Country info and advice - Turkey
The following comments are from teachers who have taught, or are currently teaching, in Turkey. If you are a teacher and have some advice to share, please add it here.
Turkey is a very nice country
to work in with its hospitable people. It has got lots of historical places to
visit and beautiful beaches. Life in turkey is not very expensive and finding a
job for a foreign teacher of any language is quite easy in any language course
as long as you are good at it. Turkish people like helping and looking after
their guests. It's cuisine changes by region but usually it's spicy and if you
don't like it you can find fast food restaurants anywhere. And Turkish students
are usually quite interested in learning foreign languages.
Turkey is a great place to
live, but beware, the only way to legally get a working permit is in your own
country through the consulate. Most language schools tell you to come on a
tourist visa and they'll sort it out once you are here - they're lying. The
majority of EFL teachers in Istanbul have to leave every three months to renew
their tourist visa, and of course, being illegal isn't helpful if you have any
problems with your language school.
I have been in Turkey for ten
years. The people are ok but I find it very difficult to teach English here and
I suppose the main reason is the traditional hostility to anything 'foreign'.
Though I am a moslem they still are suspicious and even call me 'gaur' which is
an offensive word for a non-moslem. You'll have to consider the linguistic
differences as well. Things are changing for the better but it will take a long
time.
I'm sorry, but I couldn't stop
laughing at Turkish students calling a foreigner "gavur". This word has become
common among people in Turkey for some odd reason. It is not always about
religion and it is not always offensive. Sometimes people from villages call
foreigners "gavur" too. But, they don't mean to offend anyone. For example;
Turks call people with dark skin "Arab", but not all Arabs are dark skinned!
Turks have odd words of expressing stuff, don't they!?! If you're planning to
teach in Turkey, you need to be prepared for such things. Turkey needs you!
Don't give up and leave!!! However, Turkey is a beautiful country, with plenty
of opportunities for teaching English. Turkey is a country that doesn't have a
second language (unfortunately!!). Thus learning a second language (English,
German, French etc.) is very important to learners. If you are interested in
taking a course in Turkey, you can visit this blog and get a general idea of how
it is like: www.eslbase.com/diaries/hilalhastaoglu.
I am sorry but I totally do
not agree with the fact that there is "traditional hostility to anything
'foreign'" in Turkey. Moreover, people are aware that they will not be able to
make a career without English and therefore they respect people who teach them
the language. I have a native-like English and teach at a language school and
all of my students do respect me a lot even though they think I am an American.
I can't say I've had the best
teaching experience in Turkey so far. The private school kids I teach could care
less. They are very disrespectful. But then, I can't say that this is the case
with other students at other schools.
Please, do not come to this
country for the purpose of teaching English if you are not dedicated, well
educated and qualified as Turkish students are fed up with many incompetent
foreigners who call themselves teachers but just work for money and do not care
about the students. Please, respect the effort, time and money that the students
spend in the language schools that are mostly prone to deceive the students by
hiring such incapable teachers.
English is a prerequisite for
a good job and career in Turkey. Turkish people like guests and are very
hospitable to foreigners, not hostile. They know the value of learning another
language. The only problem you may have in Turkey is the learning style of the
students. They certainly have a different learning style so instead of accusing
them of being hostile ask your colleagues to give you some hints about the
students. I am sure they will help you and you will have an unbelievable
experience.
I cannot speak for the whole
of Turkey, but teaching in Istanbul can be frustrating, but rewarding as well.
Adult students are very motivated to learn English, and respectful as well.
However, the differences in learning styles take some getting used to. Most
adults learning English do so for business purposes and because they are
business people, they often have to miss classes or private sessions. This makes
it difficult if you are only getting paid for the lessons you teach. Also, in
some cases it can be frustrating and sometimes infuriating to be a female
teaching male students. Turkish people are generally friendly and congenial, but
the men view foreign women as easy and easy targets. It will not matter if you
are married, they are married, or anything in between. And this is not just with
the students. I had an experience interviewing with the Turkish head of an
English school which seemed to go well, but which ended not in a job offer, but
a steady barrage of flirtatious text messages. I was told initially that they
would be hiring part-time teachers. This was reinforced in the interview and I
was offered a job. However, I believe not only did they not have any part-time
positions, but no full time positions either. The first thing they asked for
before the interview was a photo! I suggested that perhaps it was more important
to see my credentials, but they insisted on a photo. I passed that test, but
when I refused to hang out on a Friday night with the boss, he rescinded his job
offer (albeit with a good nature). The school was SDM English--just to warn any
other potential female applicants.
