Job Discussion Forums

[drandreasbrown]

I've been teaching ESL for five years (in Indonesia and Vietnam). I'm pretty sick of south east Asia and I've been idly thinking about Turkey. Just wondered if, in that pithy, no doubt humorous, argumentative and occasionally irritating fashion that ESL folks have, what have been your general impressions of where you are? My major interests are: what are the students/schools like, how available is alcohol, what are the dangers (disease, crime, corruption etc), how attractive are the women, what's the internet speed like, can the guys in the mosques sing or do they have those awful tapes?

[fishmb]

Alcohol is easy to get, but the variety of beer is boor - all lagers.

High school students are high school students everywhere - annoying! But the older and better dressed you are the easier it will be.

I haven't had any problems with disease or crime, or, I suppose, corruption.

Internet is fine.

Mosques have real singers, but of varying quality.

[eclectic]

[fishmb]

Never heard of it. Who makes it? Most of my favorite beers are from west coast breweries - especially Rogue. There are some great local breweries in Portland, OR (where I'm from) like Hair of the Dog, Amnesia, Hopworks, Laurelwood, Widmer. And some other ones closeby - Deschuttes Brewery, Full Sail, lots of great stuff.

On the East Coast (you're from Jersey right?) I do like the Dogfishhead Brewery, even though must of their stuff is pretty pricey. I had a bottle of their 120 Imperial IPA - whoo! Strong stuff.

I went on a vacation in Holland in December and drank some great Belgium beer - I was so sad to have to leave it and come back to the land of Efes. Sigh.

[eclectic]

Checker Cab Beer kicks ass too. Ever try AMber Goose Ale?

[eclectic]

[jamessmart50]

Maybe he meant Coors

[fishmb]

Hmm, haven't had/heard of those either. I've had Old Speckled Hen - maybe that's related to Amber Goose Ale How's the beer in Korea?

[drandreasbrown]

Gadzooks, ask for a general impression of Turkey and you get an excellent discussion of ales and such. Applause, gentlemen, for your good taste and interest in the important things in life.

Also what's the deal with calling your drink "Hair of the dog", that's cheating surely.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

It would be a very good idea to get back on topic. Quickly.

[eclectic]

The OP asked:

[coffeespoonman]

I'm certain that several people will disagree, but my opinion is:

students:

Relaxed and fun to teach. Not hard workers, but that's part of the charm. I love teaching Turks.

Schools:

Meh. Lots of cowboy institutions for adults. International Schools/Universities are professional and can be super-good, but can also be very, very, very bad. I suppose it's the same as anywhere else.

How available is alcohol:

Ubiquitious in most parts of the city teachers are likely to see, but very, very limited in variety. If you like rakı (like ouzo or pastis) and pilsner, you'll be alright. If you don't like them... You'll grow to.

What are the dangers (disease, crime, corruption etc):

Disease - Uh, we had swine flu. This is pretty much the West. No Malaria or Typhoid Fever or anything. Same as your own country, I reckon.

Crime - Not a problem. Istanbul is very safe for a city this size. The biggest dangers are having your house broken into and getting attacked by tinerci (young boys who sniff paint thinner). But if you're smart, this is a very safe place to live.

Corruption - rampant, but certainly not dangerous. It won't affect you, unless you count getting ripped off by taxi drivers and bar staff. No cops are going to stop you and demand money. This isn't Kazakhistan (no offense to any Kazakhs). Turkey's corruption is of the lighthearted, smiley kind.

How attractive are the women:

Here's where I'll probably get the most argument... I used to live in Prague. I thought I had seen the most beautiful women in the world. Then I came to Turkey and realized I was wrong. In my opinion, Turkish women are drop-dead gorgeous. Difficult. But gorgeous.

what's the internet speed like:

Average. The more you pay, the better it is.

Can the guys in the mosques sing or do they have those awful tapes:

Really, come on now. Is this going to actually help you decide whether or not to come here? I mean, you've asked about beer and chicks, so I doubt you'll be visiting the mosque 5 times a day anyways.

My ears haven't bled yet. Tapes or no, you'll tune it out soon enough.

[Sashadroogie]

I think that was a balanced and accurate account of Turkey, or Istanbul at least. Hard to disagree with, Coffeespoonman.