Job Discussion Forums

englishgraduate2012 · Joined: 20 Jun 2013 Posts: 1

Hi everyone,

I have a 2.1 in English Language and Linguistics (BA) and plan to take a CELTA course early next year. Unfortunately due to currently being unemployed, the beginning of next year is the earliest I can take it as I need to save up. I'd like to get a rough idea of whether my plan is a realistic one.

I have spent the past few days reading back through all the pages on the Turkey forum. One thing that concerns me the most is whether I'll be able to afford to move to Turkey. I think I would like to live in Istanbul, but I would be quite happy in any big city really.

I would like to rent a studio flat, I spent enough time at University sharing with people and I really don't like sharing with people who weren't bothered about keeping clean and I really want/need to live alone.

Is it realistic to plan to teach in Turkey, with probably little experience?

There is a summer school programme in the city I live in, which hopefully I would work on next summer, after doing the CELTA, but other than that, I can't imagine getting much experience before the academic year, which is when I would hope to get a job in Turkey.

It would be hard for me to be able to go to Turkey and apply for jobs, because I guess that may be quite expensive. Is it much harder to apply for jobs and receive job offer/s from England, without being in Turkey?

Would living alone be doable on an average English teacher's salary?

On an average salary would it be possible to live alone and also have quite a 'nice' lifestyle? Being able to eat out (not at expensive places), travel around the country occasionally, buy food/clothes and maybe fly back to the UK once or twice a year? From some of the threads I read I get the impression that unless I share a flat with someone, it might be quite difficult to do these things

Would it be possible to save maybe £100 a month, I feel like this might be pushing it a bit but would be great if I could save a bit

Would appreciate any advice

Many thanks

sixthchild · Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Posts: 298 Location: East of Eden

As you have a degree already all you really need to get started is tefl cert, after you have some experience under your belt then do the CELTA. You can apply for jobs online through daves or try tefl.com or a host of other sites. Waiting til next year really is unnecessary as there are plenty of schools in turkey that are crying out for native speakers. Avoid Istanbul, its a tough gig and not for the inexperienced, try the other smaller cities, like Izmir, plenty of new schools opened there recently short of teaching staff, sounds like you want to jump in but don't want to get your feet wet.

wander&teach · Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Posts: 126

If you like bigger cities Ankara is a good choice as well. Jobs are plentiful and you can land a gig almost immediately in primary. Cost of living is reasonable depending on the area but it can easily be done with a bit of research and discipline. I was informed that there are 35 new schools opening in Ankara this year alone. Most of them primary and all require English by Turkish law.

Eijse74 · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Oh, man...

PC Parrot · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 3:42 am Post subject:

If the OP wants to live in a reasonable flat on his own, save money and do the other things on his list, I would say an MA or QTS is imperative as it gives you access to jobs that pay $2,000 to $3,000 plus housing.

Having said that, the OP hasn't set foot in a classroom yet ...

Instead of TEFL, have you thought about doing a PGCE and working in international schools? Much better pay than TEFL in the more desirable destinations.

With only an MA in TESOL, you are forced to work in the Gulf if, like me, you want to save some serious money and reduce the chances of spending your twilight years cursing the person you used to be for driving you into personal bankcruptcy and squalor.

With QTS, you could achieve the same or similar savings while living a more fulfilling life elsewhere.

With QTS and an MA, you can pick and choose.

massiveg · Joined: 14 Mar 2013 Posts: 36

save a hundred pounds a month? WOW the ambition

JohnRambo · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 183

I am thinking of trying to get a job in Istanbul next year, but I have no idea where to start. I have an MA in TESOL. I will have 3 had 3 years of experience in Korea. I also was a TA, and I am a polyglot. I would appreciate any advice regarding jobs, salaries, university contacts etc....Thank you.