Job Discussion Forums

whimseywisp · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 2 Location: United States

Hi all -

I'm a recent CELTA grad working on getting a job abroad. I got a response from Istanbul Lisan Merkezi, and while the contract seems to be generally in order, I don't know anything about the school. Has anyone out there worked with this school or heard anything about it? I'm definitely interested, but I'm also a little nervous.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Here's the website for the school, if that helps.
http://www.ilm.com.tr

jamessmart50 · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 91 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Hmm...I think I heard bad things about it, but I can't really remember. It's worth just scrolling through the dave's esl threads for the last couple of years, you ought to find smomething there.

whimseywisp · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 2 Location: United States

I did a search and didn't find anything... it would be helpful if anyone had substantial information?

SAM31 · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 18 Location: ISTANBUL

I heard they don't pay salaries reliably, but that was a while ago- may have changed

nelliesue · Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 7 Location: USA

I am also interested in working for ILM in Turkey - anyone hear anything new?

orhanveli · Joined: 01 Mar 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Seven Hill

I worked there for one year. Besiktas branch. Apartment and 900 dollars. No dress code. Worked for me. Standard dershane nonsense. I never had any problems getting paid. Tell them you will only work at one branch. They are more focused on toefl now so get yourself a PearsonLongman and memorize it.

Yes, I am saying something positive about a dershane. No, I am not an Agent of Osman Bey or Gonul Hanim.

nelliesue · Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 7 Location: USA

Jayoss · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 1

I worked at the Kadikoy branch, don't expect the school to help you out with anything, such as setting up your internet (took 2 months) or fixing elextrical problems (never happened). Also, watch out if you are a girl, Gonul doesn't like women.

atoklas · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 24

I interviewed at the Kadikoy branch. The person I interviewed with was unorganized and unprofessional. They were completely unnegotiable on salaries, vague about scheduling and materials, and didn't seem to care about much other than whether or not I was a native speaker. That having been said, if you wanna make 20 Lira/hour and save some money for backpacking or just want a place to get started in Istanbul (while looking for a better job), it might not be too awful...