Job Discussion Forums

[elpropio14]

Hello,
I've finally decided to do the CELTA in Turkey this summer. Until now i had narrowed down on ITI, Istanbul. Going by reviews and information available online, it seems to have a good reputation. However, during my recent searches online I also came across :
1. Izmir university of Economics- School of foreign languages (the course fee here is 950+200 pounds including accommodation at their uni campus)
2. Bilkent university of English Language in Ankara (these guys are offering a CELTA scholarship coupled with paid internship and an opportunity to do an MA in Education Management in the long run.)
does anyone know or has heard anything about these places?
looking forward to your comments and suggestions
Cheers!

[Otterman Ollie]

I work at the first one on the list. The course has been running for the last two years, quite successfully by all accounts and the groups are not too large. The campus has a central location and access to the city is cheap and easy.
I think for the money you will be hard pressed to find better value, unless someone from the other places knows different.

[moharem bey]

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[elpropio14]

Thanks very much Ollie. Instinctively I've also narrowed down on IUE at Izmir, so you've just made that easier now
Any idea if they offer you sort of a job search assistance? coz I know ITI does that, but I doubt if that really makes a big difference.

[King of Swords]

My wife and I are also looking at taking the CELTA course at IUE this summer. I've emailed some with the course coordinator and on the issue of job search assistance, he said "The last day of the course includes a professional development/job session but we don't place teachers as such." I'm sure he (and the other trainers) can provide informal advice on job hunting, too.

One snag we've run into with IUE is that the dormitory where they offer accommodations is segregated by sex (men on some floors, women on others). Does anyone here know if IUE has any kind of housing for married students that might be available to us? Or if not, any good suggestions for alternative housing plans while we take the CELTA? Our plan is to stay in the Izmir area to find jobs after we finish, if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

[Otterman Ollie]

I think the situation regarding the accomdation can be resolved, if at the time of making your application you can in fact state your preference to stay as a couple. To the best of my knowledge the dorms consist of units that cater for more than 1 person.
On the job hunting scene, the uni is more than likely to put a feeler in your direction if the trainers feel you may be able to do the job. At the time there are a number of options available elsewhere in the city.

[King of Swords]

Thanks, that is reassuring. We will have to continue to make inquiries at the University and see what we can find out about rooming as a couple. If that doesn't work out, I may be back here trying to turn up alternate housing suggestions.

Does it make sense to try to contact potential employers before we take the CELTA, or will we have more luck once we have the CELTA and are able to talk to people in person?

Thanks!

[elpropio14]

still waiting to hear from IUE, after sending them my initial request regarding the CELTA
Any idea about the job scene in Izmir? I'm trying to narrow down on prospective employers too.

[Otterman Ollie]

The job scene is fairly bouyant, there are a number of options with ieu been the biggest employer.

[istankya]

Hi,

If I do take the course in Izmir and I do stay on in Izmir, how much is the living expenses and salary in the case that I am not employed with IUE? Salary wise would be working with local schools or language schools.

[FGT]

If you need to pay for accommodation, you're probably looking at a minimum of 600TL per month for a reasonable flat in a reasonable district. Most flats are let unfurnished so you need to factor in the costs of cooker, fridge, water heater, etc; and utilities.
The teaching opportunities in Izmir are not as good as they once were. Some language schools pay a pitiful hourly rate (?18tl) and don't offer the statutary perks of work visa, SSK contributions, subsidised accommodation etc.
The English Academy is one of the few professional places that, although not over generous, does look after its teachers. I don't think they have any vacancies though.

[motown]

http://www.learn4good.com/tefl/tesol_celta_certificate_courses_turkey2.htm

Looks like there is a part-time CELTA course offered over a 10 week period. Curious as to why they offer it over such a long period vs the one month course. If anyone has taken the 10 week course I'd be curious to know the advantages /disadvantages.

[vre]

I took a CELTA over 10 weeks (many moons ago) and I really enjoyed it because it gave me time to read, prep, and absorb what I was learning. It was the best option for me (and I was woking full time anyway at the same time).