Job Discussion Forums

virgemary · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 8

With the economic crisis hitting hard, Im wondering whether I should still go ahead with my plan to head to Istanbul this Aug-Sep to teach.

A Turkish friend of mine in the engineering sector has not been paid for 2.5 months and told me future is indeed very bleak in Turkey.

What do you guys think? Would like to hear something esp from those currently teaching in Istanbul now.

moharem bey · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Istanbul

I'm in Istanbul now. I've heard from a handful of students that they haven't been paid or paid fully. This is anecdotal. I don't know how widespread the problem is.

There is still a large demand for learning English. I don't expect there will be much improvement in salaries. Jobs in language schools are fairly easy to find. The schools may have Turkish teachers replacing some natives in order to save money.

I don't think Turkey is any worse or better in regard to the financial crisis. Inflation here seems high to me, but I'm no economist.

If you come before finding a job, bring enough money to live on for 2-3 months. The cost of living (in Istanbul) is similar to North America/Western Europe. Some things are more expensive, some are cheaper.

Good luck.

Ulysses · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 41

Hi
I have been here for about 5 months and find it an interesting city and I have met some fantastic people but as already mentioned, Istanbul is expensive and the working conditions not all that great in my experience.It is difficul to work freelance due to the enormity of the city, and many of the schools offer appalling conditions.By the time I leave here in summer, I will just have enough cash to fly back to my home country, and have learnt quite a few lessons in frugal living and walking!

matthew156 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 140 Location: The Majik Kindom

One of my contract jobs didn't renew. This was right around the time when the crisis first burst. Two of my colleagues plus I have left Turkey and I know another that is going to also. An MA in TESOL/Linguistics gives you about $2750 US a month with some of the regular perks. I will make more than that in Saudi with a BA in Eng. Lit. and two certificates (TESL/TEIL). You can shop around but be careful. The perks in Saudi are bountiful plus there is not much to do so you can save your money. It's good if you want to do some professional development, which is what I'm going to do. So instead of entertainment I will spend my money on an on-line MA in either TESOL or Linguistics.

Cheers virgemary.

Matt

Greg 09 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 169

Can a newbie with a BA and CELTA get by and save anything? I'm considering a fact finding trip to Istanbul in April, CELTA in summer. I'd like to certify in the same city I'll be teaching in, and I don't want to waste my time or resources. If Istanbul is the same situation as Prague (or others) and you can just get by, I'll go somewhere else.

virgemary · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 8

Hey guys thank you so much for replies. Very useful advise indeed.

1) Are you guys all legally employed, equipped with permit and paperwork or working under the table-which I heard is rather common?

2) In terms of salary how much should I expect, teaching in a language school? I have a Diploma in TESOL and cert in Phonetics from London Teachers Training College.

Moharem Bey - What's the living expense like over there for 2-3 months excluding rental?

Many thanks in advance!

Laughing

matthew156 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 140 Location: The Majik Kindom

Well lets just say I'm a duel citizen. So work permit was not necessary, I was very legally empoyed because of my citizenship which bound them to pay my full retirement pensions whereas foreign teachers didn't get this contribution just medical. I had medical, retirement and unemployment insurance which made my contributions a lot higher than the other teachers and when the crisis hit my contract wasn't renewed. Also they only hired part-time foreign teachers after me.

Regards.

Matt

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:45 am Post subject:

Matt, I think you will find that foreign nationals are in fact entitled to contributions to be made by their respective employers. A number of countries have an agreement with Turkey relating to social security payments ,including pensions. I have that and medical health care plan subsidzed by my employer. I understand this is the norm in the "better" teaching establishments.

matthew156 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 140 Location: The Majik Kindom

Hi Ottie,

Yes you're right. Canada has this agreement with Turkey and I recently transferred all my Canada pension plan payments to Turkey and will be eligible 2014. So I believe vise versa is also the case.

Regards.

Matt

ps. I had to make a lump sum payment in US dollars to do this though.