Job Discussion Forums

[wanna_teach]

Hello everyone

I was wondering if the people who are teaching in Turkey could give me a list of reputable (meaning do what they promise, pay on time etc) language schools preferably in Istanbul. I have been reading through this forum and it seems the best way to get a job is to go to the schools in person. Do schools only hire in September or do they hire all year round? When is the best time to look for a job?

BTW..I have a BA and a TESL from a college in Toronto.

Any input is appreciated
Josie

[wanna_teach]

nobody can give me an idea of schools that I could look into? How about schools that I should avoid?

Thanks
Josie

[fishmb]

From what I've read on this forum, more qualifications demanded of the institution the better your bet that it'll be a decent place to teach. If the institution hires people without qualifications, that's generally a bad sign.

It's tough to get advice about schools on these forums. Many people have axes to grind. You'll probably have an easier time finding work at one of Turkey's many language schools. Again, it's hard to say which language schools are better since staff members and working conditions frequently change. Wherever you consider working, be sure to ask them lots of questions so that you'll know what you're getting into.

Good luck!

[wanna_teach]

Thanks for your response

The reason I asked the question was because I have read so many negative posts about some of the schools in Turkey. I just wondered whether anybody had worked at any good schools.

Thanks for your advice...you are probably right that with changing staff, bad schools can become good and vice versa.

I guess the best thing to do is talk to the schools and the teachers and try and get a feel.

I Have some experience and a TESL certificate..do you think it would be easy to find a decent job?

[fishmb]

My advice is just based on reading through this forum for the past few years. I haven't been to Turkey yet, just so you know.

With your qualifications it seems like you'll be able to get A job fairly easily. A good job might take more searching. From what I've read, if you're willing to look for work outside of Istanbul you can get better deals.

[Marquess]

[quote="fishmb"if you're willing to look for work outside of Istanbul you can get better deals.[/quote]

Pay in Istanbul is generally higher than elsewhere in the country. I have never seen any evidence for better deals outside Istanbul.

[safarer30]

Marquess doesn't know what he's talking about. He might tell us where he's worked outside Istanbul, for what salary and duration of time to give authority to his statement. Other cities, as fishmb has read about, and as I have known and personally experienced, can offer deals in terms of housing and salaries that are often much better than Istanbul.

[Marquess]

Please post examples of good deals outside Istanbul.

[Sashadroogie]

[Marquess]

[tillymd]

Hello,

How much cash do you need to bring to survive until you get going in Turkey?

Is it necessary to learn Turkish or do most people speak a little English? How hard is the language to learn?

What's the coolest thing you did or saw in Turkey?

What's a typical Turkish dinner?

Do you drink with the natives?

Thanks for the info.

Tillymd

[Marquess]

Bring 2000 pounds assuming no housing.

No need to learn Turkish before. Many people speak Turkish in the three biggest cities. Not too difficult.

Got married and had kids.

Turkey has a very varied cuisne. Hard to say what is typical and whether you mean in a home or restaurant.

Sometimes but Turkish and Brittish drinking habits are different. With Brits is is more binge drinking whereas with Turks it is more with food and many do not drink.