Job Discussion Forums

[coffeespoonman]

What do you guys think?

I'm in the process of interviewing at several universities right now, and with the strength of my CV, I think there's a pretty good chance that I'll be offered a job at at least one of them.

However, I'm in Ist now, doing the language school bit, which I actually do like, other than the crap hours. Because I'm already in Turkey, this could make the work permit acquisition a bit tricky... Apparently, I've got to do a lot of flying around, knocking on doors, and delivering papers. Not to mention waiting for months in the USA while my visa gets approved (which it won't if the consulate talks to the IRS)...

To be honest, I'm not really willing to go through all of that just to work at a uni prep department. Especially the flying part. Yuck.

On the other hand, I know teachers who have acquired their work visas without leaving Turkey. How they did it, I don't know. But I'd like to.

My questions then are:

1: Is this possible? Have you done it? Do you know someone who has?
2: Do I really have to go all the way back to America, or can I pop over to Greece or Bulgaria? London?
3: Is it worth it? With a part time contract (I've been offered 20 YTL / hr. by a dersane) and a few privates, I can likely make more money, though my hours will be a little less regular.
4: Or, will the universities recognize that the process is sa�ma, and let me work on just a res permit?

Thanks again, O you veritable founts of wisdom of questionable legality.

[dagi]

Doesn't it depend on which nationality you have? I have heard from some people who did not have to leave the country, but they were neither British nor Americans or Canadians.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

[molly farquharson]

I recently got my work permit and did not have to leave the country. I already had my residence permit, and I think that is the key. Also, I hear that universities have special permission for getting the work permit, and so you may not have to leave the country. The process takes a long time, however, so you may be working visa-less for some time to come.

[coffeespoonman]

Visaless doesn't bother me. As you know, Molly, being visaless is the only way I get a holiday at my current establishment.

[thrifty]

No visa, no holiday-I know where you work.

[coffeespoonman]

That doesn't mean I don't love it though. This is the greatest illegal job with no benefits in Istanbul!

[thrifty]

Are you leaving just for the holidays then?

[coffeespoonman]

No, I'm tired of working weekends and every evening. I love the job, but I can't take the hours... I'm thinking about going part-time, however...