Job Discussion Forums

[wyldfiregyrl]

Hello... You know I was thinking of a way to be witty and begin this post in a way that would make me sound like less of a newbie than I am... But then I realize that I AM a newbie and I cannot really excuse it so here goes....

I've been lurking for a few weeks because I want to go to Turkey to teach (yep, you guessed it) ESL. I've applied to many many many different schools (pretty much any that I have happened along whilst reading posts and internet searches... hoping to narrow down later). But, I have not heard anything in about two weeks... Why should that be?

I want to go in mid-April, May at the latest. Is this a bad time to go? (well, cannot help that this broke teacher can couch hop for only so long) Are there any strategies to help make me a winner? Or, is this some facet of Tukish culture where things are not as prompt as I would like????

I have taught in Asia and the USA all told, for 3 years and have my pedigree papers... But some advice would be grand. As long as that advice is positive in scope.. I do not need any negative energy (read:ghost) to make me feel like I've made a bad decision... Because I have made up my mind!! (said the same thing to my Mother)

Also, if you know of any openings in your school (and NOT one you are leaving because its bad news) that would be great... When I get to Turkey, I'll buy you a beer and kabobs (probably doesn't sound as enticing to you, as it does to me... but the offer stands anyway). I am looking at Izmir or the nicer sections of Istanbul... but would also consider other places depending....

Thanks a lot and have a beautiful day. Here in California the trees are beginnig to bloom and the smell of peach blossoms is in the air... Is Turkey yet in bloom (outside Istanbul )?

Wyld fire gyrl

[FGT]

Spring is probably not the best time to be looking for work - most new contracts start in September/October so schools do most of their recruiting during the summer. There may be some work available in summer schools/camps during July and August so schools will probably be recruiting for those in about May. I'm sure there are jobs to be had but just not so many at the moment. Don't be down-hearted, the best jobs are worth waiting for. And, yes, Turkey is not a country renowned for its promptness so the lack of response may not imply bad news. Be patient, stay positive, continue to apply for jobs and maybe follow up previous applications. Good luck.

[Byzantine]

FGT said it all, but I thought I'd second a few things.

Definitely boraden your search to summer camps. A few of my friends spent summers at them before teaching in the schools - they had a great time and picked up a lot of Turkish from the kids.

There is work in the summer, but it is off the normal hiring schedule. The bigger/busier schools have summer programs and sometimes find they're short people.

I can put in a good word for the IH Istanbul schools. I worked at IH Suadiye for two years - great ownership, staff, and DOS. They once again own the Etiler school and rumor has it they're looking to expand further.

Listen to me, I sound like a recruiter. Anyways, give Ben at IH Suadiye a shot and see if they're looking for folks for the summer.

Good choice on Turkey. Fantastic place, I miss it.

[dmb]

Most of the language schools recruit all year round.

[richard ame]

Hi

Along with the other posters I will agree that wheels turn very slowly here especially at this time as the second part of the acadeic year has just started ,at my place we only just came back last Monday and the freshmen came back today so everyone is pretty distracted just now . However ,the summer school programme will be floating around and usually our place uses it as a way of getting new staff aclimatized to the way we do things around here, if your name is in the frame than you have an opening to the main event also gives you an income during the summer months,pm me if you want any more gen like websites etc .