Job Discussion Forums

[lapd08]

I have finally received a reply from someone who runs summer camps in Turkey. It sounds very strenuous, and the programs run for 7 days. The first one is in Edirne. I only know Istanbul and have to get the name of the organization, so this is a little premature. The pay is decent and accommodations are included, but nothing was said about a work permit and I'm wondering if it is legitimate. Does anyone have any experience of a similar situation?

After working with children for two years at a private school in the Middle East, I swore I would never do it again, but am passing through Turkey on my way home and wouldn't mind spending some time there before my return to the US. Lesson plans are provided and I only have to work 5 hours per day.

As I say, I really need to get the name of the organization first, but if any of this rings a bell with someone out there, I'd appreciate any feedback.

[goodatheart]

Hi,

Are you talking about Leeds Academy in Istanbul? I received the same email and decided to apply for the job however I'm still looking for details.

[lapd08]

I don't think its Leeds. The name of the organization is "Chat Path" and it sounded awful. They trucked you around Turkey and you had to share accommodations-sometimes a dormitory, sometimes a hotel room with a complete stranger! Also, during breaks in your schedule, you had to pay for your own hotel which they would help you find.

The salary and hours were decent, but all in all it sounded "dodgy". No work visa, which they blew off, but I understand penalties for working without one are stiff. Also, a teacher at my current job who is getting a legitimate full time job in Turkey and has a Turkish boyfriend, says these camps are indeed "dodgy" (i.e. not to be trusted).

I told them I wasn't interested. I have tons of luggage and an expensive laptop and couldn't see dragging it around Turkey, let alone keeping it in a room with a total stranger!

[goodatheart]

I agree with you. Leeds seems to be decent. You should check it out if you are still interested. The camps are for 10 days long and lodging, meal and transportation are covered by the school.

[eclectic]

Leeds say s it will pay 1000ytl on the last day of the contract. Better make sure this happens or the summer camp joke is on YOU.

[safarer30]

I've worked the past two summers doing these types of camps in Turkey. Last summer I worked with Leeds and it's true that the dormitory housing can be a bit much going into the second week, though I did make some really good friends. They hire lots of non-native speakers and make them lie, even to the native speakers, about their nationalities. Really hilarious. There was a problem with theft, so I used a school teachers locker in which to keep my passport, wallet, and other stuff. But Leeds did pay in full as promised, and for the money, the work was well worth it. I've heard other stories regarding their full time positions however, and there's a complaint from a former teacher in this forum about working with Leeds for the academic year.

It is what it is: an opportunity to make money and travel throughout Turkey. I know of no company in Turkey that offers a work permit for part time, seasonal work. Indeed, many schools (language or private) fail to secure work permits for teachers who have full-time, academic year positions. My university did, but my high school didn't. And my high school was still better than some other places because they did get us residents permits at least. Yes, it's all illegal, so if you are looking for full-time academic year work, then find a school you're comfortable dealing with.

As a matter of full disclosure, I know the people who own Chat Path, and they pay 100tl a day for 4 hours of morning work basically entertaining kids with arts, crafts, music and such in an English speaking environment. All lodging, meals, and transportation is covered. They hire certified and experienced native speakers. Companies should be honest about what they offer and expect in return, and this company does that.

[lapd08]

Thanks for the feedback on Chat Path. I may do it another time when I am not in transit from a full time job and do not have a lot of valuable and heavy luggage.