Job Discussion Forums

casab22 · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 11

Hi all,

This is my first post on the board and I'm looking for some advice. I hope to move to Turkey this fall because my girlfriend will be studying on a Fulbright there.

I would like to find something constructive to do with my time, and teaching English seems the most logical choice. I have a undergraduate degree in economics from a reputable university in the US, but I doubt this qualifies me for many jobs in Turkey, especially considering I do not speak Turkish.

My questions are these.

1. Will I be able to find a job teaching if I arrive in Turkey in November or January?

2. Is it essential to have teaching qualifications? If so, do you recommend CELTA in Istanbul or TESOL in Boston where I live (I know this has been posted on before, but I would appreciate any feedback)

3. Does anyone know if I will encounter difficulties because my last name is Armenian? Will employers discriminate against those with an Armenian last name?

Thank you all for your input.

Ed

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

1. it is possible to find work all year round.

2. I would always recommend you get a teaching cert. You wont be able to teach legally without one, however many teach illegally. arriving in November you will have missed the ITI start date for the CELTA, I'll check into early next year for you. So maybe better to get it before you come.

3. I wouldn't worry about your name.

casab22 · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 11

DMB,

Thanks for the input. When is the ITI start date? Would I benefit from being certified in Turkey in terms of finding a job?

I would arrive in November assuming I was certified in the US. I have seen a British council CELTA that starts the 3rd of October. Any info on this?

Thanks again.

Ed

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

The TEFL industry here won`t care about your name, but you can always change it to Smith if you like. You can get a language school job anytime between September and say April. May and June are a bit too late.

DMB is right about doing the CELTA if you are going to do TEFL for a while but if it is only for a year is it worth it? You can easily get a job without it.

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

I'm not sure which course you are referring to in Boston, but I know there is one there that has given us pretty good teachers. Do get the TEFL cert, though, or you won't get a job. I agree that your last name is not likely to be a problem. And, you don't need to speak Turkish to teach English.

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

You can easily get a job without a TEFL certificate. Same goes for the degree.

ET employs degreeless teachers and certless teachers. So does Interlang.

casab22 · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 11

Molly, the bit about not speaking Turkish was in regards to finding a job outside of teaching English. I was wondering if there are any other opportunities for English speakers in Turkey. I know there are some multinationals there.

Thanks for the input just the same. If I'm not going to get a CELTA do you recommend an online TEFL?

How much can I expect to make for wages as an entry level teacher?

Thanks everyone, I'm very happy I found this website.

Ed

31 · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 1797

Online courses are a waste of money.

Jobs outside TEFL for newbies are not an option. Even the TEFLers can`t get them and they have often been here years and are supposed to have contacts. Why do you think they stay in TEFL?

Staring pay would be 10-11 dollars per teaching hour. Average over the year would be about 1000 a month if you work like a Turk and take every hour going.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I have often seen the Turkish Daily News advertising for proof readers, no idea of the pay though.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Good point.
Has anyone actually ever done proof reading? Years ago I attempted it. It was an international political magazine reporting on the comings and goings of the Turkish Parliament. I used to send things back saying
"I have no idea what you are talking about" Needless to say this was a very short lived career as a proof reader

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

If you have a degree in economics and some background in Bond or T-markets, then you can pick up some work. It's limited and you have to work real long hours. A 15-16 hour day is normal for alot of dark suits in the city.

When you come here you should try and pick up work teaching economics.
( whats your main area - marketing, international trade- cross taxation and WTO - EU regulations for ISO 9001+9002 are really hot now)

You can get alot more than $10-15 an hour. It's hard to find the right work and you need a good net work. If you do than then you can make a good living.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

kamus · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 7

Hey Casab,

I'm also in Boston, currently taking a TEFL certificate class, and moving to Istanbul in a month. If you want to PM me I can give you some info about the class I am taking, and also why I chose this particular school versus some of the other full-time TEFL certification courses available in Boston. I also thought about getting CELTA but that would have involved a one-month move to NY that is just too hard for me to swing this summer. Just a thought. In any case, good luck to you.