Job Discussion Forums

[WhiteLilies]

Hi,

I'm planning to start teaching English in the near future. I have TEFL (ITI), two bachelor's degrees (not in teaching or in English language) and I'm planning to do CELTA this summer (also in ITI). My nationality is Finnish.
My question is that is it possible for a non-native to get a work permit? All the info that I've found makes no distinction between the natives and the non-natives but I would appreciate if someone could verify this. Living in Turkey has taught me not to trust my common sense so I want to double check.

I found this discussion from here, I think it was from 2010 (copied it and can't find it anymore):

"The Ministry of Education or MEB issues three levels of work permits to non turkish citizens in the educational sector.

English Teacher---One who is educated four years at University level in English Teaching or Literature. No Tefl is required but favorable. This teacher can issue grades and teach beyond 4th grade

Upper Teacher--One who is educated four years University level in a non related area but has teaching certificates. TEFL is required. It doesnt have to be a CELTA. This teacher can not issue grades to those over the fourth grade but may teach under a departmental English Teacher. Normally these are your preschool teachers or ESL teachers.

Teaching Assistant --One that has no university education but holds a TEFL certificate. These are usually the second native teacher with a qualified turkish teacher...at least for records sake. It may not reflect the actual practice.

No upper education or certification may get you a permit as a bakici / "babysitter" position or a type of "office worker" permit. These work permits are issued only through the SSK. There are many schools here not afflilated with the Ministry of Education and affilated with only the SSK. Be sure to ask."

Thanks in advance for any input :)

[Lev]

From what I know, you're right in your assumption that there's no distinction between NS and other 'NNS' foreign nationals. I know a number working around Istanbul in different schools/ unis and they seem to have gone through the same process as everyone else in obtaining work permits.

Not sure if this counts as 'verification', but at least it lines up with what you've read.

[WhiteLilies]

Thanks Lev!

[baa_baa]

If you things to get don't formally stay away from language schools and small new high schools. They will promise you and not fulfill anything. Specifically all paper work.

Edit: if you want things to get done...