Job Discussion Forums

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

does anyone have any first hand experience or knowledge about this place?

NMB · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 84 Location: France

I'm also interested...

Why does this board clam up when it comes to Izmir?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

the vast majority of us are in Istanbul. I think Ollie and bigbadsuzie are down there, maybe send them a pm, they might have more info.

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

I've been offline for a while but seem to have come back in the nick of time. I have experience of English Academy.

Any specific questions will be honestly answered and I'd rather do it on an open forum than as a pm. I dislike cloak and dagger stuff.

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

Ok FGT,

Do they honor their contracts?
Are they honest?
How do they treat the teachers?

basically, is it a good place to work or not?

Thanks....

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:36 am Post subject: ızmir language schools

Hi

There are only a limited number of them here and going by third and twenty third hand reports few of them shine,still, the true is the same of most of these places.I think academy is an exception,however ,they do (I'm told) have a minimum standard of teacher in terms of qualifications so maybe you might not get in,Not doubt FGT will clarify .

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

Of the language schools in Izmir, the English Academy is the best.

A lot of teachers who work there choose to stay so this implies a level of enjoyment and trust.

The owner is honest and the contracts are honoured (though perhaps open to misinterpretation - check anything and everything that doesn't seem clear).

There is a small proportion of work outside the school which may be to businesses or in schools. All teachers teach the classes they are assigned to - there is very little room for negotiation after contracts and terms have been agreed.

The pay is OK rather than great. The housing allowance is a large contribution towards rent rather than enough on its own. The school accommodation is adequate though not luxurious.

The school/management expect a professional level of teaching. If this is forthcoming, teachers are treated well. Support from fellow teachers and DOSs is good.

On balance I would say it is a good place to work.

I've tried to respond honestly but obviously I can only offer an opinion.
If there are further queries I'll do my best to answer them.