Job Discussion Forums

[transloveairways]

I have read back 3 or 4 pages on this board, and I'm confused about a few things.

1. Some people say that you have to apply for a work permit in your home country before coming to Turkey. But this takes 6 months. Others say that you should check out the schools in person before you apply and that your school will take care of work permits. Still others say that almost no schools actually apply for the work permits.

2. Some people say that the best time to apply for September jobs is in January. Others say the best time to apply is in late August.

If anyone could clear up this confusion for me, it would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Shalana]

I can only tell you what my experience has been. I started out working for ET and signed a 12 month contract with them. I was offered the job over the phone in June and started working in July. Keep in mind many people go on holiday in July and August and there aren't as many full-time jobs in Istanbul. However there are summer schools for primary and high schools. I did not do any paperwork prior to leaving my country. ET got me a 12 month resident permit and a work permit. I currently work for another place now. They also got me a 12 month resident permit, but not a work permit. My advice is - do your research. Contact schools and ask what they provide.

[Misstanbul]

It may sound confusing because it is. It is all true!

1. I think for non-teaching jobs it is a must to get the work visa before arrival. I have not heard of many teachers doing this though. My school right now does not give work visas (just a residence visa) even though I could easily qualify for one (BA in English with TESOL minor and CTEFL). However the school I will be working for next year will definitely get one for me. It really depends on the school.

2. Some private schools start to look for new teachers in Jan/Feb, and some in as late as May. It all depends on their registration and contract renewels.
Language schools are slower in the summer and do not start hiring again until the fall (hence the late August suggestion). They can technically be looking all year round though with some teachers just up and leaving.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

[fishmb]

I hear a lot of the for-profit English companies like Berlitz and English Time have teachers leaving all the time, leaving year-round vacancies. The unis finalize most of their hiring decisions by April, so apply to those in Jan., Feb.