Job Discussion Forums

[eihpos]

I would like to get in touch with anyone heading to Istanbul around August/ September. I'm heading there at the end of August and will be trying to get settled before I start my job. Just wondering if anyone is in a similar boat. If so, it would be nice to hear from you as I find the initial few days in a new place quite lonely!

[katz1109]

hi there-

I will be interviewing tomorrow, Sept 6th via Skype with a school in Eruzum.
Perhaps we can exchange information regarding contracts, school conditions, etc.. I don't know much yet, but after the interview hope to be armed with more info. feel free to PM me.

Good Luck in getting settling in!

[Dedicated]

Just be aware that Erzurum is over 1,000 kilometres east of Istanbul and extremely conservative.

[katz1109]

dedicated -

Thanks for your response. I'm aware of the conservatism in that area. However, have you by any chance worked for a school or institute in this region? seeking answers.....

[cloud_pleaser]

I've been to Erzerum while I was travelling through Turkey. The mountain backdrop was quite amazing, and the old city was nice too. Living there is another story however.
I'm sure the winters are bitterly cold

[Dedicated]

katz1109,

I worked for one academic year at Ataturk University in Erzurum a number of years ago. Whilst I enjoyed the teaching as the students were mostly very motivated, the classes were very large (40+) and the facilities and materials were pretty poor. The university itself is the largest in the east of Turkey with about 40,000 students.

The winters are bitter and the temperature often fell below -30C. However, if you like skiing, Palandoken is really good with cheap access to slopes. In summer, it is lovely walking in the mountains over 6,000 feet above sea level.

When I said "conservative", I actually had stones thrown at me as a foreigner in the street during Ramadan.