Turkey is an exciting place,
with a interesting and exciting culture. The cost of living is low, and the
people are hospitible. The Turkish men, although flirtatious, are very friendly,
and are always willing to lend a hand, as long as you keep your wits about you.
Finding low cost goods is never a problem, and a bit of bartering is always
advisable. Bat your eyelids, and the price will drop considerably! Teaching, is
an interesting experience, and I would advise anyone to research a lot about the
culture and country, like I did before moving. Although some students are quite
ignorant to education and nonchalant, for those who are willing to learn, it is
a rewarding and breathtaking experience. The sights are incredible, as well as
the cuisine. I would definitely recommend Turkey. It's a surreal experience.
The majority of the small
English language schools in Istanbul are operated as businesses and could really
care less about their students and the level of education that they give them.
They often put students of very different levels in the same classes just so
they can add another student and make a little more money. They usually push
students through a level in 64-80 hours when they need much more time than that,
and then often allow them to continue to the next level even if they are not
ready for it. This can make teaching quite frustrating, not to mention the
frustration the students must feel. And most of the schools don't care less
about their teachers either, leaving them with a high teacher turnover rate and
further lowering the educational quality. Working for these schools, knowing how
bad they are, knowing how much better they could be, knowing how much money
their students are paying, and having no control over the situation because they
only see $$ can leave one feeling quite low. As for the students, most of them
are quite endearing, respectful and polite, however they are intelligent and can
be quick to challenge you if they notice any flaws. The most difficult ones are
the ones whose companies are sending them to a course, simply because it's not
their choice, therefore they are often not motivated (normal anywhere I
suppose). As for a work visa, forget it, unless you have a bachelor's degree in
education, and even then, good luck. You'll probably have to do border runs. For
those who don't have a bachelor's in education, I highly recommend at least a
120 hour TEFL in-class certification course. Although I can't say this brings
you anywhere close to being a qualified teacher, at least you'll have a little
insight and a crash course teacher training. And your students deserve AT LEAST
that much!
I am a teacher of English.
Regarding one of the comments above about the necessity of a second language in
Turkey, the difference between "second language" and "foreign language" should
be explained. Second language is the language spoken in the post-colonial or
colonial countries such as India, Australia, New Zealand etc. There are more if
we want to add those who had lived under the influence of other countries such
as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan etc. All of these countries have their
own languages or used to have. However, after they were invaded by other
countries, they had to adapt the languages spoken by other countries. Therefore,
it is weird to say that Turkey must have a second language since Turkey has
never been under the control of other countries. Contrarily, Turkey has foreign
languages such as English, French, German, Russian etc. They may not be taught
effectively but it is impossible to demand a second language for Turkey. So with
this, I have to say please pay attention to the difference between second
and foreign language.
Istanbul is a very expensive
city and most schools don't offer housing allowance. For instance, minimum rent
is 700 Liras but schools offer 150 towards rent. Most schools pay on time. If
you are an illegally working teacher and if you got caught doing that I would
report you to the authorities myself because Turkey is not a Ding Dong place to
work and make some quick cash and qualified legal teachers are welcome only rule
applies. It's getting quite strict with new regulations and you definitely need
a TESL/TESOL Certificate to get any kind of teaching job here. Pay is average
1500 dollars.
Living and teaching English in
Turkey is a fantastic experience. The only trouble a qualified, dedicated and
enthusiastic teacher will come across here is the crazy bureaucracy that goes
with obtaining a work visa. I am lucky enough to work in a school that is doing
most of it for me. Despite this, it has been quite a pain in the backside to
have all of the legalities sorted out. If you are unlucky enough to have the
police come looking for illegal teachers they will most likely take bribes from
the school managers/owners. However, if you are caught in the act (of teaching)
you will be fined. If you have residency they can't kick you out of the country
for working illegaly, they will just fine you.
I've been a teacher for about
six years at different school and found the most important things are your
attitude and management. If you don't like who you're working for, you won't do
as good a job as you are able to do - basically enjoying going to work is a big
factor. As for the students, once again it's all about the school. Immature,
unprofessional, disinterested students are attracted to schools with the same
approach to business and education. A place that charges a bit more than the
others doesn't necessarily mean 'more quality' either. It's the school's
reputation and overall air that matters as I've stressed so far. If you are
open-minded, patient, talented, careful and positive there shouldn't be anything
you can't do! =) Hope this helps.
