Job Discussion Forums

orinlouis · Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 31

Was scouted on Facebook (not sure why there) by a man offering work at
http://www.abaturkey.com/

Man is nice enough, and pictures he sent of his small city are beautiful.

He agreed to pay full airfare, with the agreement that I would pay half later (to be deducted from my salary). Salary is $800US/month, with accommodations covered (after airfare, I work first month for free). Not sure if this is a decent deal, but after a few weeks of light correspondence (mostly him trying to affirm I will not turn out to be a drunk--when really, I do not drink at all--), today, he has told me to find the plane ticket for 3 days from now.

Exciting as moving to Turkey in 3 days might be, I do have some qualms.

1. I will be on a vacation visa, no? Seems from some other posts that this is kinda normal for Turkey, but should I not be concerned?

2. Have read that many schools will not pay airfare at all, but still, the idea of working a month for free does not sound like fun.

3. No idea about the school's reputation. Would very much like to speak to someone who's taught there.

4. No idea about the place. I know it's near Istanbul, and it seems nice enough, but maybe there's something I am not realizing.

Any advice is most helpful.

About me:
BA/MA in English from great schools (great grades/references, too).
Very badly need money (no savings; much debt; will need to pay fines to cancel gym and cell phone and will lose some rent).
Always wanted to live in Turkey (enjoy the people/food/culture...or my experience of them thus far, anyway).

Thanks in advance!

orhanveli · Joined: 01 Mar 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Seven Hill

If you have BA/MA English apply soon to private schools and universities for September. In the meantime work at a dershane (how do we translate dershane?). 800 is fine and dandy (as long as you dont pay rent) until the dollar tanks gain.

Nargile57 · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Istanbul

Drop them like the plague. I worked there last year for $1000 plus a dirty and unhealthy room in the school. Con artists full stop. Mail me for more info.

Nargile57 · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Istanbul

Just heard from a student that the native speaker at this so- called school is no longer there. Hope he has found a better job, he can't possibly do any worse. Rumour was that the school was holding his pasport. Stay well away from this place - they are run by a couple of nasties.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:46 am Post subject:

So I'm curious, what did you do?