Job Discussion Forums

[Linochka]

Hi all, I had a look through the threads for info on TTT but didn't come across anything. I've been offered a position with them, not based in Istanbul or Ankara, but in my pick of the smaller cities (Kayseri, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Samsun, Amasya, Corum, Mardin.) Apparently there's a lot of positions going.

The position includes provided accommodation (unstated whether shared or single), Monday-Friday workdays (is this realistic in a private school?), potentially teaching all age groups, and a monthly salary of $1100. Flight costs aren't remunerated.

My question is, quite simply: Is this a good deal financially for Turkey, or should I hold out for something else? I know there's little chance of saving anyway in most first-timer Turkey jobs, but I'm not sure how this compares to other offers elsewhere.

I don't have any fancy qualifications, for what it's worth, just a bachelors and fresh from my CELTA. Please feel free to let me know what you think about the school/the package/the cities and their level of beauty, amenities and expat population (especially since I know little about Turkey besides Istanbul.) I'm not a big nightlife person, more of a nature lover and cafes, but I'd hope for a reasonable number of native English-speakers.

Apparently, when I have my phone interview in a couple of days, the boss is very keen to recruit quickly. I don't want to feel pressured into a decision until I feel more confident about what's 'normal'.

Thanks for your help!

[_smaug]

$1,100 USD with accommodation? That�s a good offer.

[Linochka]

Thanks for letting me know it's a good offer, I wasn't certain before. I'm slightly put off by how the jobs are only in the smaller cities and towns (I'd like to speak to other expats besides the four English-speaking members of staff at the school!), but I'll definitely consider it.

[_smaug]

There�s really not much of an expat community. Not even in Istanbul. At least not like other cities where there are certain areas (Ho Chi Minh City, Backpacker District) or bars (Prague, District 1) where expats hang out.

There are plenty expats here, but most of them are fairly self-contained within their circle of friends and colleagues. So, if it�s an expat community you�re looking for, you�ll do no worse in a small town than you would in Istanbul.

[sedaa91]

$1,100 with accommodations is great especially in the smaller cities. I would though stay away from Diyarbakir since there is a lot going on over in Eastern Turkey. Mardin is a beautiful city from what I know but it is also in the Eastern side so that would be your call. Kayseri is a fast growing city small city in Turkey and probably the best out of the choices given to you. I have also heard that Amasya is absolutely gorgeous.