I have been living in Turkey
for nearly 2 years. I did not come here to teach English, but rather fell into
it because I don't have much else to offer. I absolutely love this country and
the majority of the people I have met. I am also married to a Turk and plan to
live out my life here so I'm not seen merely as a tourist or foreigner, although
that first impression will follow me everywhere. Women who come to Turkey
especially alone should be extremely careful. This is true for any women
traveling alone, but the stereotype of western women is that she is most likely
easy, vulnerable, likes to drink and party, and she doesn't share a similar
respect for marriage and sex as Turks do. Even if that is true for you it's
better not to seem that way. Be careful with your reputation; never flirt with
your coworkers or men you do not know very well, gossip is deadly to your career
and happiness. A smile or silly laugh is not seen as friendly, but flirtatious
and inviting to men. They will not respect flirty women regardless of her
marriage status. Hang out with and travel with other women as much as possible,
it's the norm here. Try to fit in and people will respect you. How you dress is
very important, shorts are not appropriate anywhere unless you are on vacation
in a tourist spot or sitting at home, and guard your cleavage for God's sake!
Basically don't give anyone a reason to believe the stereotypes. Touching men
other than a handshake is not necessary, even if you are friends, but you can
hug and kiss your girlfriend's cheeks as often as you like. I don't want to
scare you away, not at all, but please research the culture here before you
visit. It will make life so much easier. In general don't take anyone's word for
anything. Work under a contract and stick up for yourself, if the going gets
tough, fly back home. Never let your bank account get lower than a ticket back
home!!!
Hello! I have been teaching in
Turkey for about 2 years in one of the private schools. I must admit that the
most important thing you have to look for when finding a job here is the
reputation of the school, that's number 1 and number 2 is the attitude of the
management. I have had a good experience and the students are so sweet and very
interested in learning English as long as you know how to manage a class. Good
luck to all of you!
I look at this advice page and
I shake my head - it is just not complete enough for anyone to get an idea of
what is going on. You should understand this about Turkey - Turks work to live
for the most part. They don't live to work. They would rather be somewhere else
than work if they had a choice. A generalization with exceptions you will find
out when you come. That means that some work priorities you might find in other
northern countries are ignored - competence is important, yes, but since Turks
have no real world perspective on what that means you get a wide variety of
abilities and knowledge by businessmen/employees, etc. Some grossly incompetent
teachers/administrators can be found - promoted by seniority, aggressiveness,
and for some, how long they have been around. A lot of them don't know much, but
think they do. Pride ignorance = Pain/inflexibility/unhappiness for a lot of
people. That means seek out someone that thinks like you do, or you will have
some of the above. Incompetent mudurs are widespread in Turkish schools for many
reasons (some from above): because they are interested in money (business
managers) and want to build an empire (sometimes in their own minds and to their
egos). Egos are catered to in Turkey - beware. Also, education is needed in
Turkey, but it is a low priority for them even if they don't admit it. This is a
cause for some of the problems. Also, they are conformist - they go with what
their group does or believes in - like other Asian/Mid east countries. They are
more individualist and logical than some Asians though - that is why some Turks
are breaking out and becoming rich. Also, if you speak good Turkish as an
English teacher, then you will have many more students or privates than if you
speak English alone, and not only because of ease of communication. Because if
your teacher speaks Turkish then it is easy to convince yourself as a Turk your
English teacher is part of your group, like you. Turks like being in groups,
love relationships. So you might make some nice friends of Turks who are more
Western orientated if you make an effort to blend in - just don't expect to be a
"blood". You will be a taiza (aunt) or inishte (uncle) by marriage so to speak.
Get it? And don't fool yourself, the pragmatic I'm for myself thing might be
triggered in your Turk friend if he is tempted by making a buck off of you and
getting himself out of his poverty jam. That is the downside/dark part of some
people here - if they think you are weak or vulnerable, be prepared for some
sabotage(if they are jealous) or betrayal. Don't take it personally, this is a
recent habit from bad conditions in Turkey over the last thirty years. Survival
of the fittest!
Once you know the game - you know to weed out the jerks. Don't hesitate to take
people to court too, make a lawyer a friend and get advice on when to act or
not. Turks may discourage you, but a letter from a lawyer straightens Turks out.
As does someone with influence/ respect in Turkish society. Cultivate contacts.
Don't threaten, do! Turks don't respect a bs'er. They are experienced at the
power game, so you had better learn too. In the worst cases,you can hire an
independent investigator from a European company to gather information on people
for your use to protect yourself. Expensive, but a powerful help.
With that information, you have some strength going forward and can enjoy your
new friends and time in Turkey.
