Job Discussion Forums

kingbee2009 · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 17

Hi there,

I'm 32, from the UK, well presented and looking to teach in Ankara.

I've just finished 2 and a half years teaching experience in Italy, have a BA Business degree, but not got a TEFL cert., as I was able to work successfully in Italy without one.

Would it be possible to teach/get a visa in Ankara with these?

If I did need to get a TEFL cert, would a minimal 40-hour online one suffice?

Many thanks and best regards,
KB

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:52 am Post subject:

Anything that is remotely tefly and on headed paper will do, the system in Turkey ( for want of an appropriate term) is unable to process your application to teach here without one.

kingbee2009 · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 17

Hi and many thanks for the useful info Smile

Will a 40 hour online certificate really suffice?

That would be the ideal situation, but don't want to do it and find out it's not going to do Sad

If it is definately possible, could you please tell me the cheapest and best option, if you know of one?

Many thanks,
KB

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

planning ahead will get u so far, than we must shoot for the stars,
all alone without a home, and pray things go as well as they may.

Dont sweat it. Go get it.

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

I think what OttermanOllie is referring to is the fact that when a school applies for a work visa if you have ANY sort of certificate or degree that says English on it you'll get the stamp of approval - doesn't matter if it's from Harvard or a fast TEFL cert. But if you don't have anything like that and your degree is in business or science or something, you might not get the work permit approved. A TEFL could also look good to potential employers though.

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

To the opening poster,

If you are determined to work in Ankara legally without a TEFL you could try either the Turco-British Association or the Turco-American Association. I worked at the Turco-British (also known as TBA or 'Ingiliz-Kultur) for 1 year, legally(yep, both oturum and calisma stamped and paid for by the TBA) and I have no TEFL certificate of any kind. In fact I usually taught high ranking police, army, senior judges, and other big-wigs, with just my undergraduate degree, so it is possible. I cant speak for the Turco-American, but the Turco-British has special rights to hire British foreigners, because its a cultural association/NGO, not a language school.
I would think they would be very happy to hear from you, as a young Brit.

I also enquired at the middle east technical university and the professor in charge was adamant that I didnt need a TEFL certificate to work at that university.

On the whole, the other posters are right, a TEFL certificate would make your life a lot easier, but there are these small exceptions, at least that I know of in Ankara, where you can work legally without a TEFL certiticate.
If I were you I would make it VERY clear to any place you apply to that you dont have a TEFL and that your degree is in business but you have experience.

And also: AVOID English Time in Ankara LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! I worked there for around 5 months illegally, after being told they could get me a work permit without a TEFL, only to be told that, erm..they couldnt, oops! And the manager is a total scumball too.

The question is: why do you want to work in Ankara? :S

Any other questions about working in Ankara, feel free to pm me, I hope this helped with your query.

BB