Job Discussion Forums

[vicinage_of_roland]

Hello all,

I am at current considering the possibility of teaching in Turkey. Specifically Eskishir (sp?) I am looking for a position in the fall, and most likely ending in the spring. I will have appx. 1 yr of experience by this fall as well as a BA in Speech Comm/Mass Comm. and a TEFL certificate. Do you think such qualifications will get me anywhere? What about legalities? Essentially I'm looking for insight as to what I should expect if I do this. Any and all insight would assuredly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jeff

[dmb]

Yip you have the qualifications to be legal. send a pm to howmucharefags. I believe he is in Eski. and could give the low down

[31]

You will get a job easily because you are a native speaker. Qualifications-an optional extra.

[vicinage_of_roland]

Come on, I've read the posts and know that everyone loves to contribute their two cents, and it's usually helpful. I really could go for some more detailed information. Salary, conditions, specific schools, accomodations, etc etc. I appreciate the few posts thusfar and would really appreciate further and helpful ones. Thanks.

[dmb]

You have asked for more detailed information, but you have not given us any detailed info. Are you looking at primary, secondary, language schools, university? Cotracts and conditions here vary alot.

[vicinage_of_roland]

As I've not the educational certifications to teach in public schools (at least I don't think I do) I've only a BA in PR/Speech Comm. & Mass Comm, I don't think they are an option. So, primarily I'm search for work in private schools where a BA and TEFL can land you a job. If I go, my intent will be to only stay through the spring semester. I'm primarily interested in Eskishir or areas nearby. I travel lightly so a place that offers accomodation would be ideal. I haven't any outstanding debts (at the moment) so, I could settle for "not the best" pay as long as it'll allow me to live half decently. is that any better? Thanks.

[dmb]

You should be able to get a job at language schools with your qualifications. Sorry I dont know Eskisehir schools so I don't know about contracts. I have seen a couple of schools on tefl.com advertise so keep an eye on there. Good luck

[whynotme]

a friend of mine owns a language school in Kayseri...if you like pm me and i will give you his number and e-mail adress.

[howmucharefags]

Kayseri is too conservative.

[crumpy]

So, you're interested in working in "Eskisehir or areas nearby". Well ... Bandirma is not that close to Eskisehir ... but it's of a similar size to Eskisehir ... and unlike Kayseri, it's not conservative. (To find Bandirma on the map, then look to the south-west of Istanbul on the southern shore of the Marmara Sea.)

There's a private k12 school there, looking for native-speakers. With your qualifications, they couldn't employ you legally, but I'm certain they could bend the rules just a little, if they wanted you enough.

The salary would not be as good as what the Istanbul schools are paying, but seeing as the cost of living down there is so much cheaper, you could probably save nearly as much.

Bandirma has plenty of cinemas and bars, though not the plethora to be found in Istanbul. However, if you wanted the occasional night out in Istanbul you could always take the sea bus (fast hydrofoil) to Yeni Kapi ... a journey of just over two hours.

If you're someone who needs the support of a big expat community, then Bandirma's not for you. However, if you feel you want to mix predominantly with the locals, learn their language and generally immerse yourself in their culture, then maybe Bandirma could be your sort of town.

Please pm me if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with my friend at the school.

[yaramaz]

I liked Kayseri. It was so close to Cappadocia and other lovely places so I was able to travel a lot very cheaply. Also, it isn't as conservative as everyone says-- or perhaps it is just opening up a bit these days. I survived 2 years and have no regrets and I am about as far from conservative/religious as you can get. Also, it's really cheap to live there.

[whynotme]

i am from Bandırma .... i mean i was born here in Istanbul but my mother is from Bandırma....i try to go there every summer it is a beautiful city but people do not care about education alot ...can you believe that there is only one kolej there and Bandırma is one of the least successful city in exams in Turkey ....but lovely place maybe the last stop for me(5 years later if you see a language school called WHYNOTME Language Cente do not panic).... by the way one hour later i am going to Bandırma , i have to hurry up not to miss the ferry ...

[crumpy]

Yep ... there is only one kolej in Bandirma ... and, as you probably know WhyNotMe, it's "KEV".

[whynotme]

back home (Istanbul)...it was really great in Bandırma...i ll be in Bandırma all summer looking after roses and having barbecue ,

i know KEV my cousin has 2 children and they are students at KEV ....the one who is in grade 4 says the English teacher is giving too much homework and i told him not to complain about teachers ( i hope you are not the teacher) and they hate the principal and ( he wants me to be the principal of the school)
crumpy i saw a huge language school but forgot the name .... a green building ( siding all around an a cafe first floor) ver close to the centre (odoman hotel) .....before opening WHYNOTME Language Schools , i have to search very well...

[crumpy]

Hi again WhyNotMe ... I don't actually work in Bandırma ... I teach maths at an international school in Istanbul ... my friend works at KEV. I've only ever spent a few nights in Bandırma ... so, I don't know about the language school you mentioned.

If you're serious about opening your own school down there, then I wish you the best of luck. In fact I hope everything's going to come roses ... especially in your garden :-))