Job Discussion Forums

dhaver89 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

I have an interview with a school in Bursa. According to many websites on the web, the cost of living in Bursa is significantly lower than Istanbul. I have a business degree and a CELTA, but no teaching experience. Here is what the job offers.

For the first three months potential full-time teachers will be expected to work up to 30 hours per week and they will be paid on an hourly basis. The present rate offered is 18tl/hour.

Once the probationary period is over, the teachers performance will be discussed in person with the Director of Education. If everything is satisfactory, the teacher will be offered a full time position. The full-time teacher will be expected to work a minimum of 30hrs/week and the present rate of pay is 2,200tl pcm.

The full-time teacher receives two weeks paid holiday and all national holidays that the school closes for (which amount to an extra week give or take a day).

The school will also pay 50% of air fair for standard chartered flights.

Accommodation will be provided for the first 3 months free of charge (teachers will only be expected to pay utility bills). After that if the teacher wishes to continue living in teachers accommodation, they will be charged 200tl/month. Accommodation is also shared with up to two other teachers and in a few cases three.

Anyone with experience in Turkey, particularly Bursa, think this is a decent offer?

Mike_B · Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Bursa, Turkey

dhaver89,
Is your interview in Bursa or via long distance?

I live in Bursa, but I don't teach. The eventual full time salary they quoted will be enough to live reasonably well if you learn the ropes and prepare meals at home. You could even save a little every month.

I have read stories on this forum for years about ESL teachers in Turkey. It seems many ESL employers in Turkey don't follow through with their promises. You would be arriving without a contract, so I suppose you would be at greater risk of not receiving what you have been promised.

I will say that I expect there are many satisfied ESL teachers in Turkey whose employers treat them well. And I haven't seen too many complaints about schools in Bursa.

Good luck with your interview and move, whatever you decide.

Mike

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

dhaver89 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

@Mike

I had a Skype interview. The school seemed legit and I checked them out online and on this website. So I'm hoping that they won't try and change up the contract once I'm there.

dhaver89 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

@AGoodStory

You raise a very good question. I will ensure this is covered in the contract. I will double-check what the policy is before I take the job. I am still waiting to hear back after the interview.

lucia79 · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 156

I think you could do way better in Istanbul or Izmir. Thats my 2 cents.

dhaver89 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

Moonshadow_51 · Joined: 09 Apr 2011 Posts: 143 Location: Turkey

It is beautiful here. Really.

From what everyone posts, you might think that Istanbul is THE place to be, but for me it's Bursa: beautiful rolling hills for hiking and skiing; lots of good restaurants; far less chaotic than is Istanbul; good buses and subways.

The people are less pushy than they are in Istanbul, and it seems that the cost of living is a lot less.

Clean, green, fresh air, night clubs and bars, good food (western types and local flavor), and Istanbul is 2.5 hours from here on a nice ferry and bus ride, combined. If you need the latest bookstore or have a craving for a wild night out, then go early in the morning (buses leave hoursly) and come home late at night.

Really, I'd take Bursa over the push and shove of Istanbul any day.

As far as your job is concerned, your housing will most likely be in a huge flat large enough for a family of 5. I' staying in a place with four bedrooms, three baths, three balconys, and the view is stupendous. Send me a pm and I'll forward you some pictures.

If you also write me of the name of your school, I'll tell you what I know about it. This is a great "little" place of only a few million - it's growing in industry and textiles, has excellent universities, and is quite the secret in Turkey, apparently.

Moonshadow_51 · Joined: 09 Apr 2011 Posts: 143 Location: Turkey

It is beautiful here. Really.

From what everyone posts, you might think that Istanbul is THE place to be, but for me it's Bursa: beautiful rolling hills for hiking and skiing; lots of good restaurants; far less chaotic than is Istanbul; good buses and subways.

The people are less pushy than they are in Istanbul, and it seems that the cost of living is a lot less.

Clean, green, fresh air, night clubs and bars, good food (western types and local flavor), and Istanbul is 2.5 hours from here on a nice ferry and bus ride, combined. If you need the latest bookstore or have a craving for a wild night out, then go early in the morning (buses leave hourly) <typo edited> and come home late at night.

Really, I'd take Bursa over the push and shove of Istanbul any day.

As far as your job is concerned, your housing will most likely be in a huge flat large enough for a family of 5. I' staying in a place with four bedrooms, three baths, three balconies, and the view is tremendous. Send me a pm and I'll forward you some pictures.

If you also write me of the name of your school, I'll tell you what I know about it. This is a great "little" place of only a few million - it's growing in industry and textiles, has excellent universities, and is quite the secret in Turkey, apparently.