Job Discussion Forums

[Martinaj]

So I just finished a long stint of teaching in China (3.5 years), mostly EAP, but a little bit of EFL at a local high school. I also did a lot with AP English, if that would be relevant. I have my BA in English, and I can produce a glowing letter of recommendation from my former employers. I am currently earning my IDELT online, and will have earned it by November, with additional training in grammar and designing custom courses.

I have been interested in Turkey for some time, and I think its position as a crossroads between Europe and Asia make it a fascinating place, so my first question is: with my experience, and these qualifications, what are my chances going to be of finding a job in Turkey, and exactly what sort of jobs can I expect?

And secondly, I have, over the last year, heard murmurs that Turkey is not the safest (though perhaps not the most dangerous either) country for some westerners, particularly Americans. Is this a significant issue there?

[Wasatchteacher]

I am American. I live in Southeastern Turkey. I feel pretty safe. PM if you want more info

[CVN-76]

Turkey is a cool place to visit, but I wouldn't take a job there if I were you. The salary is too low, and Turkey, at least according to the education ministry (the infamous YOK), is an "everyone passes, no matter his/her ability" country. Fail people, especially the wrong people, and you're out. Besides, the salary is too low, as I said, to justify enduring this insecurity. Fail the wrong student and I'm out? No thanks. There are places that pay way more for those same conditions. If I'm going to endure them, I'm gonna get compensated for the risk.

PS--I've gotten tons of job alerts and offers from Turkey in the past year. I've rejected just about all of them. There is nothing more demoralizing in this business than replacing a quitter or a runner.

Good Luck.