Job Discussion Forums

beets · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 17

I'll be moving to Istanbul soon - and I was curious about the expat community in Istanbul and whether or not EFL/English teachers had any meet-ups or social events going on a regular basis. I'd love to hear you experiences with transitioning into Istanbul... It's such a big city and I'm sure there is a circle of expats somewhere out there Smile

Cheers!

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

There are many expat communities in istanbul because there are thousands of expats. But if I were you I would avoid them like the plague and socialise with colleagues or Turkish people, they are much nicer.

Eagle Eyes · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 121 Location: Istanbul

Expats in Istanbul....are you kidding? There are millions of so called expats in Turkey and literally thousands of EXPAT EFL teachers in Istanbul mostly looking for work! It is very difficult to define who is an expat in Istanbul as Turks look like expats too. Good luck in your search! Smile

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Hello,

To respond to your question there are some nice expat groups. Not all of them are "unemployed" ELT teachers. Sad

A bit negative if I say. It's a nice way to meet both Turks and expats. I know that is something that is vital when first arriving and trying to find your way. Smile

On facebook try joining the following:

İstanbul Expats & Internationals Group
Istanbulation

beets · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 17

Thanks for the advice Smile

I agree about hanging out with Turks for sure. I just wanted to know if there were any organized events amongst the expats or not. But I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

@Caterina, yes you're right, in the beginning it really helps knowing there is a small community to join... and thanks for those links, I will check them right now Smile

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

clifton10 · Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Jakarta

Hi beets,

Another social group worth joining here is Meetup. They have get togethers at least once a month with a good mix of expats and Turkish locals. Just do a Google search for 'Meet Up Istanbul'

beets · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 17

Hi Clifton,

Thank you so much for your reply - I checked out the website you recommended and looks like something I will definitely join!

It's nice to get an idea of where the little communities are hiding Smile

Cheers!

Eagle Eyes · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 121 Location: Istanbul

Be very wary when socializing with EFL expat groups in Istanbul. Due to the fact that there are thousands of EFL Instructors looking for work here you shouldn't disclose where you are working because they might find a way to take your job! Just be careful with whom you meet here and don't trust anyone! Good luck in your search! Smile

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

beets · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 17

I'm a little confused as to why he keeps asserting the same thing (in most of his posts) too... Sad

I'm more inclined to believe that it really isn't that bad in Istanbul.

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

You are absolutlery right, Aristede and beets. There are thousands of English teachers in istanbul because there are thousands of jobs available. The only people who can't find a job are those who can't hack teaching, expect to be paid in golden elephants or want a personalised timetable of their own choice.

solidarnosc · Joined: 20 Apr 2012 Posts: 9

Try this website. It might help.
http://yabangee.com/

Personally I avoid expats as I left England to get away from Western culture, customs and people. Plus I actually love mingling with Turkish People more.

One big difference I find refreshing is women. Almost every time I have met an expat woman in Istanbul, she takes my kindness as hitting on her arrogant arse and gets all stuck up, were as Turkish women are more refined and can see that I'm just being nice and polite and its much easier to make friends!

If you can, try to heavily socialise with your students' or any Turkish friends you make. You will see how much different the atmosphere is.

CECTPA · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 3:13 pm Post subject:

As for the question of whom to associate with, I take everybody case by case. As Rakim famously said:

"It ain't where ya from, it's where ya at."

Also, to speak on the above criticism of Western women, some of us get reflexively defensive with strange (i.e., unknown) men, and if you listen to some of the harassment stories you might understand why.

I keep an open mind. Once a guy was calling after me on the street to tell me I dropped some money, which I had, so it's not always what it may seem at first.