Job Discussion Forums

[fraup]

I�m interested in teaching in Turkey starting in 2012. I have a B.A. in English and German, a master�s in German, and an M.B.A. Have taught business courses as well as business English, and in 2003 did my CELTA in Budapest. I�ve taught ESL in Poland, China, Mexico, and here in the States since 2006. I�m currently teaching EAP writing/grammar and speaking/pronunciation courses at a local community college.

I�m planning to visit Turkey this June, armed with copies of my CELTA, diploma, reference letters, passport copies etc., and visit with various school/university officials so that they realize that although I�m 67, I�m in great shape, not decrepit etc. My question is, where should I concentrate my job search? Istanbul, or another city? I�m flexible in what I can teach, with the exception of kids�no experience there. I could even do a business course in English should that be required. Plus I have some teacher-training credentials.

Why Turkey? I�ve never been there but my students tell me it�s a great place. And all my Turkish students have been wonderful, but maybe I only saw the best ones.

Any suggestions? I�m committed to teaching here through December, but I�ve noticed a lot of ESL jobs pop up at the last minute. Are these always the less-desirable ones? Do the universities ever hire new instructors in midyear?

Thanks for any help.

[coffeespoonman]

Yes, you should be able to get a very good job with your credentials. If you're looking for money, you should stick to Istanbul. If you've got a pension or investments and are just looking for a bit of cash on the side and a relaxing life, I'd recommend Izmir as a decent alternative. Still a city, but more relaxed and liberal, better weather, on the Aegean coast.

No, your age shouldn't be a big problem.

Yes, most of the positions that pop-up at unis mid year will probably be less than brilliant. Of course, there are always good teachers at good schools that have to leave for unexpected reasons, but good unis hire a couple more teachers than they really need for that reason. Pretty much the only reason I can think of that a university would really need to hire mid-year is if several teachers left at the same time - not a good sign... Of course, that's not to say that there aren't exceptions - maybe you'll get lucky. You could try to find a position at a uni mid-year, and even if it's not ideal, you can soothe yourself with the knowledge that you'll be out of there in a few months anyways.

If you're set on coming here mid-academic year and can't find a decent uni job at that point, you could always try to land a short-term contract at one of the more professional language schools, but there are no guarantees you'll find something palatable, especially outside of Istanbul.

Good luck!

[fraup]

thanks--Izmir sounds like a nicer place to be, at least for the short term.

[coffeespoonman]

Check out Izmir Economy University. It's a very nice, modern school. I've heard it's kind of a lot of work, but I believe it's a professional environment, and for Izmir standards, the pay is very good.

[dutchman]

[coffeespoonman]

People are reading my blog?

Er...

Yes, Dutchman, yes it does contradict what's on my blog. However, you have to appreciate the context. First, I was writing for humor. Second, I was offered a salary that wouldn't easily allow me to support the two dependants that I had at the time as well as make student loan payments of about 500 TL a month.

If I, as the OP seems to, cared more about my surroundings than making big bucks, and had no outside financial obligations, that offer would have seemed a lot nicer. Other residents of Izmir have told me that that salary would be very good in Izmir.

I think I had better clean up that blog.

[kotobuki]

Fraup,

Have you looked into your airline ticket yet? I'm thinking of going in June as well.

[Otterman Ollie]

I have lived and worked in Izmir since 95 and now work at the above mentioned uni , if anyone would like to pm me I may be able to offer relevant insight.

[mateuszszafran]

Hello everyone,

I am planning to move to Izmir in very close future, because I want to settle there with my girlfriend who is Turkish and lives in Izmir. After doing some research I became convinced that the 'best' way of finding employment for me in Turkey is teaching English. As a result, I have recently acquired a TEFL certification (CELTA, Pass B). I am very enthusiastic about pursuing a teaching career in Turkey, however, I have to say that my EFL teaching experience is not very significant and also I am not a native speaker (I am Polish), although I have studied in the UK for four years. I am highly motivated and am planning to come to Izmir next month and try to find a job through dropping CV's in local language schools

I would like to ask you, as experienced teachers, what are my chances of finding emploment in the light of the fact that I am not a native speaker. Also, I would very much appreciate any advice concerning my situation.

Thank you very much in advance

PS
Happy Easter to all of you