Job Discussion Forums

[Fipster]

I'm curious if anyone here might like to comment on conditions, experiences or problems with univerisities in Istanbul...

Cheers!

The Fipster

[sperling]

There is some info on this in the Turkey section of my Job Information Journal at:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/europe/sefer.cgi?Turkey

All the best,

Dave Sperling
Founder
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dave's ESL Cafe
http://www.eslcafe.com

[J.B. Clamence]

I don't have any personal experience, but have heard lots of stories from people who do. It's a decent job, and many would say much better than the run-of-the-mill private language schools. Those that give housing tend to give private housing, private universities pay pretty well, and you get the summer off -- paid. At a normal language school, you usually can't expect more than a couple of weeks off, and it's not always paid.

On the other hand, I've met a few teachers here and there who have left universities to teach at private language schools. Some language schools pay better than some public universities. Another complaint that many of them had was that the students were pretty spoiled, especially at the private universities, and expected to be pampered. Also, universities generally require a lot more paperwork than private language schools. Some universities even expect you to submit a detailed cirriculum plan for the entire semester before the semester starts.

In short, university jobs are decent jobs, but each one is different. If you're interested, apply to as may as possible, ask a lot of questions, try to talk to people who work there, and decide if it sounds like something you'd be happy with. Good luck!

[richard ame]

Hi All

Just wanted to add my bit to this subject ,I don't have any experience of the Unis in Istanbul only Izmir,I will say that on a general note they are considered the better work options available in the country . However,on the down side (yes there's always one) the State run establishments are pretty low payers usually 700-850 a month without any living accomodation thrown in,the kids are usually from normal down to eart backgrounds are are quite well motivated to turn up for classes and basically act the part ,although I know some people will say different .At the Cesme tourist facility the teachers don't bother to go to the class until at least 25 minutes after the start but I think that is the exception rather than the rule . Now the private ones are a different matter the kids are spoilt brats sometimes and yes they do expect everything to be given to them on a plate cos that's how it was in their high school,I know because I spent 8 years at the largest private high school in Western Turkey,one year they had 6,000 students there . The education system is shall I say not perfect and unless you are used to dealing with the product of a privliged upbringing stay away from private institutions ,they will drive you crazy . But İf you think about the money and the flat and free meals and the flight ticket home every year than it ain't so bad . It's all about what turns you on . Take care out there Richard ame

[martha oral]

Sorry but I have to jump in here and disagree... I am currentlyworking at a private uni in Ankara and previously worked in a public uni here. My students do not expect everything handed to them on a plate....because the university does not hand it to them. Students - especially turkish students- will come up to what is expected of them.
About the paper work..... Yes I do write a syllabus, and my own course, and my own course book. But hey! It is a lot better than teaching Interchange or something stupid like that. My programme is a content based academic writing program and I love the freedom to do what I want with in the frame work of the goals of the programme!
Personally - I would NEVER work for a private language school. The university where I work adjusts the salaries to USD every 3 months, offers free housing (you pay utilities) on campus, free bus service on and off campus, free internet connection at home and office, air fares, book allowance, great health care (very unusual here) and a dr. is on duty 24-7 at school. The list goes on. And they do all the paper work for the workpermits and visas.
Why work for a language school which gives you nothing???
I hear very good things about Sabanci and Koc in Istanbul. Both are out of the city but to me that is a good thing. The housing is fab at Koc - town houses which are nicely furnished I hear. Uni jobs are the way to go as far as I am concerned and I have been living and working in Turkey for 10 years!
Martha

[NMB]

Martha,

I am curious to know the requisite qualifications for teaching in Turkish universities, public and private.

Thanks!

[martha oral]

That is an easy questions to answer.
1) For primary/high schools you need to have graduated from university in ENGLISH and be qualified to teach in your home country.
2) For universities it depends on the programme. My uni takes newly qualified teachers in thier prep programme, but wants a masters degree for the academic English programme.

Now before someone jumps down my throat and says that I am wrong, the above (especailly for the primary and high schools) this is the LEGAL way. I know there are plenty of schools who hire people who are not qualified on paper but seem to be good in fact. Teachers with out the required qualifications can always find jobs at the many language schools and dershanes. Because of the hours and the pay there are always jobs going begging there.

Good luck
Martha

[richard ame]

Hello Martha
Nice post ,I agree with a lot of what you say,I was generalising and going by my limited experience of working in private high schools and then just recently a new private uni . I think because Izmir is very much a large village and after a while you get to know most people here on the teaching circuit you end up developing a cyncial viewpoint ,however your situation sounds totally different and a decent package to boot ,tell me more .
Regards
Richard Ame

[lovelace]

I know this post is about universities, but I was a little irritated by one of the previous posters' attitude towards private language schools. They are suitable for some people without MAs who want to try out teaching in a foreign country. Yes, they can be badly managed and poorly run but there are some better ones out there, you just have to ask questions and use your instincts. If you have your sights set on teaching in an academic setting and you have the qualifications, then of course a university is the way to go. But for those who don't, there are pleasures in teaching general English to a wider range of people.

[yaramaz]

I've taught in a kolej and in a university and now I am voluntarily back in a dershane because I prefer it. The students are so much nicer, the work environment is less catty, the paperwork is manageable. The teaching itself is what you make of it- I used Headway at the university and I use Cutting Edge now (both massively supplemented) so my prep time is still the same and the amount of effort and creativity I put into my lessons is the same. I actually find I can develop more as a teacher when I don't have to spend half my time on crowd control.

[thrifty]

Just because you work in a university it doesn't mean you are in an academic environment.

Could Lovelace tell the forum the names of a few of the better language schools out there?

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

You'll be telling us next that wearing a mortar board to class doesn't make one an academic ...