Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Hello everyone, I hope you're all well and that everyone had a fantastic Easter - I ate far too many eggs!

Anyway, I've been researching Daves for a few weeks and I have come to the conclusion that teachers in Turkey have the best deal, as I've never taught in Turkey, you can all correct me if I am wrong.

For prfessional teachers (degree in TESOL & CELTA is what I have) you can start on about 2000NTL a month and with an MA ect I am guessing that you can earn 3000+NTL, considering that across western Europe the cost of living is higher and salaries are 1500 - 1800NTL per month, you are always going to live on the breadline - will not be able to save for retirement or a mortgage etc and will be confined to a life of sharing and 9/10 month contracts. Therefore, although Turkey offeres only slightly higher wages, the daily living costs are lower and it has been know of established teachers to be able to save and buy houses etc.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that Turkey is by-far the best (decent) place to be a career TEFLer. I mean, you could go to Asiaif that takes your fancy, but - it's by far too much of a culture shock and prob too difficult to settle down in long-term. The middle East too althogh good for $$��$$$ not so good for life!

Let me know what you think!

Elliot

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:05 am Post subject:

For standard of living, I do think we are doing better here for what we do than teachers in western Europe. We have year round work if we want it too. It's not as lucrative as the gulf but I still think it's not a bad deal. I told my parents what I was earning, and they told me that my untaxed salary is about the same as what a Canadian earning 50 000 cdn dollars a year would take home net. That's a good salary, higher than standard school teachers in the public system.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Are most salaries quoted 2000ylt gross or net? if gross what is that net?

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

God give me the strength to carry on.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

if you're in a mood or get annoyed by posts - DON'T READ THEM!

do you know how bitter u sound?

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

I read posts to torture myself.

I know how bitter I sound and you will be too. Welcome to TEFL.

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

I read posts to torture myself.

I know how bitter I sound and you will be too. Welcome to TEFL.

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:23 pm Post subject:

Quoted salaries are net. They take the taxes off before you ever see them. What you see is what you get.

dagi · Joined: 01 Jan 2004 Posts: 425

"I do think we are doing better here for what we do than teachers in western Europe."
That depends on where and what you teach. Teaching freelance in a language school in whatever language and you will earn far less and have a lower standard of living.
Being a qualified teacher in a state school, you could earn much more. Don't forget that German and Swiss are amongst the highest paid teachers. Starting salary for a Swiss teacher in a state school is ca. 7000YTL gross.

TeachEnglish · Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 239

This is a very good topic. Most salaries are stated as net. Actually, the backpackers have it the best here. Most are givin a room to live in for free...all they have to do is contribute to the monthly expenses. They earn what the rest of us earn. Some are even given airfair and return airfair to their home countries. So yes, it is nice here, for the backpackers.
Our only fault is the desire to be stable and have some sort of a stable life. We are treated the same as the backpackers except they get a little more sweet talking because they are new and the liars and other staff don't want them to leave too soon. We have to usually beg for any increases in salary, like them and there is no automatic cost of living raises usually.

So, go backpackers...you got it made.. just be careful of the crooks that will take advantage of you if they get the chance.. but it does not happen all the time.. Twisted Evil

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:00 pm Post subject:

I was referring to the language school teachers in western Europe, not the public school teachers (I know they make a lot) because we were talking tefl here. I just remember what friends who have taught there earned and how they lived and I think i am doing better. As well, I found out recently that my salary here is the same as the take-home pay for public school teachers in Canada in their first few years (my aunt is in the school system in British Columbia). Whether this is true for every english teacher in Istanbul I couldn't tell you- I doubt it really- but it really does vary from person to person, just as it would in any sector in any country.

I'm happy where I am and I am not a backpacker and I don't think it's all futile.

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

In their first few years is right. Their money goes up-yours doesn't. They get a pension-you don't.

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:13 pm Post subject:

Mine has gone up. And they have to deal with the bureaucratic crap of the public system as well as huge classes and lots of f*cked up kids.

I'll take the slight pay cut for what I have. I like teaching where I am. Its a choice.