Job Discussion Forums

[vanillasky]

I need some opinions on Tokat! I'm actually receiving my CELTA in Kiev Ukraine this summer, but am going to Tokat in a month to visit a friend of a friend for a couple weeks. He insists that I come see his city, and if I like it I will consider teaching there instead of Ukraine. However, I'm an American female. I know zero Turkish, but do know a good bit of Russian. Will there be any number of Americans or Russians in Tokat? Please give you experiences and impressions of the city. Thank you very much!

[Dedicated]

I'm not sure how helpful this will be, but I visited Tokat about 4 years ago, to do some short, contract work at Gaziosmanpasa University in the Faculty of Foreign Languages.

Tokat is rather a conservative, provincial place, and I seriously doubt you would bump into any Americans or Russians there! I did not see any language schools when walking around, but then again, I wasn't really looking for one. It is about 400km from Ankara, but inland, with lots of forest and shrubbery. I visited some caves and thermal springs in Sulusaray, but otherwise, I wasn't wowed by the place.

I think without a good Turkish phrasebook, you would struggle a bit, as I didn't meet anybody outside the university who could speak English.
However, the people were very hospitable and the food was lovely. I hope you have a good time. I would imagine the university might have some openings if you have the right qualifications.

[vanillasky]

Thank you! I guess it will be a good taste of authentic Turkish life.