I just left my job as an
english teacher in Turkey because I could not handle the gossipers. If you get a
job here as a foreigner please do not trust anyone at the school because they
can use what you say against yourself later. They are usually jealous of
foreigners and they do not respect foreign cultures, they will just like you
when you say that turkey is nice and the food is good and things like that.
Praise the turkish culture always. The students may be more respectful than in
western countries. The main problem is the management and jealous people. Do not
trust anyone, do not talk about your private life and try to have a life away
from other teachers. Turks like grouping and they change their minds according
to their groups ideas. Be careful!
How right you are! They are
friendly until you dare to disagree, and the food is fantastic until you dare to
disagree. Teacher, teacher, how is the Turkey? (Do you like Turkey?) There is
only one answer... Having said that, I am married to a turk and the family are
great but I am not allowed to complain!!
I read all the posts. For the
most part, all are correct. I lived and taught in Turkey. Married a Turk...moved
back to the States...had a baby and he left me. Yes... he came for a visa but I
got a beautiful baby girl. For the teaching part, if you don't know your
grammar, study study study. Know it before you teach it! Plan your lessons and
know your info. Your students will become your friends and that can be great for
them to learn English in a conversational setting. I read the post about SDM. I
taught there and liked it. Unfortunatly, my new husband didn't like me working
there after we got married so I had to leave in a "bad" way. Yes, the owner can
be a bit forward, but a great guy nonetheless. He was always very good to me and
my friends that worked there. I can't wait to get back to Turkey and enjoy my
life there. I loved it and would recommend Turkey (Istanbul) to anyone who wants
the best cultural experience. Istanbul is truely the hidden gem!
By far, the best advice was written
from anonymous on 15/01/10. My best friend is Turkish, I am American, and I can tell
you all of what he/she said is 100% true. Best advice column!
I came here with stars in my eyes and
thinking that Turkey would be a utopia of sorts. No racism, people are friendly, people
love each other, etc etc. How wrong I was. There is little cultural sensitivity here -
they do not care about other cultures but you must never EVER disrespect theirs. They
never show any respect to other countries and apparently, nobody in the world likes Turkey.
And for the poster who wrote about the gossiping and talking about foreigners, I will
add to that and say: I concur. Yes, I do. I HATE HATE HATE the gossiping. If you want
a professional environment, please forget it. They prefer relationships to real professionalism.
I read all the above posts.
What valuable and different experiences people have!!
I'm from Australia . I speak, read and write Turkish fluently. I was wondering about
looking for private tutoring in Istanbul since my husband was born there. (I was born
here and have lived here all my life). I finished University here and am teaching ESL to Adult migrants.
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what the best option would be. I'm also thinking of moving to a
smaller city-be it Antalya, Sakarya, Marmaris etc. What do you suggest?
Experienced comments appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I was considering all the above comments.
I am a little disturbed actually by experiences, mainly negative of people with Turkey.
However, I would like to point out that these things tend to happen in all cultures,
especially male-dominated ones, and depends on the area as well. But, if people start
prepared, remain independent and know what they are aiming for, there should be less
bad experiences when working/living in Turkey. I plan to live there some day too,
maybe not forever, but I would like to understand the feelings that other international
students have when traveling and staying abroad. Thanks for everyone's viewpoints, it was eye-opening.
I've been here in Izmir for 4 months now.
With 10 years experience teaching to foreigners (mostly one-on-one), I come here with enough
knowledge and experience to teach. There are extremely few native speakers giving private
classes here so I think I'm one of the only. However, I recieve few phone calls even though
I have the cheapest rates and wonder how the rest of the year will go (can I make it?).
For the most part, the adults who call me are serious about learning. But there doesn't
seem to be much of a need for private ESL teachers here. In no way is this city cheap!!
I thought Turkey, being a poor country, would be equivalent to other poor countries.
NO! Food is expensive (except vegies) as are other products.
It is interesting how we all find different
things in Turkey. We all come with our own perspective, with our own conditioning and expections.
This is normal. One of the things that attracted me to coming to Turkey was the fact that I knew
it would stretch my mind beyond belief. The values here are different. The Turks highest value is
people, not money or possessions. In Europe we are losing our value of people, we are building
walls around ourselves literally and living on our own. We work too long and play by going to the shops.
I love Turkey, I love Turks that is not to say don't keep your wits about you. I think one of the
main differences between Turkish people and English is that in Turkish culture it seems ok to ask
for what you want. English tend not to ask for what they want, but expect it without asking. Also
English find it hard to say no, which is why so many of us get into a financial tangle with Turks.
