Job Discussion Forums

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Hi All - New here to this forum!

I am moving to Istanbul in July, taking a TEFL course there, and afterwards plan to stay and work.

I have traveled to Turkey several times in the past few years, and have decided to stop life as I know it, and start anew... in Turkey.

I am suffering Wink

from severe burnout here in the states, in my current line of work.

I taught English in Japan back in the late 80-90's. So, I have a bit of experience, things change but not that much!!

Anyway, my question is - I have heard from different sources conflicting information about getting my work visa in Turkey.

Do I need to leave Istanbul to get my work visa, or have the current laws in Turkey changed? - can I stay while my paper work is processed in Ankara? - One source told me this...
I read elsewhere, that I must leave the country after I get my paperwork for the work visa, etc. As was the procedure in Japan as well... And wait while the workvisa is processed... then return to Turkey to start work.

Or?? I also understand from reading a few posts here, that the documentation takes a bit of time. Making my flight arrangements now, and wonder should I get a flight to Greece, in about 2.5 months, then do the document work there? Or will I be trapped in Greece?!!

Any suggestions? Thoughts?

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Come on don't be shy!!! Give me details! Cool

Selamlar

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

When last in turkey you had to go back to your country of Origin. But, I think it was Yaramaz said that the laws were currently changing. I don't know if I said but I'll be in Turkey in a couple of days and after sorting out a job I'm assuming that I'll need to go back to the Uk to get legal. But as I haven't been back to the UK since last year it doesn't bother me.

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Tessekurler dmb...

That would mean I must return to the US to get my documentation. I had hoped to process paperwork in Europe. But that doesn't look possible. Unless I go to Poland for a few weeks?? Hmmm. That may work, I do have friends in Lodz and Warszawa.
Trying to save $$ !!!

I had noted that you said you were going back to Turkey in a few days... I just returned (well in February I was there) for a few weeks. And if you are like me, then well, the charm and the beauty are still there!!

I love Turkiye too...

selamlar Smile

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Laura, just out of interest are you doing your TEfl course with the british Council or ITI?

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

They offer the TEFL, or CTEFL. I had thought to do the course work here where I live. But the costs are prohibitive...

Easier to go there. And much more to my liking!! Very Happy

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I have to admit I haven't heard of vialingua. Does anyone know about them? Anyway I hope it all goes well.

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Thanks and best of luck to you too!!

The school is noted here on this site! Wink

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Yes, it is as I thought. I was misinformed!!! So roundtrip tickets it is! And I guess a pleasant autumn will be spent waiting for documentation to be processed... In Ohio, as I am a California girl, this is a change!!

selamlar. iyi haberler.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you have to leave, think about Bulgaria. Cheaper than Greece - and nicer according to this Bulgarophile.

There are Turkish consulates in Plovdiv and Burgas as well as the Embassy in Sofia.

The train with sleeper leaves Sirkeci Railway Station daily at 23.00 hours.

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Hi Scot, thanks for responding!!

I would think of Bulgaria, however, I have been informed that it may take up to 6 weeks for the Turkish consulate to process the work visa documentation... don't know if I can float for that long in Bulgaria!

However it might be an option.

Anyone know about how long visa processing may take?

best regs,
L.

yaramaz · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:57 pm Post subject:

I think I've said this somewhere else... but I'll say it again. 35 days. Not sure why it is that number but that's the number I was quoted and that is how long I waited. Rhyme and reason were seriously lacking, as they are in many Turkic endeavors.

It may be different now and it may be different in Bulgaria or Franceor wherever you end up waiting it out. I heard it was a lot faster in Seoul, but that was a few years ago (for my ex flatmate).

Kolay gelsin.

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Tessekurler Yaramaz!!

The best thing, is to go be with my Dad during the wait in Cleveland, good to be with him, as he is older, and I think it's the best way to spend the time in this situation!!! Of course I would rather be in Bulgaria, or some other European destination. However, things as they are I must be the good daughter Very Happy

Peace.

Selamlar...

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

By the way Yaramaz, very cool website!! Very Happy

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:42 am Post subject:

Sagol!

I hope to put up some of my billions of turk pics someday... when I am less lazy! Can't keep showin' pics from the last century...