Job Discussion Forums

real2104 · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 120

Hello!

I'm 20, I have one years teacher experience, a TESOL certificate, high school diploma and no BA.

I'm finishing my contract in China late Jan 08 and am looking to work in EU.

I've heard from quite a few people that this isn't going to happen as I don't have the qualifications. If I've been misinformed please tell me! (My parents are English by the way, I'm Australian.)

Ok, assuming I can't work in EU due to my lack of degree + experience. Then, perhaps I can work in Turkey?

I had a friend a while back who spent a year in Turkey teaching ESL (without a degree) and she had a great time.

So, what I'm asking the e-community is....
Can I work in EU doing ESL? (i'm 95% sure I can't)

if not, where's a good place to see available jobs in Turkey?

Thankyou to those who choose to give me some help! Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

For your own sake, go and get a BA.

Frizzie Lizzie · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:16 pm Post subject:

I'm pretty sure you can't work in Turkey without a BA, if legal work is what you're looking for.

sandyhoney1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

You won't ever be legal, but there are quite a few places that you could work for in Turkey. You will have to be resigned to making a border run every three months and to living with the idea that your employer holds all the cards. Do a search of some of the language schools in here and make up your own mind.

But yes, working and living in Turkey is a unique experience.

real2104 · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 120

Where can I get in touch with some turkish schools? I Can't find any links on davesesl.

VictorVictoria · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 14

HI,
I have read that in Turkey, you must have EU citizenship and so I had put that off my job hunt. However, last week I read a job offer that requested Canadians, Americans, etc. - there was no specification of EU.

My question is: Do you need EU citizenship or can others apply for a job in Turkey or are both OK?

Thanks in advance.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:51 am Post subject:

Turkey is not an E.U member, yet. When it does become one, I'm curious as to how it will effect certain passport holders.
Nick , you can get a job here despite your youth ,inexperience and lack of qualifications. But I for one would be a lot happier if you reconsidered the idea, we get a tough enough time here trying to convince employers that well trained and experienced teachers do not grow on trees and should be treated accordingly, your presence and acceptance to what few of us would tolerate really diminishes and downgrades that argument.

real2104 · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 120

"Nick , you can get a job here despite your youth ,inexperience and lack of qualifications."

This is music to my ears.

I really don't want to continue teaching in Asia. I wan't to live in a country that has much higher living standards... Turkey feels like a good choice. Of course if I had a BA many more doors would open, hence why I'm looking at doing a 4 year degree online. But in the meantime I feel turkey might be my best option.

How can I get in touch with some schools?

sandyhoney1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

real2104 · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 120

Thanks for the help. =)

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:05 pm Post subject:

I hope your skin is as thick as your head, you're gonna need it !

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Nick,

Are you aware that only about 25,000 sq kms of Turkey are situated in Europe (Thrace) wheareas about 755,000 sq.kms are in Asia? 99.8% of the people are Muslim, yet you say you don't want to continue teaching in Asia! The per capita income is only about $5,000 on average, though many earn far more. Consequently, life in a big urban city is expensive, especially accommodation. In the rural areas, people have no money for learning English.Turkish students are generally very motivated and have excellent grammar in English - they would immediately spot your grammar/spelling mistakes. Check out tefl.com regularly and you will see all respectable schools require a degree, if only for visa purposes.
This would have to be a campus based degree too - they don't accept on-line degrees. Get that degree!

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

Just out of curiosity. What sort of degree do they call for. I have two but neither are in ESL (Nursing and Chemistry, actually). I have a TEFL cert.

Not currently looking to work there, but you never know...

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Seems the OP does not want to hear. He has already decided what the answer is.

real2104 · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 120

Sorry for the late reply.

I don't at all have thick skin, will that be a problem?

mdk, i've find sooo many jobs demand a degree, they never specify a degree in ESL or education (some say its preferred) but overall simply having a degree opens a lot of doors in the ESL world. (i need to get one myself)

And dedicated, yeh I was quite ignorant on turkey. I didnt imagine it to be mostly muslim.

But my friend went there when she was 21 (im 20) and had a blast teaching, needless to say she didnt have much experience nor a degree - but she did it. and I'd love to do it also.