Job Discussion Forums

[Blueali13]

I'm travelling from the UK to Ankara in one week to visit my new school and to meet the staff and the children (Primary school teacher not ESLer). I'll be starting my job proper in September. My question is, what should i expect as i step off the plane? Never having been to Turkey before i have absolutely no idea what the country is like. I don't want/expect it to be like the UK (that's why I'm moving abroad, for the new experiences) but i would like to have some kind if idea of what the country is like. I've read the books but i would appreciate the views of people who are there at the mo or who have been there recently.

The headteacher from the school and one of the govenors will be meeting me at the airport so i don't have to worry about getting to my accommodation. I already have my work visa/permit and i've been told by the Turkish Consulate in London that this will get me into the country so i don't need to worry about a tourist visa (hopefully!).

All views will be gratefully received. Ta muchly!

[Otterman Ollie]

Hi Blueali

First thing you will notice as you step off the plane is the HEAT. You don't get much of that in the UK so dress in light summer clothes even Ankara is hot . The city itself is very much the same as a modern European city just the language is different and the people are to me at least friendly . A few words of Turkish will open a door or two for you and don't be taken aback if people who are relative strangers to you invade your personal space ,its just their way of making you welcome .
The food is very good over here and beware of the raki ,it deserves respect ,better for you than beer which just blows you up . Most of your work collegues will want to take you out for a meal at some time accept and drink in the culture . You will see things that may not sit well with you especially in the way animals are treated and even in some cases females ,though in fairness this is becoming rare .
Ankara is the more controlled of the big cities as it is the capital and thats where the politicans hang out and the more wealthy members of Turkish society . You will see a lot of big cars and you might ask yourself if the stories about Turkey being a third world country are a bit off the mark .
I don't know that place very well,only visited it 3 or 4 times not that impressed really . No doubt those who live and work there will give you a more detailed insight ,mine are just general remarks . Welcome to Turkey .

[vre]

It really isn't that hot at the moment and it gets rather cold at night. The summer hasn't kicked in yet in Ankara so beware.

It is true that this city isn't as much fun as other cities in Turkey. Concrete and some trees. Organised chaos on the roads and be warned that the people arent as open minded as you would expect in a capital!!!

Its essential that you make many contacts as soon as you can. (I can help you). Maybe let us know your school? Otherwise there are schools, universities, embassies etc full of foreigners who will help you, invite you to different things and go away for the weekend with. That is where you will get a lot of happy times.

You will enjoy it. Just let it ride. Welcome!

Oh, I'm leaving Ankara for a job in Istanbul. YESSSSSSSSSSS! Can I get any contacts from anyone?

[Blueali13]

Thanks for the welcome and the feedback so far. I'm going to be teaching at the British Embassy study group so i'll have other brits nearby but i don't want to spend my whole time there surrounded by brits. I want to meet 'real' people!

I have one week in which to find out about Ankara and a little about the Turkish way of life. What do you reccommend i see or do with my time? Any hidden gems i should know about that tourists miss?

So what is the weather doing at the moment? And what is it supposed to do next week? Hard to call, i know but at least give a gal some idea of what to pack in her suitcase!

Thanks again for your help guys!

[ghost]

Ankara climate in summer can be hot in the day, but the nights are quite cool thanks to the altitude (Ankara is at close to 800m above sea level).

In Ankara, most tourists and students hang out in the `Kizilay`district, which has hundreds of stores, restaurants, pubs, night clubs etc...there are also many street vendors and some of the streets are for pedestrians only, which is nice.

If you like eating - you are in luck....Kizilay has some of the best `deals` for lunch and supper in Turkey, thanks to the huge population of office workers and University students who use a multitude of restaurants. Follow the workers to the restaurants which have `uc cesit` or ` dort cesit` meals. This means you will have a three or four course meal for a set price. In 2003 the price for a four course in some of the places was around 1.800 to 2 million lira....(about $1.5 U.S.). Look around and follow the Turks....do not go to the mainstream tourist restaurants....because you will not get value for money, or service.

Make a visit to the `Tomer University of Ankara` language centre...in Kizilay. This is probably the mecca for learning Turkish....and all the sponsored students and diplomats from throughout the world use Tomer. They run 1-12 month courses (4 hours a day) intensive courses...and if you have the endurance...you will learn this interesting language within a few weeks...with enough know how to be able to communicate at a decent level...and more importantly, understand the underlying grammar principles and rules.

If you like sports, the `Ulus` district is just 1.5 - 2.0 kilometres from Kizilay. That area is a much more working class district. There are cheap hotels and restaurants there, and also the huge sports stadium area. The `19 Mayis` (ondokuz mayis) sports area, has soccer pitches, swimming pool, tennis club (the posh Ankara tennis club), running track (400m tartan track). You are welcome to use the running track for free....good to practice Turkish with the athletes, and network.

Ulus also has a decent park, with a large boating lake, and fun fair. Good place to practice Turkish with turkish people or vendors. There are many `cay`places in the park, where you can relax. Some of the places have professional singers and musicians.

There are also several museums in Ankara, and your guide book will tell you about those.

[Blueali13]

Ghost, many thanks for the insider knowledge. I'll file it away and put it to good use when i'm there.

[vre]

Today is cold and rainy. Very strange weather. Hasn't been this bad before. Maybe next week we will have a heat wave. Allah knows.

Getting around Ankara. It is really easy to walk from one district to another, even for lazy people like me. Best to have a good map with you to direct you though, not that it is difficult to find your way around.

The castle and that area is my favourite area. Not open on Sundays.

Of course, get to meet locals, but for really good advice, have some nice foreign friends who will help you. Get away to cappadocia and safran bolu at the weekend, even Istanbul is possible.

If you try to blend in as a permanent feature, no one will trouble you. As a girlie, it is always better to wear something conservative, just to avoid pestering males. And it is more comfortable when roaming. My tip: dont use too much eye contact with men, it always encourages unfortunately, especially in the Ulus and castle area!!!!!!!!

You can email me if you wanna know anything else currently going on here. If you have any particular favourites re cosmetics, personal hygeine, etc, I recommend you bring a good supply over when you come permanently.

P.s. Prices have significantly risen since 2003, but it is still ok.

[FGT]

"castle area.....closed on Sunday" ?????

[vre]

I know! Stupid but true. You can actually go and walk round the ruins but the antique shops and kilim, carpet shops all close on a sunday. it's dead around there.