Teaching English in Turkey

Teachers' advice / Turkey

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..."
Duygu, 05/01/07
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."
Anonymous, 18/02/07
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."
Anonymous, 05/03/07
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: http://www.eslbase.com/diaries/hilalhastaoglu
Hilal
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."
Itirtunay, 22/03/07
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."
Anonymous, 11/04/07
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."
Anonymous, 08/07/07
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."
Anonymous, 29/01/08
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."
Anika, 08/05/08
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."
Jennifer, 16/08/08
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!"
Anonymous, 06/09/08
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."
Omar, 16/01/09
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."
Anonymous, 15/03/09
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."
Anonymous, 09/05/09
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."
ESL Mel, 11/07/09
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!!!
Mrs Ugur, 31/08/09
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!
Anonymous, 11/09/09
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."
Anonymous, 15/01/10
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!
Anonymous, 21/02/10

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