Finding work here as a teacher is not easy. Getting a work permit is not easy, it is applied for by
your employer, which means that you have no control over any of the paper work or progress whatsoever.
I understand the majority of teachers here teach with work permits.
In Turkey rules are rules, and as long as you don't admit you are breaking the rules, it's fine.
If only it were just a case of applying for job and getting it! Life would be good.
Having said that, Turkey is a wonderful country, it forces you to know who you are and what you value.
It will change you forever. It has a lot to offer if you keep your centre and keep your focus.
I've traveled a lot in my life,
lived for long periods in several different countries all with very different cultures
and languages, met good people, met bad people, been lied to, been taken care of... you
get the idea. I'm open minded and adaptable.
BUT...
One year in Turkey (Ankara) and I've become a cynical, closed minded bastard. The lies!
Lying is a way of life here. Every beautiful and wonderful thing about Turkey (and there
are many) is canceled out by the the deception that seems to line absolutely everything.
From business relations like with a boss or landlord, to relations with the police and
government officials, to personal and family relationships... everything is not as it seems
in Turkey. The jealousy, greed, the gossip, the stealing... I admire people who overcome
adversity so in that sense I admire all Turks. However, I will not be living here any longer
than I can help it.
I am South African and it seems to
be a lot more difficult to get into the country on a tourist visa and then leave after
3 months and return. If there are any South Africans that have taught in Turkey please
send me some advice. Thanks!
Turkey is great place, depending on
where you live. No one tells you the truth. SOME turkish people are nice, SOME
are hospitable but more harrass you. They do not understand the concept of personal
space, nor do they grasp the concept of manners or what it is to be rude. Starring is
their favorite! No matter what you wear or how much skin you show or even if you stand
in complete silence they will stare at you like you are a piece of fresh meat! In every
city too, not just the small ones. They are extremely rude and are pushy. Some of country
is nice, other parts are polluted and crowded, cities filled with factories on top of
factories on top of factories. No one tries to speak with foreigners because they do not care.
I don't want to complain about Turkey or the education system so I won't.
I have to agree with much of what the other contributors have reported.
The best place to be is Istanbul. Avoid any other region or city. The best of everything is there. I'm presently
in the Gaziantep region and it was a HUGE mistake. As soon as I can get another job in Istanbul I will pay the price
to ship my household back there. A few words of advice - if you are a certified teacher do not teach in language schools where cheating teachers is a
perfected art. Work for private high schools teaching kids where the benefits and salary are way better and you are
guaranteed to be paid. Get your work visa in the Turkish consulate in your home country BEFORE you leave and have your
contract in English! Good luck, behave sensibly to keep out of trouble and you should enjoy your stay in Turkey.
Turks lie, almost invariably. It is a way of life with them.
They are submissive and will profess their love for you and their desire to be friends. Do not be fooled. Business
ethics do not exist' everyone cheats and steals, even dentists will want to be paid in cash to evade tax, and I have
heard many cases of teachers being offered jobs' only to find there was no paypacket at the end of the month.
Turkish men are a deadloss. They are ruined from birth' and respond like mewling infants if you do smething they don't like.
I have a theory that goes like this. Turkish tribesmen invaded Europe and kidnapped all the clever and beautiful women. So,
Turkish men are barbaric - many have a very limited awareness of personal hygeine, and are rude in a way which woud get their
faces rearranged in most countries. The women are elegant, graceful and intelligent - and I am no feminist by any means.
I married a lovely Turkish woman and I am incredibly happy - but our wedding cake was stolen by the waiters at the restaurant
where we had our wedding dinner and someone in the wife's family made off with the weddng gold.
Need I say more?
I was warned by a few teachers beforehand not
to divulge things about your personal life when at work. The reason is because of the gossipers
and some will use what you say against you later on. I think it's good advice not to say a lot
where ever you are (no matter what country). I do work with a lot of gossipy Turkish English teachers and it's ridiculous how much they gossip.
Schools differ and so all won't be the same. I've worked at a really professional school and also
at one that wasn't. I think Turkey is a mixed bag. I think most people like foreigners, but of
course there are some who will tell you to your face that they don't like Americans. I've experienced
this and they knew nothing about me except for the fact that I'm American. Some coworkers are jealous
and unfriendly because of foreigners teaching at their school and so that can be difficult to deal with. But it's a challenge to overcome.
Turkey is a nice place, but not perfect as there is no perfect place.
Need I say more?
If your advice is about a specific school, please post it in our forum
English Language Schools in Turkey
TEFL jobs in Turkey
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