Job Discussion Forums

nyc2323 · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 38

Hello,

I'm planning to teach English in Istanbul starting in October 2010 (flexible). I was in touch with both Berlitz and English Time, having given them all of my paperwork etc they seemed interested in me but then all communication dropped recently, when we were supposed to be setting up an interview time. I've read the reviews of these schools so I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised.

I was wondering...
1) if anyone has suggestions of other schools that might be hiring and a little more legit, for a newbie teacher (I do have a CELTA but very little experience)

2) if it makes sense to find a job before arriving

3) any other schools that offer a 6 month contract

me: 29 year old American female coming alone (single), just looking for a good 1 year (or less) experience teaching and some fun in a new place. opportunities to develop as a teacher and move up at a school in istanbul aren't priorities...I don't plan to stay forever. I'm more concerned with fun/safety/earning enough to live on.

Thanks!

Thanks!

theenlil · Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 5

Are you limited with Istanbul or thinking of the other cities, too?

nyc2323 · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 38

I'm pretty decided about Istanbul...

Shalana · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 150 Location: Istanbul

I had a pretty good experience at English Time. Of course, that was two years ago and things change. Sometimes, I think it depends on which branch you are at.

A friend of mine recently had a bad experience at Berlitz. She was part time and had two good classes that were going well. Without warning, they told her that the classes had been cancelled, but later another teacher told her they were given to someone else. Then she had to wait around for the 15th of the following month to get paid. She didn't get paid until the 17th or 18th and her pay was shorted almost 100 lira. She had to wait a few days for an explanation for that and I don't remember what they told her, but I think it had to do with transporation to her classes. On top of that, they had wanted her to do unpaid training.

I have heard good things about British Side and Wall Street, although I don't know what their hiring practice is for newbies.

NisaTex · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 24

Run Bambi Run

from Berlitz (see boards for info)

Also ET has just lowered their salary to TL 17 for native speakers--attitude and work environment is horrible. Everyone is leaving.

WSEnglish is ok largely computer based learning. Heard they dont pay salary on time though---

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nyc2323 · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 38

I was just offered a position at English Time...is it really as bad as people say?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Lotsa good reasons it's unwise to seek a job from abroad.

It really tends to be the dodgy employers who will consider an application from someone sight-unseen. Unfortunately, it's usually because teachers in the area know better....

This is true for Europe in general, with a few exceptions (schools in really rural areas, teachers with specialist quals).

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 8:30 pm Post subject: