Job Discussion Forums

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are planning on obtaining our CELTA in Turkey and then teaching there for a year or two.

While we are taking the CELTA and while we are working we want to live together in a one-bedroom apartment. Do you think we'll have any problems since we are not married? Does anyone have any dos or do nots for young unmarried couples navigating Turkish culture?

Many thanks!!
-Mike and Eleanor

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

And no, even though we've been seeing each other for the past 4yrs and living together for the past 2 we're not going to get married just for appearances sake Very Happy

yaramaz · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 12:21 am Post subject:

I lived in turkey for 6 years, the last year sharing a flat in Istanbul with my boyfriend. It was fine. In more conservative neighborhoods it could be an issue but if you are just there for the celta, you'll unlikely be staying in headscarfland.

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

Thanks for the feedback. We are looking to stay and teach after our CELTA, however. Is there anyway to tell where the conservative neighborhoods are? If we're applying to the same schools would they consider hiring both of us?

yaramaz · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:10 am Post subject:

1. Yes, they'd possibly hire you both if they like you both and have two openings.

2. Ask around when you get there about the conservative areas. If you stick to places like Sisli/Beyoglu/Ortakoy (etc in Europe) or Kadikoy/Moda/Suadiye/Erenkoy (etc in Asia) you'll be fine. Mostly it's the outer suburbs that are villagey and harder to deal with.