Job Discussion Forums

andre818 · Joined: 31 Jan 2011 Posts: 28

I will be in Turkey at the end of November. I have decided to go for sure. But I don't know what area to go to. I am currently in Russia and I am a certified teacher. Maybe this questions have been discussed before, so I apologize in advance.

A. Do you guys think I'm better off searching for a job when I'm there or should I begin sending out resumes to different schools all around Turkey? I am mainly interested in Antalya, but will consider Istanbul, Bursa, and other western parts of Turkey.
B. Is end of November and beginning of December a good time for job hunting?
C. What is the pay like over there?
D. I am a U.S. citizen and I will be going with a tourist visa. Will this be a problem for me, in getting a residential permit and workers permit?
E. I have only saved up around $2000. Do you think it's enough for me until I land a job?

Please help me. Thank you.

_smaug · Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Posts: 92

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

andre818 · Joined: 31 Jan 2011 Posts: 28

thank you very much for your answer. But I still need answer to my questions A - D. Thank you in advance.

lucia79 · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 156

_smaug · Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Posts: 92

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

I really wouldn't recommend Antalya, Andre, especially if you are new to Turkey. Too many language schools down here have reputations for unsuitable practices. The kolej and private lise (private schools for kids aged 5-1 Cool

are better employers as far as regular payment is concerned, if you have the qualifications and the will to work in a place like that. But it would be better to learn the ropes in istanbul, ankara or izmir before venturing out into the sticks. Good luck.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:48 am Post subject:

Hi, I would go along with a lot of what Billy said. Antalya is not the easiest place to start with unless you have contacts and a base to crash in til you get started.
Izmir on the other hand has a bit of a shortage of teachers and one of the private unis is in desperate need of trained or experienced staff. Starting pay will be in the region of about 1,500- 1,700 US, plus private medical insurance and a midday meal. If you start in November you should get your first pay check or part thereof before xmas at the latest.

keitepai · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 143 Location: Istanbul

In answer to your questions;

A. You are better off sending out your resume before you leave, that way if you happen to land a job at an international school you will be paid as an overseas hire not a local hire. Big difference in pay and contract.

B. Not such a good time, barely through the first term.

C. Pay some people have answered for language schools, international schools pay between 2500 - 3500 USD month depending on your qualifications and experience.

D. I think it is fine to go in on a tourist visa but watch your dates and do not go over or you are fined.

E. 2000 USD is possible especially because the exchange rate is good right now. You will still have to be careful and budget.

Hope this helps!

CallieWho · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 25

Andre818,

You're too late to get into a good K-12 koleji, possibly a position teaching prep at a Uni...
Billy is right about Antalya.
For housing, check Craigslist Turkey. You can get into a share house for a lot cheaper than a hotel/hostel.
Do send out your resume now so you have interviews lined up when you hit the ground.
And do email people on Craigslist for house shares. Start about 5-7 days before arrival. Don't worry nobody cares if you don't have a job, or lie and say you do.
$2000 is doable as long as you move fast, and ignore your jet lag. Also last time I checked the exchange rate was pretty sweet.

Qaaolchoura · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:35 am Post subject:

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

I think I was being a little hard on Antalya in my last post. There are people working happily here, and some have been for some time. There are certainly steady jobs in private kolej (kids' schools). In the future there may be private universities. The language school sector is not easy to find reliable work in. Experience and good advice helps identify who is more likely to keep their promises.

curious&wiser · Joined: 07 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

I started off in Antalya and it was ok but the language schools there do have a bad reputation about paying late etc. (first hand experience there) and that's something that won't help if it means you eat or don't eat!

Smaller towns can be worse... so be careful.

Send your cv electronically to everyone you're interested in some school (if they are still looking) may even pay your plane ticket here. You can interview via SKYPE

Good luck