Job Discussion Forums

[danrl]

I'm in the process of finishing my CELTA-equivilant TEFL certificate, and I've sent emails to a number of language schools and Universities in Istanbul. I've been studying Turkish for the last year and dreaming of moving there, and I'm getting very frustrated by the lack of responses I'm getting. All that's left is calling these places directly, but I'm often lost for who to ask for. If I don't have any luck applying here, should I just fly to Turkey and look for jobs there? Am I applying too late for the next hiring season -- will I have to wait until January?

I'm also worried about being taken on for too little money. What should I expect, salary wise, as a first-year teacher at a language school?

Thanks a lot for your advice.

[Marquess]

CELTA equivalent-ha ha ha

no responses-shows you how many CELTA equivalents there are desperate for jobs

taken on for too little money-re the above - you will be taken on for too little money no matter what. Expect 700-1000 dollars a month.

[Otterman Ollie]

Fırst off, you didn't mention any other qualies you may have, even language schools like to see a BA or even an MA, perhaps you neglected to tell us about the more important stuff. If all you have is the cert you mentioned than you need to get to the back of the line, there are many more in front of you with similar and more plus some teaching experience.
You do stand a better chance of getting a job by turning up and getting a few interviews under your belt, there is usually a shortfall of staff at the start of the next academic year (mid september) and you may just lucky coz someone dropped out. Good luck, bring at least 2000 of whatever is your favourite currency, you may even be lucky to land a gig that includes a place to live. But don't count on it!

[safarer30]

all of this is true, especially if you have an "istanbul or bust" attitude. cast your net a little wider; ankara, adana, even bursa are reasonably close to istanbul and always in need of teachers. plus! the conditions generally include housing. good luck.

[Marquess]

Neither Ankara nor Adana are near Istanbul.

[tillymd]

Why can't you people give the OP some encouraging feedback, even humor or nonsense is better than the negativity. Do you think you are that special? Even if she/he is not the most qualified person out there, motivation and enthusiasm go a long way.

Try this....That's great you are getting your CELTA certification, I recommend bla bla bla.

I understand you have been answering the same questions for months or even years, if you are burnt out then don't reply at all.

Thanks, Tilly the Terror.

[Marquess]

The poor sap cannot even spell CELTA "equivilant" (sic) Motivation and enthusiasm is what the bottom feeders rely on and one of the reasons pay is so low.

[tillymd]

[Marquess]

Yes, I don't have a CELTA "equivilant."

[danrl]

Thanks, Ollie and tillymd for the helpful responses and support. What I'm bringing to the table is a BA and a year's study of Turkish. And yes, no teaching experience to speak of outside of the TEFL.

So if it comes down to my having to go to Turkey to find a job, am I better off looking around in late-August, when some employers may still be actively hiring, or a few weeks later to fill in for any teachers who dropped out?

What's an average salary or amount per hour for new teachers in Istanbul? I have the impression that wages have dropped in the last year or two.

[Marquess]

Notes:

A year of Turkish is irrelevant.

No experience then make it up. Language mills don't care.

Mid September onwards is a better time.

Wages have dropped and will drop further when hordes of unemployed graduates turn up. Wages in Ist are now 15-18 lira an hour. Forget those that offer a few shillings if you complete the contract. You will not get it and it is not a contract if you are working illegally-which you will be.

The visa run will be expensive as you will pay and cannot work whilst you are doing it.

[safarer30]

I don't mean to be negative, but I need to warn the OP that no experience might be a toughie here in Turkey. Many schools like to see some, and while I don't speak of language schools, I would imagine that they, too, have a fair number of applicants already here. Having said all that, I'd like to go back to Marquess' remark about the proximity of other cities in relation to Istanbul. Please consider that Ankara is a 40 minute flight, 7 hour bus ride, and has its own community. Adana, not close, but still in Turkey and also logistically and financially accessible to Istanbul, Europe and the Middle East. Google and you'll find that some places will welcome teachers with little or no previous experiences, providing that they have some teaching credentials. I too am puzzled by the general negative and discouraging tone throughout the Turkey forum. The Turks are really warm and welcoming people, and I don't understand why the Yabanci living and working here shouldn't follow suit for those who want to work with us. Maybe it's a language school mentality. Think about other schools. I don't see lots of people posting about experiences in proper primary and secondary schools here.

[safarer30]

Also, just noticing that someone has advised the OP to "make up" teaching experiences because "language schools don't care." Wow....

[eclectic]

Tilly continues to whip some major butt.

[eclectic]

this thread started well and then ended in utter cacaphony and disappointment. May we revive it somewhat, for the OP. and me?

What is a reasonable monthly savings rate OUTSIDE OF ISTANBUL for one with a BA in English, 1-2 years teaching English in Korea? In other words in places like Adana or Bursa? Or Gaziantep?