Job Discussion Forums

carabao · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 12

I would like to ask those of you on the forum what you think about the practicality of my idea to re-locate to Turkey.

I have been teaching in Asia for 2.5 years, have a 120 hour TEFL, and a Master's in an unrelated field. My questions are:

1) If I turned up in Istanbul in the Spring how long should it take me to find a full-time post with a decent salary?

2) What are my chances of finding a position that pays enough to support a family (wife and 2 year old son)?

3) What are the start-up costs? (Would EUR 4k be enough?)

4) Once I've secured employment would it be difficult for my wife (Thai ntional) and son (US national as am I) to get residence permits?

I welcome any thoughts or opinions, and would be especially keen to hear the experiences of teachers who have come to Turkey under similar circumstances.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:33 am Post subject:

I cannot speak for Istanbul ( it seems noone can) but Izmir is a favourable location, there are a number of U.S citizens working in private universities here. However, if your preference is Istanbul I wish you good luck!

carabao · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 12

Thanks for the heads up on Izmir.
Any idea how much should I expect to spend to get started there (Izmir)?
Most of the rental properties I've seen online seem a bit over-priced. I'd just like to know what I can realistically expect as far as start-up costs go.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:44 am Post subject:

Your start up costs can be greatly minimized by landing a job at a school that offers free accomodation and daily meals. After a year or three you can then go your own way.
To the best of my knowledge there are at least two such places in Izmir.
Your start up fund is adequate, if you decide to go it alone, an employer may even subsidze your rent in lieu of providing accommodation.