Job Discussion Forums

[hyperlatina]

I recently received a job offer that explained its benefits as:

Roundtrip Airfare
Medical Insurance
Furnished Housing (teacher pays utilities)
Taxes paid by school
$1,600 - 1,900 USD/mnth
School Lunch
Transport to and from housing
20-25 teaching hours/week
10-12 month contract
2 weeks vacation mid contract

That's almost equivalent to the packages that teachers here in Korea are commonly offered. Having been scouting for a new location lately, I find it hard to believe that any other country offers this just because it seems like Korea is one of the frontrunners as far as pay and benefits go (however, I'll be the first to admit that a) you pay for these great perks by having to actually live in Korea, and b) I've also not come across too many jobs in Turkey with which to compare).

My questions are:

Is this a standard benefits package?
What's the cost of living in Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, and/or Samsun)?
Is it possible to save an average of $800 - 1,000 USD/mnt and still live comfortably?
What is the average cost of utilities in this country?
Is traveling in the country expensive?
Lastly, and most importantly, has anyone heard of or gone through RFT? This is the company that is offering the job

Any and all information would be very useful and appreciated!! Thanks!

[dmb]

There was a thread on RFT. From memory there was no personal involvement from anyone. Your package depends on your experience and qualifications.

[justme]

What's the school that's offering this?

Check the RFT threads-- they seemed dodgy somehow...

[scot47]

I doubt if you can 'live comfortably' on an EFLer's wage and save US$1,000 a month.

[hyperlatina]

[hyperlatina]

Whoops, sorry if your response was specifically to Turkey. I read that and thought it said "I doubt you can live comfortably anywhere on an EFLers wage and save US$1,000 a month."