Job Discussion Forums

[MBee]

I have an MA in Geography + 4.5 years teaching experience at the college level in the States, including 1 year teaching high school English in Indonesia.

I applied to a couple unis in Istanbul in May (online from the States) with no luck. I'm wondering, are there any alternative cities in Turkey where I could just show up and find *legal* work? Cities with expat communities where I could meet a couple kindred spirits while I'm at it?

Thanks a lot! Take care...

[Shalana]

Try Ankara, İzmir, and Bursa.

[MBee]

Thanks a lot for the response Shalana, and my sincerest apologies for taking so long to respond myself. This is so helpful. What time of the year would be best for someone like me to show up and just give it a shot in your opinion?

All other opinions on this topic are welcome too...I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for your help!

[Shalana]

Depending on your circumstances (how much savings you have and whether or not you have any dependants), you may want to secure a job or at least interview before you get here. Probably the best times to just show up are August and September before school starts and Jan/Feb at semester break.

[MBee]

Thanks again! Do you have any recommendations for going about this from the states? Besides looking here for postings?

Again, much appreciated.

[Shalana]

Also look at eslemployment.com and tefl.com. You can always google "english teacher turkey" or "tefl jobs turkey." If I were in your shoes and I was definitely going to come here, I would try to set up a couple of interviews first. Also check out Rennert, British Side, and Dragoman in Istanbul. You can google them for contact info. No personal experience with them, but others I know have said they are ok. Also look under education on craigslist.

[MBee]

Great tips. Thank you Shalana.