Job Discussion Forums

[rs27]

I've read up on some posts about working in Turkey but there are still some things that I was unclear about.

By the time we're ready to head out there my boyfriend and I will have one and a half years experience as ESL teachers in South Korea but no TEFL certificate (for either of us). We've been pretty spoiled in Korea with all of the benefits and were wondering whether the same was offered in Turkey. Here are some questions:

Is there a high demand for ESL teachers in Turkey?

TEFL certificate required?

accommodation provided?

hourly wage vs. salary?

Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara vs. other smaller areas?

6 month contract offered or only 1 year minimum?

air fare provided?

Any help would be appreciated.

[rs27]

I have my BA in history and my boyfriend has an MA in Middle Eastern history. We've both been out here in Korea since August 06 and will be staying here until Feb 08. We have experience teaching ESL to students ranging from elementary children all the way to adults.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

With your background, I'd say ...

[rs27]

Thanks for your help.

Unfortunately, by the time we get back home there will be no time to take one of those TEFL courses before heading out again but I'll press my luck with that.

I wonder if it's worth going out there first and then finding a job second?

[billybuzz]

There are still places in Izmir where the answer is yes to most of the questions,but it would mean working in a REAL school. Are you two ready for that yet ?
Btw a celta is a good idea as well !

[El Duqu�]

[rs27]

[corall]

by academy do you mean hogwan? Academy sounds like the dershane equivilent here.

by "real school" i think that he means the kolej/uni schools here where they have salaried pay, summer and mid semester and end of semester holidays, insurance etc...

but a lot of the schools like that now are being a bit more careful and making sure you pass ministry requirements for a work visa (and you guys wouldn't - not for teaching English), but there are still plenty that will hire you with what you have and you can work on a tourist visa, so many people still do that.

[rs27]

Yeah we work at a hogwan now but the pay and vacations are a lot better at public day schools.

Anyways, I really appreciate everyone's help. And another thing, would anyone advise getting a job before coming out to Turkey or going to Turkey first and then winging it?

[mongrelcat]

i have worked at both the private kolej-type schools(primary/high school) and language schools here.

after my experience this past school year, i would advise anyone who wants to maintain their self respect and dignity to not take a job at a private school. These schools will offer you a gorgeous contract with all kinds of benefits and then either take them away one by one or reneg on the contact altogether. They will refuse to even negotiate with you but when it comes time to pay the phone/water bill at the "standard furnished heated apartment" they provide, my God that money is taken out of your salary before you even see it.

and the children here in the private schools are spoiled and insolent. I have spent a lot of break time in the toilet crying my eyes out. Students are not beyond throwing things at you in the classroom, swearing at you in Turkish (they think foreigners are incapable of learning the local language), spitting on you, etc. And i'm not talking only about the teenagers.

anyway i could go on and on but this isn't my thread.

don't take a position at a private school. sure you'll have summers off but that does no good when you don't even have enough money to take a week's vacation. and you're only going to sleep and go to therapy for the two months anyway.

[dmb]

[The_Prodiigy]

Malaz ?

[tekirdag]

[dmb]

[tekirdag]