Job Discussion Forums

[StefandeLeng]

Hi everyone, my name is Stefan and I'm new to the forum.

I was wondering if anybody could recommend me some good schools to start my tefl career with in Eskisehir, Turkey.

So far I've got a job interview lined up at YESDIL school. Some of the other schools, the American Culture Association, MyEnglish, Onderdil and the Wall Street Institution seem to be on holiday at the moment so no responses from them yet.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these schools, or could perhaps recommend me other good schools in the city to consider?

Best regards,

Stefan
from Holland

[eclectic]

just a quick quizzical query: why only Eskisehir? Or are you willing to go to, like, Erzurum or Kars?

[StefandeLeng]

Hi eclectic!

I studied in Eskisehir for a semester in 2008 at the Anadolu Universitesi. I had such a great time living there that I decided to try and start a tefl career in Eskisehir.

I've travelled to other places in Turkey too, not to Kars but I've been to Erzurum. Wouldn't wanna teach there though, it looked like a different country all together to me

[tarte tatin]

I would have thought Eskisehir is the closest you can achieve to home from home here in Turkey. I am sure the city planner who overhauled the town centre in Eskisehir has lived in The Netherlands or northern Germany. Has quite a Dutch vibe to it, canals, trams etc.

[eclectic]

that would be great for one looking for a close=to=home experience. LIke Itaewon in Seoul, its just like New Jersey!

[StefandeLeng]

Now that you mention it, Eskisehir centre reminds me a bit of Utrecht in the Netherlands with it's kanals and bars

Not that I'm looking for a close to home experience really, Eskisehir is quite different from my hometown, and that's a good thing

Nobody with experience with the schools I mentioned?

[Ebenezer]

Hey! I worked in Eskisehir for almost 2 years! American Culture? Don't even get close to them, unless the owner has changed, which I don't think so. Yesdil, I don't know. I worked for Onderdil as well and loved the boss, the people, Mr. K�ksal is a very honest man, at least when I was there, almost 6 years ago, one could really take him for his word. Go for Onderdil! Eskisehir is now a lovely city.

[studymylesson]

Like Ebenezer, I too have experience of �nder Dil in Eskişehir and fully agree with the assessment of this school.
The place is well run, conditions and facilities are fine, and the salaries are paid on time and in full.
Avoid American Culture and Evren Dil at all costs...

[StefandeLeng]

Thanks Ebenezer and studymylesson,

It sounds like I should definitely pay �nder Dil a visit when I arrive in Eski.

Too bad American Culture doesn't hold up so well, they were the first to respond to me, probably they're in need of a fresh batch of teachers

Greetz, Stefan

[Ebenezer]

Don't even give it a second thought, go to �nderdil! Ignore American Culture, run for your life, flee while you can! Yes, when I worked for �nderdil on the last day of the month Mr. K�ksal would call us and give us our full salary in an envelope and he would keep his promises. American Culture??? What a joke! On the payday we would have to be running after the owner, the secretary just to hear the classic "come back tomorrow". Pathetic... that place still gives me the creeps... but �nderdil... I can't help remembering Mr. K�ksal with love and respect and believe me, these things are rare around here.

[StefandeLeng]

Haha.. you sound like a real fan of American Culture Ebenezer! No but seriously it really helps to know these things in advance.. I've been trying to contact �nderdil through their contactform on their website but so far still no response. Would you happen to have an email address for me?

I was also wondering what you guys do with your salary you get cash in an envelope every month. The first thing that comes to mind is opening a turkish bank account but then again wouldn't that raise suspicion with the authorities considering you don't have an offical contract??

Thanks for the help so far guys!

[Ebenezer]

unfortunately I don't have their email address... have you tried to call them? Ask to speak directly with Mr. K�ksal, he's a very nice man, you can say you've heard lots of good things about him and his school and you wanted to send your CV... blablabla... as for the account, I'm even inclined to believe the times of "the envelope" have changed... but if it hasn't you can open your account, you just need a valid tourist visa, nobody will come and check to see who is doing what, don't even think twice... keep me updated

[eclectic]

Dear Mr. Koksal,

Here I come.

[StefandeLeng]

I just got off the phone with �nderdil, I'll have a job interview with them next week in person!

They weren't to thrilled about my plan to keep getting new tourist visas every 90 days though. I read some topics about this already but what's the alternative really, how do you guys tackle this problem?

[fishmb]

If they're willing to sponsor your work visa why not do it?