Job Discussion Forums

Morse · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 5

I have had an interview for Bilkent and having read some of the comments on here I was wondering if anyone has anything good to say about them?
I`ve been ESL teaching for about four years and have a girlfriend in Turkey and the job itself seems to fit my requirements but I have read a lot of negative comments on here about them, I was wondering if anyone who works/worked for Bilkent posts on these boards and could they tell me about the conditions/work/students etc?

Thank you.

Morse · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 5

Yes, that`s right Ankara or nothing really...

I am interested in the Master`s course, and the opportunities for development that the job offers, but worried by the overt hostility that the place seems to get on this and a few other forums.
I have read a few good reports, and wondered if anyone who works in Bilkent University at the present time has anything to add.

I`m interested in what they offer, I would just like to be a little more sure of what the place actually is all about.

Morse · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 5

Nobody?
Ok can anyone...even people not working at Bilkent, tell me anything about it that is not negative, or that is at least a balanced viewpoint?

Thanks

k2everest · Joined: 29 Dec 2003 Posts: 8

If you haven't already, see the posts on the below URL, where I wrote a comprehensive report. I tried to be fair and informative about all aspects of life at Bilkent:-

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=2720

Morse · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 5

Thank you, I had read that before but was grateful for the reply.....
It appears no one from Bilkent posts here....which is a shame, was hoping for at least one person to recommend it.... Sad

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I have one friend that stayed for three years. The reason he did so was so that they paid for his Dip. He is now in the Gulf though so maybe he is a glutton for punishment Wink

k2everest · Joined: 29 Dec 2003 Posts: 8

Re. doing Diplomas, it's not a case of getting them for free per se, as you are required to stay a further two years upon completion, if you leave earlier you are required to pay/forfeit salary. Its presumably the same for the Masters, if not longer.

k2everest · Joined: 29 Dec 2003 Posts: 8

Morse, given your situation and that it is necessary for you to be in Ankara, Bilkent is probably the best option, but only by default, i.e. the lack of any real alternative.

To be sure, the package is probably much better that you'll get elsewhere in Ankara: the apartments are nice, health benefits are good with on site hospital, and the salary is probably double what you'll get elsewhere, and paid on time! In other words, there are no faults with the place administratively. Plus you have a certain amount of prestige for working for a 'university.'

Its just such a shame that academically that the hazirlik/preparatory programme is such a shambles!

Given the above and your circumstances, I would, very reluctantly, counel you to give it a go, if you don't like it you can always leave, and perhaps by then you may have been able to find a better alternative.

Perhaps if you decide to join Bilkent, you could give us all an update on your experience there.

Good luck, I sincerely wish you all the best and hope that it turns out better for you than the vast majority of ex-Bilkenters.

Morse · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 5

Thanks for the advice k2everest....
.

molly farquharson · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 839 Location: istanbul

Perhaps getting the masters will be the saving grace of being there. The experience of working there will also stand you in good stead. For example, there is a group of ex-Bilkenters at Koc. they are teaching freshman comp, basically, and are not in the hazirlik. More prestige, a little more money. All places have their drawbacks, some more than others.