Job Discussion Forums

[eclectic]

and Masters in International Studies.

Now here is my dilemma. I cannot get a sealed BA diploma (current financial hold on my transcripts), I only have one original left and it is in my hand. I can only provide photocopies of undergrad transcripts.

I CAN however provide official diploma/transcripts of Masters program.

Is this acceptable in Turkey? Is it likely I could find that 2000 lira positions without any certification and only 1 year English teaching experience in South Korea?

[tvik]

In Istanbul and even in smaller places you'd be able to find work, it's guaranteed. especially if you go knocking on doors. with or without papers and after you got through a one star employer you could find other places easily.

You might want to take the cambridge short "test for teachers" or "TKT"
it's just a simple test, although you have to know something about the TEFL world and it's jargon. It would give your employer an excuse to hire you without the painful CELTA.

With a masters it would also be useful to send your resume to the university prep-programs, you never know. i was hired at one without a tefl cert. or any experience at all although i did have my degree.

[eclectic]

I secured my job here in S. Korea while still living in NJ, USA. Just took the chance and flew over on my pre-paid flight from NYC to Seoul.

Should my wife and I (she doesn't teach) just get tourist visas for Turkey, and then while there look for a job? Or is it possible to secure an offer from here (S. Korea)?

Which approach do you consider more realistic?

[tvik]

I'd say there was no substitute for actually being there. Start by applying online and gather as much info as possible. Also, have a back-up country as well and then buy a ticket to Turkey.

The important thing to consider if you don't want to burn through your cash is where you're going to live. Renting is an option but you need three months rent up front usually. Otherwise you'll need to strike a deal with a hotel, which they'll do. That's the way to start but you'll need to haggle a bit and check around.

Thinking about it more... and with your wife. If you're not set on being in Istanbul you'll have better chances in the medium sized cities like: Izmir, Bursa but especially Gaziantep, Adana. The central and eastern cities are safe, friendly and not many teachers go there.

I never liked Ankara but there's lot of work there too. Check out Bilkent. They have a program for people looking to be qualified. It's one of the best universities in the country.

[eclectic]

I must say, since Ive been a member on this forum (2006) your post was probably the most informative, eclectic, and non-condescending that I have ever received, so I want to take this minute here and now to announce to Dave's ESL Cafe website that:

TVIK'S ANSWER TO ME QUALIFIES AS THE ABSOLUTE MOST HELPFUL, STRAIGHTFORWARD, AND RESPECTFUL RESPONSE EVER RECEIVED BY ME SINCE 2006.



Thank you tvik.

Interesting about the secondary cities offering more chances for me. My grandfather (Armenian) came to America in 1911 FROM BURSA! How interesting to maybe get a job there! I am also pleasantly surprised to hear that eastern cities like Gazi- and Adana would be great choices, safe and accessible.

Do you think Bilkent is a good idea for me? I know I need more qualification, i.e. a TEFL, but I have a BA and a Masters, and 1 year teaching exp. Why didnt you like Ankara? Too beaurocratic, as the capital?