Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

Thus far I have failed to find a job in any country, despite gradually expanding my search to countries like Korea and Russia I wouldn't even have considered a few months ago. While I haven't quite reached my limits in scope (I'm still avoiding China, Korean public schools, and organizations with mostly negative reviews on this site), I'm thinking the best thing to do is expand my depth. Turkey is still my first choice and I've heard anecdotally that pretty much the only way an inexperienced teacher can get a job is to go over there (an observation that is backed up by sites like this one: http://www.tesol-ua.org/teach-english/turkey)

I considered simply going over there and looking for a job, I brought it up earlier on this forum and was told it was a bad idea. But what about going to Turkey to learn Turkish? Since half the ads I see online already say things like "only applicants already in Turkey will be considered," and I figure there's got to be a lot of postings that are only available by word of mouth, I feel like being in the country for several months would improve my chances. So I guess I've got two questions:

1. Is this a good idea? Will going to Turkey to learn Turkish help me find a job? (Yes, I know I can learn Turkish without paying for classes, that's not really the point. My mother freaked out when I told her I wanted to go to Turkey and offered to pay for lessons if I would mean I wasn't going there on nothing. I still don't like the idea but at this point it seems better than sitting unemployed around her house.)

2. Are there any schools that you know that teach Turkish, which would be a good bet? Maybe because they have a good reputation and/or because they also teach English and studying there might improve my chances, or suchlike?

Thanks and regards,
~Q

[ossie39]

Hello Qaaolchoura. It is good that you have picked yourself up after the annoying difficulties of unemployment. Turkey will certainly provide you with eye opening and memorable experiences. Language learning really requires some sense of purpose, some pay off. Yours is a little vague. What work would you do in Turkey? Once you have establishe d that you like the culture, you could then learn some Turkish. Possibly you could work in some branch of tourism in the summer time with your new bit of Turkish. This might be in exchange for food and keep because I am not sure about your right to work. Turkish is not used in the teaching of English of course. Perhaps you could offer conversation in exchange for Turkish lessons which I think most schools would jump at. You would leave then after 3 months with the option of returning after a couple of days over the border. Saving money again, you might share with university students. Hope things work out for you.

[markcmc]

I don't know what advice you were given before, but as long as you have some money to support yourself for 2-3 months, then you should just buy a ticket to Istanbul, and go. It is possible to find work on the spot. Don't wait too long though. Now is the time that schools are hiring.

[Qaaolchoura]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.
Mark: about how long is waiting too long?

Also, anyone know if I can go there on a tourist visa and then hop over to Bulgaria to get a work visa?

Thanks,
~Q

[markcmc]

A lot of hiring takes place this month. Of course it's possible to find work after September, but it just gets harder, and you may need to support yourself longer.