Job Discussion Forums

Kaliax · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 5:57 pm Post subject: Work permits?

I will be getting my TEFL certification in either Germany or in Istanbul. Either way, I plan to go teach in Turkey afterwards. But since I'll be getting my certification overseas either way (I'm American), getting a job will probably have to wait until then too, won't it? And if THAT is the case, then I definitely cannot get a work permit while I'm inside my country.

Is my only option here to work illegally on a tourist visa and take lots of trips out of the country? I mean, I'd love to find a way to get a work permit and work legally... but I'm not paying the $800+ dollars to fly back to DC just to visit the embassy.

I hate Dulles anyway.

Blair

Bogazicibaby · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 68 Location: Istanbul

It doesn't have to be DC. It can be any US city with a Turkish Embassy. There is one in New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.

ash · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 125 Location: Oz

Where do you go to get a TEFL cert in Turkey? Any links?

Kaliax · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 5:05 pm Post subject:

Ash - as I said in my PM, try Via Lingua (www.vialingua.org). They offer a number of TEFL courses in a couple of cities, and I haven't heard any poor reports about 'em.

As for flying all the way back across the pond just for my work permit... well, that sucks. Maybe working illegally wouldn't be so bad, after all.

Blair

ash · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 125 Location: Oz

Yes, an airfare from Turkey to anywhere in America will cost money. It sounds like working 'illegally' isn't too much of a big deal in Turkey, from what I can gather anyway. May as well enjoy the freedom while you can.

Theresa · Joined: 05 Jun 2003 Posts: 75

Be careful about working illegally unless you dont actually need the money and are just doing it to extend your stay.
When i got here İ took a job at a dershane and while there were lots of students it went ok finacially but as soon as they dried up İ found myself unable to pay the rent and panicking a lot about what to do as İ had no contract etc.
İ know that going back is very expensive but make sure that you have enough money for big emergencies. Sorry to put a dampner on your enthusiasm but frankly if my boyfriend hadnt supported me for a while İ dont know what İ wouldve done.
Oh and if you are caught there is a fine. İ havent heard of anyone being caught but its there all the same