Job Discussion Forums

[kgchelseafc]

So I am finally giving up on Prague and moving to Istanbul in 2 or 3 weeks. I've taught here for about two years, and I have a TEFL plus BA in English. Everything I've been reading makes me think I shouldn't have much of a problem just showing up and finding work. Is this still true, even at this time of the year? Also, does anyone have any recommendations on which part of the city I should stay in to begin my job search? Finally, what is the dress code like for teachers in Turkey? In Prague it is fairly relaxed at most places, with many teachers wearing jeans to their lessons, although I always try to dress at least business casual. And also, how much do clothes normally cost there? I am in need of a new pair of slacks and a pair of dress shoes, and I am trying to decide whether to buy them here, or just wait til I get there if the prices are cheaper. Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Kyle

[bulgogiboy]

[Teflon Don]

I've done the move recently, and yes, there are jobs about. I planned on hitting the streets but didn't get time to do that after a few e-mails landed me interviews, and I'm still getting offers for interviews (but have found something I'm happy with). I only went to three interviews, two offered me a job there and then, but I turned those down. The third has been more of a process, but is what I'm happier with.

I haven't been here long enough to suggest areas really, I've been fine in Taksim, but it's very busy and there are certainly better areas, depends what you like/budget etc etc etc.

If you get your posts up to 5 send me a PM and I'll happily chat to you about it and answer more specific questions etc.

[coffeespoonman]

I totally agree - you'll find lots of jobs, but be careful and ask around a bit (and read these boards) before you commit to anything. Having said that, you won't be working legally anyways, so you can feel free to bail on a bad contract.

If you like action, action, party, party, Taksim is your place. If you want things a little bit slower, you may want to try Kadık�y, on the Asian side. I wouldn't recommend anywhere other than those two places unless you know someone here - you'll want to be where you can meet others fairly easily.

Clothes (excluding Western brands) are cheap. Turkey is famous for textiles. Unless you're used to shopping in the Chinese markets in Prague (and even if you are), clothes will probably be cheaper here.

Keep one thing in mind though. I made the same move as you almost 6 years ago - Prague to Istanbul - and found it VERY difficult to adjust. Istanbul is pretty much the polar opposite of Prague in nearly every way. I couldn't bring myself to appreciate this city at all until I stopped comparing it to Prague. So... just my 2 crowns... Leave your expectations at Ruzyne (or Hlavni Nadrazi if you're coming the fun way!)

[mefl]

When you are looking for jobs in ANY school, forget about looking at their web site only! There are forums about those schools and most of them are written by the pupils/students! They give you the correct information about that school. Those web sites come as itu sozluk, uludag sozluk when you type in the name of the school. The thing is they are in Turkish. You might ask someone here to translate it for you or you can use pathetic google translation!