Job Discussion Forums

[hplaser]

I got an offer at Izmit, but I do not know anything there. Could anyone give me some information there?
What is the normal living expense there? (rent of a 1-bedroom apartment, food price, etc.)
How is the environment there? How about the pollution there (compared to Shanghai, China)?
I heard there are some terrorists there. Is is ture? Is that safe living there?
If I can only speak English and Chinese, is it possible that I can live there comfortably?
Thank you for your information!!!

[istankya]

Izmit is located 1.5 hrs away from Istanbul. Its a small charming city. Sorry I dont have exact numbers but living expenses is probably half of Istanbul. The weather is four seasons and yes it will snow. Pollution is definitely much lower than Shanghai. No terrorists whatsover!! You just have to watch out for earthquake...The place is nice and charming and it is safe as long as you take care yourself. Yes...many speak english but make an effort with turkish.

[Urban_Kitten]

It's very difficult to get a 1-bedroom apartment in Izmit if you are a single man - easier if you are a woman. Also, 1-bedroom apartments are as rare as hens' teeth here so you'll probably end up having to rent something larger. 2-3 bedroom apartments in the downtown core start at around 650 try (unfurnished), 900 try (furnished). Outside, the prices obviously drop.

The air is clean.

Fresh food is fairly cheap - cheaper than European prices. Packaged goods are on par.

Izmit is nice but conservative and apart from the few bars in town, it's safe to say that there's nothing to do here. The bus to Istanbul takes about 1 1/2 hours. Depending on which school you teach for, you probably won't get a lot of free time to travel about the country until the end of your contract.

Terrorists are generally associated with Eastern Turkey.

Hope this helps.