teaching in Ankara but İ've decided to move to Turkish Cyprus this winter. İ have looked ALL OVER the internet but can't find any schools who are hiring until 2007. İ've got contact info for all the universities but İ'm also interested in applying to some private language schools. Since İ'm in Turkey İ wouldn't even mind phoning some schools. Any thoughts?

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

My information is a little old but as far as I know there is only 1 language school in North Cyprus that deals mainly with government employees.

The ''problem'' with North Cyprus is that the economy is in a shambles because of the political situation and a chronic lack of investment. It relies on aid from Turkey to keep afloat. There is little business outside of tourism and gambling.

Eastern Mediterranean University used to employ a lot of teachers but as they have a fair sized degree and MA in ELT they use mainly local teachers for prep classes. A kind of Turkish Cypriotisation has been happening over the last ten years or so and only foreigners with specialised skills such as PHDs or testing qualifications/mats development etc. stand any chance of getting the few badly paid jobs available.

Have you been there? I wonder why you are considering it because Turkish students I have met consider being in N Cyprus as being in exile.
I like the place for a holiday but it is not a place to work.
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Fullman · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 3

What about the relatively newly opened branch of METU there; any thoughts on or experience of that?

laura_rebecca · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 3 Location: ANKARA, TURKEY

Well İ suppose these are my worst fears confirmed! İ have been to Cyprus, my mother was an English prof. at EMU for 4 years, but that was over 10 years ago. My fiance is Turkish and has found a job there so now the pressure is really on for me to find gainful employment. İ am persuing the METU campus as an option but İ was was really hoping there might be some language schools hiring year-round and desperate for native speakers, as they are here in Ankara. This is very disheartening to hear but İ am not really surprised. We are planning to visit during Şeker Bayram in October. İs it possible İ might have better luck checking these places out in person?

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

There are so few places. Knocking on METU or EMU doors will get you nowhere.