Job Discussion Forums

[ruth.s]

Hey

I just finished my CELTA course and I'm applying for jobs in Spain and Turkey (mainly). But I've read in several places that my best bet might be just to get on a plane and come look for jobs locally. I figure (early) January isn't a terrible time to look, since maybe some teachers will be abandoning their jobs at the Christmas break...

So I'm wondering if anyone knows what sort of paperwork, if any, I would have to get done before coming to look for a job in Istanbul, or if anyone has any advice, such as places to stay - cheap hostels etc. I have been reading books on moving to Turkey and teaching there but I cant make sense of the paperwork stuff - do I need to apply for a work and residence permit before I come, or once I get a job or what...?!

ANY help much appreciated!!!

Ruth

[Teflon Don]

Hi Ruth,

I'm in the same boat/on the same plane, .

I'm decided on Istanbul, January, finished my CELTA a few weeks back and just getting myself sorted. I've been reading up on everything about accomodation, visas, where to work/not work etc on here, mymerhaba, and some other websites. I've also immersed myself in books, maps, learning the language etc.

I'm set on going for the face to face approach, I have a few contacts from Istanbul (Turkish) that are helping me with advice on areas/schools etc.

If you want to pm me it could be helpful to share some info via e-mail etc.

Regards,

Keith (already regretting the username!)

[Teflon Don]

Oh, and you'll have to make some more posts first if you do want to send a pm.

So brief answers:

Work permit - you can't apply for one, the employer does this (depending on the employer of course)

Residence permit - you could do it from here (uk) via the consulate, but you can do it once in Istanbul. If you do it in the UK the consulate website suggests it won't come in time for an early January departure. Also, depending on the employer, this should/could be done by them also.

There is an excellent thread about residence permits on here, titled something like 'the shiny new eminyat' on about the second page. I would have linked it but I forgot to do that before posting.

[Teflon Don]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=75596

[trillian584]

i'm also in the same boat! I have a bunch of people telling me i'll find a job if I just show up, but i'd really rather not just show up somewhere i've never been without a plan of what i'm going to do...

[ruth.s]

Thanks Keith, thats really helpful. So its legal to turn up on a visitors visa and look for work etc in-country then?

I hadnt heard of the my merhaba site so thanks for that! My problem in terms of language is that Im also applying for jobs in Spain, as I have a couple of contacts there, but I think in terms of just going somewhere, Id rather be in Istanbul! So I havent committed to brushing up my Spanish OR learning Turkish. Do you have any recommendations on crash course in language learning? There are loads out there!

And trillian584 I know!!! Its terrifying to think you just turn up somewhere and look for work- although there's definitely logic to the fact that if you're right there then you're probably a better bet than a candidate from far away who may not turn up, or may not be what they say they are on their CV. Im looking at it as a one month adventure of job hunting, which will hopefully turn into say 6-7 months in Turkey - even if I dont manage to get a job, and have to come back in Feb or whenever, its a great story!!!haha When are you thinking of going out?

[trillian584]

at the moment i'm planning for two months after whenever I get hired. I mostly just need to find someone to sublet the rest of my lease and save up a bit of money. So I feel like two months is a wide enough window for that.


also, a friend suggested this: http://www.amazon.com/Yourself-Turkish-Complete-Course-Audiopackage/dp/0071434232/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292253028&sr=8-1

Obviously you're not going to gain fluency from a book, but it seems to cover the basics pretty well.

[Teflon Don]

I'm using pimsleur listen and repeat stuff, it's actually very good so far. It's a bit odd because it specifically instructs you not to read at all, but once I'm through the survival stuff I can venture into that. I'm sure it will help that the pronunciation just lifts off the page once you know the alphabet (so I'm told, but from what little I have read before the pimsleur stuff, this seems accurate).

I'm still on for heading out in January myself, was planning on pretty much first week, but I may have to delay to second or even third week of January depending on a few things I'm sorting this end. (Selling car, tax rebate etc). But I don't want to wait too long and reduce the post Christmas vacancies effect.

[ruth.s]

Well you're at least one job hunter less for competition... Ive decided to go to Spain after all! Just for personal reasons really. But I appreciate the help you gave with my question so thanks for that! And good luck!

[Teflon Don]

De nada,

I hope everything goes well for you in Spain, I'm sure it will. I've lived in Mallorca and Feurteventura in the past, but not the mainland.

Good luck Ruth