Job Discussion Forums

[likewisepro]

I'm thinking of taking up an offer to teach in Istanbul. Im a mid20's male from the US. I taught in Korea, and I've concluded that it was socially very conservative. What is Istanbul like? Is it more like Western Europe, more like Saudi Arabia, or just a unique mentality? Are laws very strict like Singapore- although a great place- or anything extremely odd from a western perspective? I'm really not trying to visit ultra conservative places.
Thanks!

[tarte tatin]

Istanbul is not ultra conservative although there are conservative neighbourhoods and conservative schools and universities.

In comparison with Korea I think you will find Turks more flexible. The bureaucrasy is worse however, in respect of visas and workpermits. You will also find fewer English speakers (I lived in Korea too).

Istanbul offers a good mix of east and west and most teachers really like it. Turkey is more beautiful than Korea but you will earn a lot less and the cost of living in Istanbul especially is quite high.

Please please be careful about which school you apply to. If you are in purgatory in Korea I guess that may have something to do with your work situation. The language schools in Istanbul really leave something to be desired and do not believe your contract or anything a smooth tongued HR manager may tell you. I was lucky in Korea and actually had a much better work experience than in Turkey but I did a lot more research before accepting a job in Korea.