Job Discussion Forums

[van_6000]

Hi all,

I would appreciate any advice on whether I stand a chance of making even a simple and initially spartan living in Istanbul by teaching English.

I am a 47-year-old non-native speaker (Greek passport), with a 30 hour TEFL certificate,10 years of teaching all levels (kindergarten to University) in Taiwan, and a Ph.D. in History (from a British uni).My English is better than my Greek (actually, I consider English to be my native tongue, for many reasons, but the passport is still Greek)

I have applied to some Turkish universities but without success. Having gotten stuck in Greece now for the last two years, I am getting a bit desperate -- I would rather not return to Taiwan, despite my love for that place, because my wife and I have already suffered a lot in our attempt to move to Europe or nearby.

I tried to summarise my question in the title of my thread. Some of you may have seen my question in the Middle East forum as well, so I apologise in advance for the repetition.. For a better chance there, a CELTA is required, but I am unable at the moment to invest in any courses -- Greece is getting from bad to worse, and I must first get out and resume working.

Or, failing Turkey, would there be any place which might be more open to applicants such as myself?

Many thanks in advance.

Van

[Sashadroogie]

Come to Russia! Lots of opportunities for many different teacher profiles. You could even teach Greek. Lots of cultural ties between Russia and Greece (the alphabet being the most obvious) and a fair degree of interest in Greek culture and language amongst some learners. At least, much more so in comparison with Turkey.

Russia is a hard place to get set up though. You won't make much money the first year. So if a Celta is too much to pay for at the moment for you, transporting a family might prove too challenging financially as well.

Best of luck in any case.

[van_6000]

Thanks, Sashadroogie. That sounds like a very good idea. I will certainly look into it. I have lived for about ten years in Ohio, USA (back when I was young), where the cold is unbearable at times. I wonder if Russia would be the same in that regard. How do I go about getting info on Russia (especially about non ESL related gigs)? I realise I should look at the Russia thread but I wonder if there might be some particular posts which I could go to for the pertinent info. Thanks again.

[Sashadroogie]

As I always recommend, check out the McSchools. BKC-IH also teaches Modern Languages. Used to have a Greek course. Probably still does. You could double up as a Greek and English foreign language teacher. Be warned though - the initial salary in Moscow will be pitiful, but it will get you started. Then branch out. As I said previously, I do not know how feasible this would be with a family to consider.

Best of luck

S

[sixthchild]

Hi

Without a celta a uni is not doale in Istanbul, but there are other cities and of course schools, have you considered them?

[van_6000]

Hi Sixthchild,

Definitely! I am willing to get any teaching job in any city, as long as I can at least maintain myself there during the first few months and, eventually, bring my wife over (but she can stay in Greece if necessary -- Greece is fortunately quite near).

I am getting some very helpful info about Izmir by a very kind friend. I would, of course, be grateful for any info on Turkey.. Unfortunately, a 30-hour TEFL course (plus practicum) has thus far been all I could afford here. I was wondering if it might be feasible to get settled somewhere in Turkey, even initially leading a Spartan lifestyle, and pursue a more substantial qualification. Would a 120-hour CELTA course adequate? That's what they tell me about the Middle East (but, for jobs there, I'd be stuck due to my non-native speaker's passport status.

[spiral78]

Not specific to Turkey, but Europe in general:

a CELTA is an entry level qualification. In most job markets, it's not sufficient for university positions (I don't know about Turkey in this respect, but speaking generally).

For the ME, I hear that there are a few jobs going for native speaker + BA + CELTA, but these are mostly very bottom-feeder positions.

In most of continental Europe (I can speak for Western/Central Europe, having been here for more than 15 years), a CELTA will get one an entry-level job in a private language school, but nothing more.

Please don't imagine that a CELTA or equivalent cert will be the golden key that will open lucrative doors on the continent.

[van_6000]

[spiral78]

Hi, van_6000

Unfortunately, teaching in Asia is pretty widely acknowledged to be very different to teaching in Europe in general, and many employers on the continent won't consider it particularly highly. Here's an extensive thread on 'why;' it goes off track in the middle, but comes back with further useful points later on.


http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=95456&start=0


Good news (if you haven't already considered it): a PhD in US History might be relevant for an international school that happens to have a niche (definitely worth checking into this, though as you note they normally require teaching quals and experience). As your PhD is not directly related to teaching the language, unfortunately, so isn't going to impress higher-level language centres at universities.

I think that you are on track with getting qualified to teach language, and also on track with targeting Europe, because non-native speakers are generally valued here along with native speakers.

You've got a good attitude and I do wish you the best of luck with your quest to find something on the continent that will work for you and your wife.

[sixthchild]

hi Van6000

Look, if you want some pratical advice and an address of a school that will give you a start in Izmir this year pm me and you will be on your way.

[van_6000]

Many thanks, Sixthchild. I really appreciate it! I'll pm you right away. Cheers mate!